Choosing a premium, top-grain, or full-grain leather iPad case is a decision rooted in luxury and craftsmanship. The tactile experience of running your fingers over the supple, rich leather, and the deep, alluring aroma create a sensory connection to your device.
When shopping for a quality, iPad leather case, it's essential to consider various factors to ensure you choose a case that provides the best protection, functionality, and style to meet your needs. Here are the top 8 things to consider.
• Compatibility
The first and most crucial factor is compatibility. Make sure leather iPad Pro case you're shopping is designed specifically for your Apple model. This ensures a proper fit and complete access to all ports, buttons, and features without hindrance.
• Protection
Your primary goal of the leather iPad Pro case is to protect your valuable Apple tablet. Look for an iPad Pro case that offers all-around protection for your device. This should include coverage for the front and back of the tablet to guard against scratches, bumps, and accidental drops.
• Materials
For anyone looking for a quality iPad leather folio, the first thing you want to consider is the materials. If you're going to pay for leather as opposed to "genuine imitation leather" or PVC, plastic, vinyl, or vegan, make sure the hides are of quality.
Look for full or top grain. You don't want a case made from bonded leather at a full-grain price. If you see an iPad leather folio and the price seems too good to be true, it's probably bonded leather. There are plenty of them out there.
All leathers are not created equal. They may all start wrapped around a cow, but a lot can happen to them before they end up wrapped around your iPad. In the case of bonded leather, it doesn't start out wrapped around a cow. Well, at least not all of it.
Bonded leather is made from scrap leather, scrap vinyl, polymers and fillers. It's ground up into a paste and smoothed out very thinly onto large tables to dry. It's then cut like any other fabric. Is it leather? It doesn't smell like it. It doesn't smell like anything. Again, don't pay a full-grain price for a bonded leather cover.
Many companies will list their products as made from "genuine leather". This is typically bonded leather or worse, polyvinyl chloride or PVC. Many companies on mass-market shopping sites use the term "genuine leather" deceptively or they just don't know the difference. Either way, never pay the price for a "genuine leather" case as you would for one made from full or top-grain hides.
Educate yourself.
Which iPad Air Case is Best?
The "best" iPad Air case hinges entirely on your individual needs and priorities. There's no one-size-fits-all solution, as some users prioritize ultimate protection for clumsy drops, while others prefer a slim, minimalist design for everyday use. Here's how to navigate the options and identify a quality iPad Air case from a reputable manufacturer.
Start by reflecting on how you'll be using your iPad Air. Do you need a heavy-duty Air case for frequent travel or potential drops? Or will a slimmer option suffice for everyday use at home or the office?
Consider features like a screen cover that converts into a stand for watching videos or has a sleep/wake function for automatic screen activation. Don't forget about the Apple Pencil – if you use one, look for a case with a secure and convenient holder.
iPad Air cases come in a variety of materials, each with its advantages. Leather cases offer a luxurious feel but can be pricier. Hard-shell polycarbonate cases with a TPU edges offer superior impact and scratch protection. Determine a price range that fits your comfort level – reputable manufacturers like MacCase offer a spectrum of options to suit different budgets.
Look for established manufacturers with a proven track record. They typically use high-quality materials and prioritize rigorous testing to ensure their iPad Air cases meet durability standards. Reputable brands often offer clear descriptions of the materials used and highlight their warranties.
Once you understand your needs and budget, delve deeper into research. Read reviews from trusted sources and watch user videos to get a better sense of real-world experiences with different iPad Air cases. By prioritizing your needs, considering materials and price, and focusing on established brands, you'll be well-equipped to identify the "best" iPad Air case – the one that perfectly complements your lifestyle and protects your valuable device.
iPad Cases: The MacCase Experience
On January 27, 2010, the original Apple tablet was introduced by the late Steve Jobs. It was another grounding-breaking product introduction from Apple and would be Job's swan song keynote.
As the creators of the Apple-specific case market, MacCase gave the new Apple tablet computer a good long look and decided to apply our talent and resources to protect them. Our handmade, Premium Leather iPad cases were born.
For over 14 years MacCase has led the way with the best in leather iPad Pro cases. As the Apple tablet sold into the millions, there seemed to be a million different cases coming out to protect it. As we looked at what our customers wanted from a folio-style case, we chose several form factors we felt would offer the most benefit.
Our design objective was to create the highest quality, premium leather iPad cases and covers on the market. Yes, there were many cases insanely more expensive than our original, but as many customers have told us, they were more expensive but not better.
The Best iPad Pro Case
One such customer was a producer at the BBC in London. He was a self-admitted, "case guy" and ordered an Italian-made ostrich leather cover costing $650 US dollars. Then he ordered the MacCase Folio. Once our Folio arrived, he quickly returned the ostrich case and got his $650 back.
He called to tell us this story. His exact quote was, "The fancy Italian ostrich case was way more expensive than your offering, but not better. Your design is clearly superior. I kept yours and sent the bird case back".
The current line of our 13 iPad Pro and Air leather cases and 11 iPad Pro and Air cases are the best we have ever produced. Our polymer tray protects the corners and edges better than even Apple's own designs. Once placed into the tray, the tablet seems to float effortlessly in the case.
Our ethically sourced leather wraps the whole thing in an unbeatable feeling of luxury and quality. Plus, the hides smell great too! The natural vegetable oil that is part of the tanning process creates a unique aroma. Customers often describe our folios as the "luxury iPad case".
All of these elements add to a premium, luxury user experience that is uniquely MacCase. There are a lot of options in leather iPad Pro cases and covers. But what about the company behind the case?
No one has been protecting Apple portables longer than MacCase. Have a product question? Call and talk to the guy who designs them. Have a problem with a purchase? The President of the company will help you personally. Superior products married to superior customer service.
Do iPads Need Cases?
Whether an iPad needs a case depends on individual preferences and circumstances. a good quality case can act as cheap insurance. Considering their fragility, it’s recommended to get a case to protect your tablet.
Ultimately, the decision to use a case for your Apple tablet is a personal one. It depends on your priorities, lifestyle, and how you want to use and protect your device.
Some users find that cases are essential for peace of mind, while others prefer the minimalist design of the tablet itself. It's important to weigh the pros and cons and choose the option that aligns with your needs and preferences.
What is the Difference Between an iPad Cover and a Folio?
There is no difference between an iPad cover and an iPad folio. Both typically cover the front and rear panels of an Apple tablet. A folio may fold into a stand for viewing while a cover may not.
iPad cases typically have several layers of materials that can make up their outer shell which protects the tablet from scratches and bumps. Covers are typically made of a soft material that protects the screen from scratches.
Here are some things to look for whether shopping for an iPad cover or an iPad Folio:
• Functionality
Evaluate the functionality of the folio. Consider features like multiple viewing angles, a built-in stand, a secure closure mechanism, and the ability to store your Apple Pencil. The right features depend on how you plan to use your Apple tablet, whether for work, entertainment, or both.
• Auto Sleep / Wake Function / Magnetic Closure
An essential feature for convenience and battery life preservation is the auto sleep/wake function. This is often referred to as an iPad Smart Folio. This technology ensures your tablet automatically enters sleep mode when you close the folio and wakes up when you open it. It's a handy feature that helps you save power and extends battery life.
• Aesthetic iPad Case
If you're shopping for a premium leather iPad Pro 11 case then the design should matter to you. A relatively expensive leather cover should not look like a child's toy or look like a child designed it. It should look like the professional iPad case that it is and have an air of luxury about it.
What Case Should I Get for My iPad?
The case you get for your iPad should depend on the level of protection needed, how you need the case to function, your budget and your sense of design. A student will have different needs for their case vs. an attorney. Choose the case that best fits your needs.
The choice of whether to use a case or which case to get may also depend on the specific Apple tablet model. Some models are more robust and rugged, while others are more delicate. Assess the durability of your Apple tablet when making a decision.
Smaller models like the Mini tend to be able to take more abuse without a case. We would recommend a quality case for the iPad Pro 13-inch. This model is more prone to damage and even bending.
Leather iPad Pro Case: A Brief History
When the original Apple tablet was launched MacCase began working on several cases and bags to transport and protect the new tablet. The result of this effort was several new designs.
These included a first ever folio-style, full-grain leather iPad case. Yes the case was protective, but it raised the game for what a luxury iPad case could be.
This iPad leather folio case was an all-new design, unlike anything that MacCase had ever produced before: Much more complex, requiring more attention to detail, more inherent structure and precise engineering to make these covers work. It took a long time to develop and each piece was going to take a long time to create.
It was wrapped in a stitch-perfect exterior that felt more like an heirloom book. The handmade quality of our original covers was perfectly juxtaposed with the cold, clinical feel of the Apple tablet. Customers loved them and we were on our way.
It's been more than 14 years since that first model. As Apple tablets became more ubiquitous, customers started wanting more and more features. The problem was, if these features were added the way the customers thought they wanted them, what they loved about our iPad travel case would be ruined.
Therein lay the challenge. How do you add features like a place to put papers, hold the Apple Pencil, business cards, and the charging cable without destroying our simple, elegant, professional, and timeless Folio design?
The answer was the MacCase Magnetic Accessory System. The system elegantly integrates all 4 of these features if you need them, but doesn't make you pay for them or use them if you don't.
Innovative iPad Folio Case Design
Once the new cover design was established and we could see that customers wanted more features, we jumped into action. We distilled down the many features people were asking for into a top 4. The result was our leather iPad Pro 12.9 case first introduced in 2017. We also had a similar leather case for iPad Pro 11 as well.
With our magnetic accessory system, we clearly had something that was much more than just a cover. It was an iPad leather portfolio that could be customized to the needs of an individual user. The magnets allowed the user to easily switch, add or subtract among the 4 accessories as needed. This was an unprecedented breakthrough in leather iPad portfolio case design and one that is still in use today.
The most popular option is our Pencil holder. It is a handmade leather case cut from the same ethically sourced hides as the portfolio. It used 2 strong magnets to lock onto the exterior of the case. This might not be what people think of when they think of an iPad Pro case with Pencil holder and that's okay. The system works and it works well.
The iPad Travel Case
Handcrafted from warm, richly inviting hides that smelled wonderful, our Folios could not have been more opposite of the digital precision that Apple's tablets represented. This relationship of opposites, between the warmth of our leather covers and the coolness of the Apple tablets, still exists to this day.
Traveling professionals and nomads alike are looking for a quality iPad travel case. This means a smart, rugged design, built to withstand the rigors of packing and unpacking, flight delays, and long stop-overs. Our leather iPad Pro case is all these and more.
The ethically sourced leather hides, the quality of the sewing, the materials chosen, the fit of the Apple tablet, and the protection provided all coalesce into something greater than the individual parts. This is the essence of product design done right. This is also something travelers tend to appreciate as well.
At MacCase, we feel that protecting the world's most expensive and best tablet computers encompasses something much more than moving widgets off the shelves. Building the world's best leather iPad Folio case for 11-inch and 12.9-inch Apple tablets is a passion for us.
The Luxury iPad Case
Chinese manufacturers love to use the term "genuine leather". What most consumers don't understand is that if they do a search for "genuine leather iPad Pro 13 case", a vast majority of the results will be listings on amazon. Most of these listings will feature covers made from bonded leather, the cheapest "leather" available.
To the makers of these cases, bonded leather is genuine. The scraps of hide they mixed together with the resin, vinyl and other fillers were, at one point, from a genuine cow. They conveniently leave out 95% of the non-leather content that the case is made from.
These manufacturers have ruined the term genuine leather the same way marketeers ruined email outreach. The moral of the story is if you want a real, luxury iPad case made from real leather, stay as far away from genuine leather as you can.
The ethically sourced leather hides we use are vegetable-dyed (much more expensive and much more environmentally friendly than chemically dyed hides). They are either full or top grain and some of the best available. This is the hallmark of a luxury iPad case.
Our hides are sourced from ex-dairy cows and when their milk-giving days are done they are put out to pasture to live out the rest of their natural lives. Once they pass, the hides become available.
This process is the most humane way we could find to source our leather. After the hides are tanned and cut, the panels are assembled very slowly, by hand, one at a time. This handmade quality is another luxury touch you can feel.
And if that was not enough, we use contrasting white thread on the curved panels that highlight our obsessive level of quality in every stitch. You cannot put a white stitch on a brown or black panel unless every stitch is perfect. This practice is done on the interiors of the world's most prestigious luxury cars and furniture for the same reason.
How Do You Install or Remove an iPad From a Leather Case?
It depends. Different manufacturers use different methods to hold your Apple tablet in their case. Some use elastic bands. Others use glue. The most protective designs use a polymer tray to secure the iPad to the case.
What method is used will dictate how easy the tablet is to remove or install. Check with the manufacturer to see how easy it is to install and remove your tablet from their design before you purchase.
As the bezels around the screens of Apple's tablets have gotten thinner and thinner, a secure, protective and elegant solution was required for holding the device in the case. The MacCase polymer tray does this job brilliantly.
13 iPad Pro and Air Cases
One of the confusing things about Apple's tablet assortment is which generation is which. The Pro 12.9 is now morphed into the 13-inch. The old 12.9 has essentially become the new 13" iPad Air.
With the 13-inch models, the generation starts over from 1 as these are the first generation of the 13-inch iPad models. For 2024, Apple further refined its largest tablets adding the revolutionary M4 chipset. All MacCase collection and product pages list which Apple tablet each case is designed for.
The Leather iPad Air Case
This generational system holds true for the other Apple tablet models as well. If you're looking for a leather iPad Air case for the current generation model, then you'll need a 5th gen cover. Luckily, our current iPad Air leather cover also fits the older, 4th gen model as well. You can see how this can quickly spiral into confusion.
MacCase uses both the year and the generation when listing our iPad Pro leather case models on our website. This is to help make sure you purchase the right protective cover. If you do choose one of our leather iPad Air or iPad Pro cases, you are joining a long line of Apple tablet users who have chosen the best iPad Pro case over the last 13 years.
