To describe the iPad Pro 11-inch as “powerful” feels like an understatement. The iPad Pro 11, one of the best tablet devices, is on another level. It provides lightning-fast performance and delivers stunning visuals via the flawless liquid retina display – and boy, is it a big display. In fact, Apple prides itself on the fact that the device is “all screen”, and so they should. The only thing is, with there being so much pretty and smooth glass on the device, there’s an increased chance of sustaining a much-feared scratch. Inadvertently ruining an iPad’s display with a scratch, a scuff, or a ding is a tragic thing – but a thing that can be avoided.
How? With a case, of course. But you already know that, that’s why you’re here.
We’ve put an array of cases to the test, subjecting them to some rough and ready treatment to make sure that they’re up to the job of protecting your device. Below you’ll find a list of the cases that we know are up to the task.
Best iPad Pro 11-inch cases
This low-profile case offers all-round protection, with a plastic shell clipping the iPad into position and a synthetic protective outer encasing both front and back of the device. The front tri-fold cover provides two angled viewing stands and will wake or sleep the device as it is opened or closed.
TineeOwl has gone all out with this case. The protective TPU bumper shell that borders your device offers air-cushioned corner protection, wide port openings, tactile buttons and an Apple Pencil holder. The rear of the case is constructed from a hardened transparent plastic, and this, coupled with the raised bezels, allows the iPad's design to be seen but not scratched. The front tri-fold cover provides two viewing angle stands and a wake/sleep function.
This tri-fold case from Apple attaches to your iPad magnetically, and provides two stand angles. The cover wraps both the front and rear of the device and will wake it on opening, and sleep it on closing. This is the perfect low-profile case, as it is the exact size of the iPad Pro 11-inch – however, this sleek design does inhibit corner and border protection.
The protection that the Defender offers an iPad is significant. There are three layers to this case, each with a specific purpose – drop-proofing, crush resistance, and knock and scratch defence. The rear of the case folds out to provide a stand, and the screen is fortified by the in-built cover, and there is even a stash holster for the Apple Pencil. The case does add a considerable bulk to your iPad, but other than keeping your Pro in its original packaging and leaving it in a draw, there's no greater protection than the OtterBox Defender.
This offering from Apple provides you with a full QWERTY keyboard, allowing you to easily access and appreciate the computing power of the iPad Pro. Previous versions of the Apple Smart Keyboard have had one flaw – they haven't covered the rear of an iPad. With the Smart Folio, Apple has addressed this issue and included a backing, allowing the case to better protect your iPad. The keyboard automatically links up to the attached device and it requires no additional charge.