Protecting the iPad when it is not attached to the Magic Keyboard

After years as a mechanic, I finally decided to pursue my passion for illustration and graphic design. After much consideration and discussion with the other (significantly younger) members on my degree course, I spent a considerable amount of money on an iPad Pro.

In general, the thing is great at most things. It is not good to use with programmes from Microsoft, and it seems to lack many of the basic capabilities afforded by a laptop costing 20% of the price. However, as a tool for digital art and on-screen annotation, it is second to none.


The reason for my post is this:

-I paid extra money for the Magic Keyboard

-I paid a lot of money for the iPad

-ERGO I would like to be able to protect the iPad when I am using it as a PAD!


There are, insofar as I can tell, any cases which allow a seamless transition between using the iPad as a standalone pad, and using it with the Magic Keyboard case (which funnily enough, apple automatically capitalises … but not its own company name lololololol)


So, does anyone know:

1)Where I can get a case for my iPad to keep it safe whilst is is not on the Magic Keyboard?

2)Why Apple has so heinously, obsequiously and unfairly made the decision to charge their customers for a keyboard case, and then be unable to use that keyboard case compatibly with their iPads (headline product) for the function it was designed for?



If I didn’t know any better, I would speculate that there is a corporate advantage to be gained from people damaging their iPads when not in the magic case, and an equally sketchy advantage to be gained for citing that as an invalidation of AppleCare.

Posted on Nov 3, 2025 6:08 AM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Nov 3, 2025 10:39 AM

Presumably, you have a recent iPad Pro or iPad Air.


The Apple Magic Keyboard for iPad, when closed, is designed to provide protection for the iPad. Many users are quite content with the portability and protection offered by this combo.


  • Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro 13‑inch (M5) - International English - Black

Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro 13‑inch (M5) - International English - Black - Apple


  • Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro 11‑inch (M5) - International English - Black

Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro 11‑inch (M5) - International English - Black - Apple



Mounting and unmounting from the Apple Magic Keyboard is trivial - as only magnets are involved. The equivalent Apple folio cover provides protection for the front and back of your iPad whenever it has been removed from the Magic TrackPad. The folio cover provides a significantly lighter and more streamlined option when the Magic Keyboard is not required.


  • Smart Folio for iPad Pro 13-inch (M5) - Black

Smart Folio for iPad Pro 13-inch (M4) - Black - Apple


  • Smart Folio for iPad Pro 11-inch (M5) - Black

Smart Folio for iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) - Black - Apple



There are many fitted cases designed for your iPad Pro - arguably the very best being from Zagg, STM and OtterBox - these providing comprehensive protection to the front, back and edges of the iPad. However, due to the tight fitting nature of these fitted cases, they are not generally designed to facilitate a quick swap between the fitted case and an Apple Magic Keyboard's magnetic attachment.


In conclusion, if you seek a quick swap solution from the Apple Magic Keyboard for iPad, the Apple Folio Case for iPad Pro may be the slickest solution - albeit lacking edge protection for the iPad.


NB: Links provided here relate to iPad Pro, not iPad Air.


5 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Nov 3, 2025 10:39 AM in response to IlovemySamoyed

Presumably, you have a recent iPad Pro or iPad Air.


The Apple Magic Keyboard for iPad, when closed, is designed to provide protection for the iPad. Many users are quite content with the portability and protection offered by this combo.


  • Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro 13‑inch (M5) - International English - Black

Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro 13‑inch (M5) - International English - Black - Apple


  • Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro 11‑inch (M5) - International English - Black

Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro 11‑inch (M5) - International English - Black - Apple



Mounting and unmounting from the Apple Magic Keyboard is trivial - as only magnets are involved. The equivalent Apple folio cover provides protection for the front and back of your iPad whenever it has been removed from the Magic TrackPad. The folio cover provides a significantly lighter and more streamlined option when the Magic Keyboard is not required.


  • Smart Folio for iPad Pro 13-inch (M5) - Black

Smart Folio for iPad Pro 13-inch (M4) - Black - Apple


  • Smart Folio for iPad Pro 11-inch (M5) - Black

Smart Folio for iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) - Black - Apple



There are many fitted cases designed for your iPad Pro - arguably the very best being from Zagg, STM and OtterBox - these providing comprehensive protection to the front, back and edges of the iPad. However, due to the tight fitting nature of these fitted cases, they are not generally designed to facilitate a quick swap between the fitted case and an Apple Magic Keyboard's magnetic attachment.


In conclusion, if you seek a quick swap solution from the Apple Magic Keyboard for iPad, the Apple Folio Case for iPad Pro may be the slickest solution - albeit lacking edge protection for the iPad.


NB: Links provided here relate to iPad Pro, not iPad Air.


Nov 3, 2025 11:14 AM in response to IlovemySamoyed

Assuming you want something that can protect the iPad while not attached to the Magic Keyboard, but not need to be removed to attach it to the magic keyboard, then Apple unfortunately does not offer anything for that.


The main issue stems form the very minimal clearance the Magic Keyboard offers when closed, so any case on the iPad not only would need to allow the connection to the keyboard but be thin enough to not interfere with the keyboard hinge when closed.


There are some 3rd party options on Amazon that may work, but you will need to test them out.


You also don't mention what generation and screen size iPad Pro you bought, so its hard to get specific with options.


click here ➜ Magic-Keyboard Compatible Case for iPad Pro 13 inch M4/M5 2024/2025, Cover with Apple Pencil Holder - Amazon.com


or here ➜ Spigen for iPad Pro 11 inch Case M5/M4 (2025-2024), Enzo Aramid, Aerocore Aramid Fiber Magic Keyboard Compatible with Pencil Holder

Nov 3, 2025 11:50 AM in response to Phil0124

Sorry, that was remiss of me; I have and iPad Pro 11 inch (M4) (A2836)


Thank you so much for your responses, Phil and Al, they were considerably more useful than the first one (presumably AI)


I will check your suggestions out!


The thing which I find astounding is that Apple does not provide the option for its customers to protect a very expensive product when it is used as designed by them, and with their detachable keyboard (which they also charge a not insignificant amount of money for).


Protecting the iPad when it is not attached to the Magic Keyboard

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.