6 Best iPad Pro Cases for the Super Thin Apple Slate

From low-key to luxurious and everything in between.

The all-new iPad Pro with the Apple M4 chip dazzled us upon arrival with an all-new, strikingly thin design. Combined with a stunning Ultra Retina XDR OLED display — a first for an iPad — and a long list of additional hardware upgrades, the standout design makes the Pro Apple’s finest iPad yet and the best tablet in the business. It also makes covering the high-priced, ultra-slim gadget with a high-quality protective case an absolute must.

Like every portable gadget by Apple, the latest iPad Pro hit the shelves alongside an outstanding selection of original and third-party cases and covers. To help find the best iPad Pro case for yourself (or to treat someone to a thoughtful gift), I spent a couple of weeks sifting through high-quality cases from Apple and leading third-party accessory makers.

What to Consider

COMPATIBILITY

Due to their identical design and physical measures, the last three iPad Pro iterations that rocked a dual rear camera were compatible with the same protective cases. Many of these accessories also fit the third-generation iPad Pro from 2018, which introduced the all-screen design and Face ID to the family. However, with the latest iPad Pro, that’s no longer the case (pun intended).

The thorough redesign of the M4-equipped iPad Pro has brought us a revamped selection of protective cases, though many of these covers look similar to those of past iPad Pro versions. To ensure you are ordering the right one for your or the gift recipient’s device, make sure the accessory’s retailer page references the M4 chip and the year 2024. This will save you time combing through generations and leave you only with choosing the right screen size.

A FOLIO COVER IS A MUST

Replacing the screen of an iPad Pro out of warranty costs hundreds of dollars. Thankfully, opting for a case with a folio cover will significantly lower the risk of cracking the Ultra Retina XDR display of the latest. The display cover will reliably guard the screen from scratches when you don’t use the device and keep it looking in top shape and ready for Apple Pencil Pro interactions.

DURABILITY

Keep an eyeout for covers that meet military durability standards if you’re constantly fretting over dropping the iPad Pro or if you share the slate with family members, especially little ones. Such accessories are usually a bit bulkier but much better equipped at absorbing a potentially damaging impact than thin covers.

How We Selected

I’ve been a frequent iPad user for over a decade, and I always covered the metal-clad slate in a cover case to keep it looking like new. For this guide, I handpicked protective cases in various price points and form factors for the 11- and 13-inch iPad Pro with M4 chip. Every product I selected is tailor-made for the uniquely thin new iPad Pro. It will not only protect it from damage but also make it easier to handle and less prone to accidental drops.

Find the best iPad Pro case for yourself, or make a thoughtful gift with one of our selections below.

This elaborately named OtterBox case is the best iPad pro case money can buy, offering the brand’s signature protection in a slim and versatile package with a detachable screen cover. Having the option to transform the accessory from a snap-on to a folio case by removing the cover without skimping on protection is the primary reason why the Statement Series Studio is my top pick for the iPad Pro.

The removable folio cover has a soft fabric finish to protect the stunning OLED display of the iPad Pro from scratches. The case also features a discreet and convenient Apple Pencil holder.

The snap-on part of the Statement Series Studio case that safeguards the iPad has a neat integrated stand with highly adjustable angles. The feature makes the case great for viewing content, gaming, as well as typing directly on the iPad Pro’s screen, taking notes, or sketching with the Apple Pencil.

The Rugged Armor case by Spigen will reliably keep the iPad Pro intact without breaking the bank. For around $30, the accessory delivers a mixture of cool design, top-notch and superb damage protection. Like the excellent phone cases from the same maker, the Spigen Rugged Armor has shock-absorbing covers with Air Cushion tech to prevent damage from accidental drops.

I like that the screen cover of the Rugged Armor case doubles as a versatile viewing stand for the iPad Pro. The product’s secure iPad Pencil holder is another cool bit that belies its price tag.

ZAGG’s Crystal Palace case is the best for showcasing the original iPad Po silver or space black color without sacrificing its resistance to damage from scratches and drops. As its name suggests, the accessory ensconces the iPad Pro in a transparent cover with exceptional clarity and scratch resistance. Manufactured using recycled materials, the case is also antimicrobial, unlike most rivals.

Thanks to the use of graphene — a high-tech material that’s elastic and tough — the Crystal Palace case is impressively slim and lightweight yet capable of meeting military-grade durability standards. I only wish its screen cover that doubles as a viewing stand had built-in magnets to wake up the iPad Pro when you open it.

The Speck Balance Folio is the most discreet option for protecting and storing the iPad Pro on this list. Its display folio with sturdy latch closure and magnetic cover for the iPad Pro’s rear camera give the slate a low-key look that resembles a plain ol’ notepad when closed. The screen cover is also a multi-angle viewing stand, but it can’t wake up the device when you open it.

According to its maker, the Balance Folio can reliably protect the iPad Pro from 4-foot tumbles. Like our favorite phone cases by Speck, this iPad Pro cover also features antimicrobial qualities, courtesy of Microban.

Apple’s Smart Folio for the iPad Pro is a great buy for its minimalist and versatile design. The accessory attaches magnetically to the slate, so it’s easier to install than any rival, if not quite as impact-absorbing. Its folio screen cover is also an iPad Pro stand that offers more viewing angles than the past iterations.

Of course, the Smart Folio will also wake up and turn off the iPad Pro’s screen when upon opening and closing. Available in black, white, and denim colors, the cover has an easy-to-clean exterior and an interior with soft lining to prevent scratches.

The all-new Apple Magic Keyboard case that debuted alongside the new iPad Pro, while undeniably expensive, is an amazing buy, as it will transform the thin slate into a full-blown MacBook alternative. I can personally vouch that the accessory’s metal wrist pad, glass-covered trackpad, and backlit keys with a separate function row are fantastic.

Like the original Magic Keyboard, the new iteration is super easy to install by magnetically snapping onto the iPad Pro, as well as equipped with a USB-C port for charging the device. Its cantilever design with a sturdy hinge makes it perfect for lap use, unlike many third-party keyboard cases. You can order the new Magic Keyboard in iPad Pro-matching black and white colors, with the latter rocking silver metal bits.