If you’re impressed by Apple's latest iPad, you’re not alone. The iPad Air 5 is set to be one of the top consumer-focused tablets on the market, with its new M1 chipset, 5G, and upgraded front-facing camera with Center Stage. If you’re dropping $600 or more on a new iPad Air, you’ll want to ensure you protect that gorgeous 10.9-inch display from scratches, scuffs, and impact. That’s where a durable protective case comes in, and there are already some great options available to choose from. We’ve done the hard work and rounded up nine of the best iPad Air 5 cases and covers for you right here, from slim folios to rugged options.
ESR's Rebound Magnetic case is one of the most popular iPad Air cases around, and with good reason. Powerful magnets hold your iPad firmly in place, and the case folds out into a kickstand that's adjustable to two viewing angles. The case itself offers all-around protection in a slim, lightweight shell, with support for the Pencil 2's pairing and charging, plus a fold-over clasp for added protection. Some reviewers do mention that the magnets here aren't the strongest, so this may not be the best choice for you if you travel a lot with your iPad. This case comes in a choice of 10 colors.
The first case on our list is a sleek, featherlight option from Urban Armor Gear. Don’t be fooled, though, as inside this sleek shell is some serious 360-degree protection. The soft, impact-resistant core meets military-grade drop-test standards and protects your iPad Air should the worst happen. The smooth folio cover comes in three shades — olive, Mallard (a vivid blue), or black — and supports the tablet’s auto wake/sleep function to conserve battery life. The folio cover also doubles as an adjustable stand for hands-free calls or watching videos. There’s an Apple Pencil holder too, which is compatible with Apple Pencil pairing and charging. The rugged style may not be to all tastes, but we think it looks pretty futuristic.
Our next case comes in a huge array of 16 colors and patterns, so there’s sure to be one that suits your tastes. We’d opt for the metallic navy blue version, pictured. The case features a clear, hard PC back shell, a durable PU leather front cover, and microfiber lining to protect your iPad screen from scratches and scuffs. The front cover has wake/sleep functionality and folds back into a kickstand for hands-free viewing, and the case is compatible with Apple Pencil charging. On the downside, the rear magnets aren't very strong, so don't hold the case securely, and there are better options out there for drop protection, though for the price, this is still a great buy.
Otterbox is known for its protective phone cases, so why not grab one of its tablet cases too? The Symmetry Series 360 case comes in Starry Night (black) or After Dark (light gray) colorways. There’s a clear, scratch-resistant polycarbonate back that shows off your iPad Air’s design, with a folio cover that folds over the screen, offering 360-degree protection on the go. The folio folds back into an adjustable stand for viewing or making Zoom calls and supports sleep/wake functionality thanks to the included magnets. All Otterbox cases also come with a limited lifetime warranty, so this may be the only case you ever need for your iPad Air 5. The downside? It only comes in black or dark gray, so it's not the most colorful case around.
Fintie’s Hybrid Case is the perfect option for those who can’t decide between a clear case and something with a bit more personality, as it comes in 20 different designs and colors. The clear hardshell back and flexible, colored TPU bumper keep your iPad Air 5 safe from drops and bumps, while a soft microfiber lining protects the screen from scratches. The tri-fold cover folds out into a handy viewing or keyboard stand — though there's only one angle available — and features built-in magnets for auto sleep/wake when you open or close the case. There’s even an Apple Pencil holder that supports the Pencil’s wireless charging. What more could you need?
Apple’s classic Smart Folio comes in a choice of eight colors. True, it will set you back $79, but it’s specifically designed to snugly fit the iPad Air 5, and it’s made with the high-quality materials you’d expect from Apple. This thin, light folio case offers all-round protection for your new tablet with auto wake/sleep function. It attaches magnetically to your iPad Air and folds out into an adjustable kickstand for reading, typing, or video calls. If you’re after the complete Apple experience, this is the case to get.
Available in Navy Blue or Pastel Green (pictured), SwitchEasy’s Origami Wallet case is a slim, form-fitting case made from genuine premium leather. With its soft leather outer and microfiber lining, it provides 360-degree protection for your iPad Air 5 and even features raised bumpers inside the case for added protection should you drop your tablet with the case open. The magnetic closure supports your tablet’s auto sleep/wake function to conserve battery life, and the origami design of the case folds into four different stand positions in landscape or portrait mode for comfortable viewing, typing, reading, or hands-free video calls.
For those who prefer vegan leather, Olixar’s leather-style stand case is a budget and planet-friendly choice. Available in a choice of classic black or rose gold, this sleek case looks professional enough for the office or client meetings. It’s lightweight, slim, and features interior slip pockets for meeting papers, documents, or travel tickets. With its padded leather-style outer and microfiber interior, your tablet stays safe from scratches and scuffs, while a robust plastic frame with reinforced corners and anti-fall protection ensures your iPad is also protected from drops and impact. The case folds out into a viewing stand that can be adjusted to various angles for viewing or typing.
Spigen is known for its rugged, protective cases, and the Tough Armor Pro case for the new iPad Air 5 is just about the best protection you can get. This case offers advanced shock absorption thanks to Air Cushion technology, with a 2mm lip around the screen and reinforced corners for enhanced drop protection. It even packs a built-in Apple Pencil holder while maintaining a relatively slim, sleek profile. It’s one of the more expensive cases on our list, but it’s worth every penny if you’re looking for extreme protection for your new tablet.
The final case on our list is another rugged option — this time with an included screen protector for 360-degree protection. This case features enhanced corner protection and impact-absorbing bumpers to keep your iPad safe from drops and impact, with an integrated Apple Pencil holder, rotating hand strap, and handy shoulder strap for hands-free carrying. The built-in kickstand can be adjusted to two different angles for viewing, reading, video calls, and more.
Freelance technology journalist and writer living in (somewhat) sunny Scotland. Gamer, tea addict, never without a good book.
Affinity’s new all-in-one creative app is finally coming to the iPad, nearly a year after Canva launched the redesigned desktop version for Mac and Windows. Creatives have been asking for the iPad release ever since, especially because files created in the new Affinity app cannot be opened in the older V2 iPad apps.
Affinity already has Photo, Designer, and Publisher apps on iPad, but the new release combines those tools into the same unified app that Canva launched on desktop last year.
Touchscreen laptops have been around for years. You can get them in all sizes and shapes. Just not from Apple. For years, the Cupertino giant has treated the idea of a touchscreen MacBook the way I treat a meeting that could have been an email: with open contempt. However, Wednesday looks like the day the company could finally change its mind.
The latest Apple invite puts the “Pro and Tell” showcase in Los Angeles at 10 a.m. PT (1 p.m. ET) on October 28, 2026. Instead of a regular live-streamed keynote, it is an invitation-only, hands-on event for a handful of press and creators (similar to what the company did for the MacBook Neo earlier this year).
Apple has just launched its latest iPad mini with a notable set of upgrades, including an OLED screen, improved speakers, and a more resilient build. It also gets a new chip, and the whole package costs $200 more than its predecessor. But if you look closely at Apple’s online store, you’ll realize that $699 isn’t enough to get you the most powerful version of the A20 Pro chip inside this tablet. In fact, even if you pay $800 for the 256GB model, you still won’t get the beefiest variant. Only when you jump to the 512GB trim, which costs an absurd $999, do you get the most powerful flavor of the A20 Pro.
The $999 model gets more than extra storage