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.
Take a look below at our pick of the bunch, covering different budgets and needs.
The best cases for the iPad Pro to protect your investment
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Rainbow of color choices
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.
Top of the line
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.
Slim protection
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.
Smart connection
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.
Flexible option
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.
Artsy
More stylish than most, the Fintie SlimShell Case is also simple and highly functional. It has a clear plastic shell that protects the back of your iPad Pro with a folding front cover that offers up Sleep/Wake functionality. There’s also a built-in Apple Pencil slot that supports wireless charging. Any time you want to watch videos or reposition your iPad at a lower angle for drawing or writing, it’s possible to fold the front cover back to use it as a stand upright. We reviewed the mini version of this case and found it to be a great choice for many.
Tough
The use of Spigen’s Air Cushion Technology means that your iPad is ably protected from drops and bumps. You still have useful features like a cover that folds back to be used as a stand, plus a place to store your Apple Pencil. It looks pretty cool too with carbon fiber detailing and a matte finish.
Just the back
For simple protection that’s solely focused on the back of your iPad, this matte case from ESR does the job. It has precision cut-outs so it’s simple to gain access to buttons and ports. It also has a built-in pencil holder for your Apple Pencil, allowing you to charge it when not in use.
Simple sleeve
Stylish yet reasonably priced, this sleeve from Comfyable is designed to fit both your iPad Pro and a Magic Keyboard or other case. It has a durable outside while the inside offers a soft velvet lining to keep your iPad Pro cozy and snug. Several colors are available.
Elegant folio
Elegant and looking ideal for home or office use, this case from ProCase resembles a suit style material. It has a built-in pencil holder for charging your Apple Pencil when it’s not in use, while its folio stand offers two different viewing angles.
All-over protection
This case from Nillkin is very protective thanks to its combination of a PU leather exterior, PC back panel, TPU border, and bumpers on all four corners. The tri-fold front cover is able to fold back into a stand while there’s also Sleep/Wake functionality. All-over protection is guaranteed here right down to its sliding camera cover for protecting the camera lens from dust or scratches.
Rugged and cool
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.
Which of the best cases for the 12.9-inch iPad Pro (2021) should you buy?
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.