UPDATED 18:31 EDT / MARCH 25 2016

NEWS

Fresh iPad Pro 9.7″ accessories: New cases, keyboards and more

During Apple’s Spring event, the company introduced the 9.7” iPad Pro, best described as a jacked up version of the iPad Air 2.

If you have an iPad Air 2 and you bought a 9.7” iPad Pro, you might be inclined to use your old accessories as they would fit, but not all will function properly. For starters, Apple’s Smart Cover for iPad Air and iPad Air 2 will not work with the 9.7” iPad Pro because the layout of the magnets on the new iPad has been changed. This will cause for the old Smart Cover to not stick.

So what new accessories do you need to purchase along with the 9.7” iPad Pro?

Apple

9.7_iPad_Pro_accessoriesApple offers a number of accessories for its new 9.7” iPad Pro such as the Smart Keyboard, which doubles as a cover. It connects to the 9.7” iPad Pro via the Smart Connector that allows for a two-way exchange of power and data. No setup needed for the Smart Keyboard, just attach it and start typing. The Smart Keyboard is priced at $149.

Another accessory that adds functionality to the 9.7” iPad Pro is the Apple Pencil, a stylus that responds to the pressure applied by the user to make lines thinner or thicker when needed. The Apple Pencil, unlike other styluses, features palm rejection technology that allows users to rest their hand on the screen while writing or drawing, without interfering with the drawn content. The Apple Pencil is price at $99.

And if you’re looking for protection without adding bulk, the Smart Cover for the 9.7” iPad Pro might be what you need. It connects to the device using a magnetic hinge and instantly wakes the device when the cover is lifted, but the downside is that it doesn’t protect the back of the device. If you want total protection, you can pair it with an iPad Pro Silicone Case. The Smart Cover is priced at $49 while the Silicon Case is priced at $69.

Speck

Speck_Stylefolio_PencilSpeck offers various types of cases for the 9.7” iPad Pro, from colorful to professional designs, and even one with a holster for the Apple Pencil. Speck’s lineup includes the Stylefolio case which features graphic designs on the back that doubles as a stand, priced at $39.95; the Stylefolio Luxury Edition available in Gunmetal and Rose Gold colors for $44.95; the Stylefolio Pencil for $59.95; the Smartshell Plus available in clear and onyx black for $59.95; and the Iguy case available in Caribbean Blue and Chili Pepper Red, for $39.95.

Griffin

Griffin_Survivor_SlimOne of the reasons why an iPad Air 2’s case is not suitable for use with the new 9.7” iPad Pro is because of its four speakers. You need a new case that won’t muffle the sound, like Griffin’s Survivor Slim case.

The case itself is durable, has a built-in kickstand, a protective screen, a snap-on storage clip at the back for the Apple Pencil, allows users to easily attach a Smart Keyboard without removing the case, and has ports for the iPad’s four speakers. The Survivor Slim is priced at $79.99.

Griffin will soon have other cases for the new iPad Pro, such as the Survivor All Terrain for $79.99, and the Airstrap 360, Snapbook, and Snapbook with Keyboard.

UAG

UAG_Folio_CaseUrban Armor Gear offers the Folio Case for the 9.7” iPad Pro, which comes in three colors: black magma and cobalt. It is made from lightweight rugged materials that delivers a tough, durable exterior. The case is designed to prevent slipping when held and it features a kickstand, oversized ports and tactile buttons. The Folio Case is designed to be compatible with the Smart Keyboard and Smart Cover, and comes with storage for the Apple Pencil. The Folio Case is priced at $59.95

Gumdrop

Gumdrop_casesGumdrop offers two cases for the 9.7” iPad Pro, the DropTech Case and Hideaway Case. The DropTech Case features an easy snap-on design, screen and port covers, reinforced bumpers in the corners, and an impact resistant, dual-layer silicone/ABS construction to protect the device when dropped.

The Hideaway Case features screen and port covers, rigid internal frame to protect against drops, an outer silicone skin that absorbs shocks, and a built-in Hideaway stand. The DropTech case sells for $59.99 and the Hideaway Case for $69.99, both will start shipping by April 11, 2016.

Pre-orders for the 9.7” iPad Pro starts March 24, 2016 and will be available in Apple Store on March 31. Price starts at $599.

Image via Apple.com

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