It's important to have one of the best cases for your 12.9-inch iPad Pro (2021). It may not be the latest tech any more but it's still one of the best iPads around for many situations.
Its M1 chip remains quite the powerhouse. There's also its big, beautiful Liquid Retina XDR display, slim form factor, and 5G connectivity. Perfect for both work and play thanks to its performance and the advantages of iPadOS 16, you certainly don't want to damage it while taking it out and about with you, or even risking issues while at home.
That's why it's important to buy a sturdy case that suits your needs. It's worth checking out our definitive guide to the best iPad cases but below, we've picked out some dedicated to keeping your 12.9-inch iPad Pro (2021). With most iPads varying slightly in size and width, it makes sense to stick to dedicated cases. Do you have an iPad Pro with M2? Then check out the best cases for iPad Pro (M2).
Take a look below at our pick of the bunch, covering different budgets and needs.
Quick List
Best overall
With plenty of color options, this is a nice looking all-rounder case. It provides front and back protection, along with a pencil holder for keeping your Apple Pencil safe when not in use. The front cover is lined with microfiber, with the back cover being soft and sturdy TPU. It'll fold into a stand any time it's not in use.
Best Keyboard
Apple's Magic Keyboard is good-looking, great for typing in a more convenient way, and excellent protection too. It offers up a trackpad, USB-C port for pass-through charging, and a fantastic typing experience. Any time you're not using it, it folds up and keeps your iPad safe on the move. A choice of black or white models are available.
Best slim case
Offering a dash of protection with some bold color choices, the Apple Smart Folio is a single piece of polyurethane that wraps around the front and back of the iPad Pro. The front cover can wrap around further to act as a stand when needed. Any time you open or close the cover, the iPad Sleep/Wake function is activated magnetically so it's very convenient.
Best budget keyboard
The Logitech Combo Touch Keyboard Case uses Apple's Smart Connector technology so there's no need to connect via Bluetooth. Think of it as a cheaper version of the Apple Magic Keyboard. Just put the iPad in place and you can begin typing. The trackpad adds to the laptop-style experience, while still maintaining a smaller form factor. When we reviewed the iPad Air (2019) version, we were impressed by its smooth connection and functionality, along with its aesthetically-pleasing design.
Best folding
With this case, you can use it alone, with the included stand, or alongside the Apple Magic Keyboard. The folding stand can be used across six different angles, with both horizontal and vertical options to suit your needs. Once folded up, the stand is quite light and thin, making it easy for tossing into your bag when on the move.
Best rugged
Urban Armor Gear (UAG) has a strong reputation for rugged yet extremely lightweight cases. This case has a slim design with tactile grip, all while offering military standard levels of drop protection. It has Sleep/Wake functionality, and there's room for your Apple Pencil too. A variety of color choices means you can make it your own.
Q&A
Which iPad case is the best for me?
We all know that the 12.9-inch iPad Pro (2021) is worth protecting, and you don't necessarily have to spend as much as you'd think.
If you just want a simple, inexpensive case, the Soke New iPad Pro 12.9 Case 2021 with Pencil Holder is an excellent option. It keeps the whole iPad Pro safe and protected. The front cover folds out of the way and acts as a stand if you need it to, while there's an Apple Pencil slot for keeping your stylus secure when it's charging. With many color options ranging from bright to sedate, there's something for everyone here.
If you need a case that does more than just keep your iPad safe, the Apple Magic Keyboard is a good option. It gets your iPad as close to computer functionality as possible, while still looking good. Combined with Stage Manager, it's a great solution for making your iPad work to the best of its ability.
Whichever case you go for, don't forget to protect the gorgeous Liquid XDR display. We've looked at the best screen protectors for the 12.9-inch iPad Pro to help you keep the screen in great shape. If you don't want a case, there are also plenty of excellent sleeves for your 12.9-inch iPad Pro.
Whichever case you plan on buying, make sure you check the listing carefully to see that the case will fit your iPad model. Fourth and fifth-generation 12.9-inch iPad Pro models have very similar dimensions, but they're not exactly the same. That means some older 2020 12.9-inch cases are not interchangeable with the newer ones. If you're looking to upgrade, the latest iPad Pro with M2 chip will work with any cases from 2021's iPad range, but we can't see many people making the step up quite so soon.
If the 12.9-inch iPad Pro (2021) is your first adventure into all things iPad, check out our iPad beginner's guide to learn more about how to get started.
