Following our review of Apple’s new iPad Air 2, we’re taking a look today at the iPad Air 2 Smart Case ($79). Despite being simply labeled as “iPad Air Smart Case” on the packaging, the case is made solely for Apple’s latest full-sized tablet.
The new case is very similar to the previous Apple iPad Air Smart Case, made of the same aniline-dyed leather with inner microfiber lining, and the cover both folds into a stand and activates the sleep/wake function on the device; this is the Product (RED) version of the case.
Like the prior iPad Air Smart Case, the iPad Air 2 Smart Case is a premium product with proper coverage, a nice sleep/wake cover that acts as a stand, and precise cutouts to line up with the new device’s specifications. The iPad’s rear camera has moved, as have the microphones, and the side orientation/mute switch has disappeared; of course, the new Smart Case repositions and resizes holes to match all of these changes, as well as matching the new bottom speaker hole design.
Unfortunately, though the iPad Air 2 has gotten thinner, the Smart Case has not—it’s virtually the same size as the iPad Air case, which means the lip extends a bit more above the screen.
And it does nothing to spotlight the improved feel of the thinner iPad Air 2, which is disappointing, given what a selling point the slender new housing is. Overall, the iPad Air 2 Smart Case is still a high-quality leather case that works well and earns our general recommendation, but drops a notch for failing to properly match the sleek new design of the iPad Air 2.
Our Rating
Company and Price
Company: Apple
Model: iPad Air 2 Smart Case
Price: $79
Compatible: iPad Air 2
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