Case

Hands-on with Apple’s new leather case for Apple Pencil that prevents rolling and broken tips

Christian Zibreg ∙ June 12, 2017

You know how Apple Pencil is weighted to prevent rolling and how it always stops rolling with the word “Pencil” facing upward on its metal band? Well, Apple's attention attention to detail doesn't stop at the stylus.

Today, we have Apple's brand new leather case for Apple Pencil put through its paces by our resident video editor Andrew O'Hara. In his hands-on video, Andrew finds that the case has been designed to prevent rolling and broken tips.

And while you can put your stylus with the bottom part in first, it won't be stuck inside the case because the body is soft: you just squeeze it down the tube until it comes out.

And here it is.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HlaVSLN4bgc

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“This simple leather secures the cap, prevents it from rolling off your desk, and keeps the tip from being damaged,” says Andrew in the video.

Apple's case for Apple Pencil is available in Saddle Brown, Taupe, Midnight Blue and Black finishes. Priced at $29 a pop and currently shipping in 1-2 weeks, it can be grabbed from Apple's web store. The price is a bit on the high-side, but then again—this isn't an ordinary, sloppily designed stylus case.

The best cases for Apple’s new 10.5-inch iPad Pro

Cody Lee ∙ Updated January 28, 2019

If you're in the market for Apple's 10.5-inch iPad Pro, you should know that any previous cases made for the 9.7-inch model will not fit the new tablet. It's slightly wider than its predecessor (6.8" vs 6.67"), significantly longer (9.8" vs 9.45"), and it has a larger rear camera.

Never fear, there are already several cases available for the new iPad, and we've taken it upon ourselves to track down the best options. Below is our list of the best cases for the 10.5-inch iPad Pro, selected based on manufacturers' reputation, user reviews, and case features.

Apple Smart Cover

If you want the best fitting/functioning cover for your new iPad, and money isn't really a factor, you're probably going to want to check out Apple's Smart Cover. It only covers one side of your iPad (display by default, rear if you fold it over), but it snaps on and peels off easily using magnets, and it folds up to act as a stand with multiple viewing angles. I also like that it's ultra-thin and comes in several colors.

Buy for $49.

Apple also has a more expensive and luxurious cover for the 10.5-inch iPad Pro called the Leather Smart Cover for $69.

JETech Case Cover

JETech is a popular accessory-maker on Amazon known for offering OEM-style products at cheap prices. Their products typically get high ratings from customers, and we've had good experiences specifically with their iPad cases. This is their Apple Smart Case-esque Case Cover. The synthetic case slips on the rear of the iPad and then the front is covered by a Smart Cover-like flap—includes magnets that activate the iPad's Sleep/Wake function. If you like this style of case and don't want to pay Apple's prices, check this one out.

Buy for $15.

I-Blason Slim Halo Case

The Halo case from i-Blason is a clear protective cover for your 10.5 inch iPad Pro. It has a completely transparent back, which also features a convenient stand that makes it easy to watch shows and videos hands-free. Other features include a slim design and full shock, drop and scratch protection. This is a heavier duty case than those mentioned above, but not so much so that it makes the iPad a nuisance to travel with.

Buy for $15.

Supcase Unicorn Beetle Pro Case

The Supcase Unicorn Beetle Pro offers dual layer protection and convenience without compromising sensitivity. Thermoplastic polyurethane and polycarbonate provide cushion during accidental drops. All phone ports are covered to block dust and debris. Built-in screen protector protects the screen from scratches. This case is designed to withstand heavy use and demanding conditions. This is a little more rugged than the i-Blason Halo, but note that it is not waterproof.

Buy for $25.

Moko Slim Stand Cover

This one is similar to the aforementioned JETech Case cover, which again is a lot like Apple's Smart Case. It has a synthetic back cover and a folding, magnetic front cover that can automatically wake the iPad up and put it to sleep. It has a premium PU leather on the outside, microfiber on the inside to protect your iPad from scratches, and no bulky bezels around the display to allow for unobstructed swiping. Comes with a lifetime warranty.

Buy for $9.

Moko Clear Grip TPU Case

For those looking for a more minimal case, check out the Clear Grip from Moko. It's a soft TPU case that snaps on the back of your iPad Pro and it has a unique ruffled design for a grippier feel. Other features include raised edges at the 4 corners for added screen protection, cutouts for all of the ports, buttons and speakers, and it even comes with a lifetime warranty from the manufacturer.

Buy for $8.

Belk Vintage Leather Folio

If you're looking for something a little more professional, check out this Vintage Leather Folio from Belk. It's not real leather, but Belk says they used premium PU leather here with a special texture to give it that vintage look and feel. Like most folios, this case has a book-like design with a snap-in cradle for your iPad—giving it full protection. Other features include built-in magnets that activate your iPad's auto-sleep/wake functions and built-in slots for an ID, credit cards and cash.

Buy for $16 (sale price).

Logitech Slim Combo Keyboard Case

And for those of you in the market for a keyboard case, there's the Logitech Slim Combo. This case was designed specifically for the new 10.5-inch iPad (there is also a 12.9-inch model). It has no charging cable or batteries—it gets all its power through the iPad via its Smart Connector. This allows it to sip power—0.3% - 2.3% of battery per hour of typing—and makes pairing instant. Other features include full-size, backlit keys, with 3 levels of brightness and an Apple Pencil holder.

Buy for $130.

Did we miss a great 10.5-inch iPad Pro case? Let us know in the comments below!

New images show iPhone 8 dummy wrapped in a protective case

Christian Zibreg ∙ May 29, 2017

Accessories vendors are no strangers to designing cases for unreleased iPhone models based on rumors alone, and this particular leak is no exception. Even though we're still months away from iPhone 8's likely introduction this fall, Slahleaks today published a few images of another iPhone 8 dummy wrapped in a protective case.

The dummy unit appears to reflect Apple's rumored final iPhone 8 design with no physical Home button, Touch ID integrated directly into the display and a full-screen face, among other features. A vertically-oriented cutout on the back for a redesigned dual-lens camera system is displayed prominently.

As you can see for yourself, the dummy unit shown on the photos is virtually all glass on the front, with only a physical slit within the OLED display, likely for an embedded earpiece. The side bezels, as per the annotations, should be only three millimeters wide.

It's been speculated that iPhone 8 would use 2.5D cover glass like the iPhone 6/6s/7 series that's slightly rounded on sides rather than have the OLED display extend all the way to the left and right edges of the device, like with Samsung's Galaxy S8. Apple is said to be releasing the iterative LCD-based iPhone 7s and iPhone 7s Plus devices alongside iPhone 8.

Economic Daily News said last week that Apple has solved all technical issues related to its next-generation fingerprint reader, meaning iPhone 8 is likely to integrate an optical fingerprint sensor to enable authentication directly on the handset's OLED screen.

Claimed cases for 10.5″ and 12.9″ iPad Pro suggest rear microphone and stereo speakers

Christian Zibreg ∙ May 22, 2017

Cases for Apple's new 10.5-inch iPad Pro model and a next-generation 12.9-inch iPad Pro are circulating the web today, showing rear microphone holes like on the recently unveiled $329 iPad model and cutouts for stereo speakers. Made by a third-party vendor, the design of these cases is based on information allegedly obtained from Apple's contract manufacturer Foxconn.

The current-generation 12.9-inch iPad Pro features the microphone cutout on the right side of the device. The images depict four large cutouts for what appears to be stereo speakers, two at the top of the wooden case and two at the bottom of the device on both sides of the Lightning port.

The cases include cutouts for the 3.5mm headphone jack on both the 10.5-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro. Published by leakster Benjamin Geskin, the photos also indicate that there may not be new iPad mini models this year.

According to BGR, the iPad mini lineup has just been “sized out of its own category,” prompting the Cupertino company to stop updating the device and phase it out gradually due to its constantly decreasing sales.

The 10.5-inch iPad model is expected to feature narrower side bezels so that the 10.5-inch display could be fitted inside a body roughly the size of the current 9.7-inch iPad models.

Protective case from Chinese vendor hints at rounded water drop iPhone 8 design

Christian Zibreg ∙ April 28, 2017

This morning, Twitter account KKSneakLeaks posted an image of what appears to be a protective clear case for iPhone 8 created by Chinese manufacturer Beyond. The case is most likely based on leaked iPhone 8 schematics, alleged technical drawings, claimed production diagrams and CAD models.

As such, it may not be accurate at all. Be that as it may, the case features a cutout on the rear side for a vertically aligned dual-camera system while suggesting a front-facing Touch ID and pebble-like design.

Speck’s Presidio Show reveals your iPhone’s finish through the back of the case

Anthony Bouchard ∙ March 24, 2017

Speck unveiled the new Presidio Show case at CES 2017, introducing an effective way to protect your sleek new iPhone while still enabling you to get a good look at the incredible industrial design of your handset that would normally be hidden by the protective materials that make up most impact-resistant cases.

The Presidio Show's bezels are colored to match the iPhone finish of your choice, but the back plate of the case is fully transparent to act as a window to the other side. In this review, we’ll show you the version made to go with the Black or Jet Black finish of the iPhone 7/7 Plus.

Apple’s silicone and leather iPhone 7 cases are now available in six new colors

Christian Zibreg ∙ March 21, 2017

Aside from refreshing Apple Watch bands with half a dozen new Spring-themed designs, Apple also announced this morning that its family of silicon and leather cases for the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus family now comes in six new Apple-designed colors that conveniently match the new Apple Watch bands.

Like with the new Apple Watch bands, Apple's silicone and leather cases can now be had in Azure, Camellia, Pebble, Taupe, Sapphire or Berry finishes.

This minimalist case turns your iPhone jet black (or jet white)

Sébastien Page ∙ March 17, 2017

Besides a redesigned camera bump, one of the main differentiator between the iPhone 7 and its predecessor was the new jet black colorway. It’s beautiful and sexy, but as Apple was quick to point out, it’s also incredibly prone to micro abrasions.

The solution offered is to put it in a case, which clearly defeats the purpose of having a jet black iPhone to begin with. And that's where the folks at Totallee come in with the Scarf, their incredibly light and thin case, now available in jet black and jet white.

Alto makes a top-contending leather case for most iPhone models

Anthony Bouchard ∙ March 9, 2017

Over the last few weeks, we have shown you a number of the top leather case brands for iPhones, but another that we feel deserves attention is Alto.

Hand-crafted with fine Italian leather, Alto cases are subtly formed out of what feels like surreal perfection. If you’re one to judge products closely, and every bit of quality matters to you, then Alto’s attention to detail is likely to impress.

Distil Union’s Wally Ether wallet case provides credit card storage on a budget

Anthony Bouchard ∙ Updated January 28, 2019

With leather wallet iPhone cases being a hot commodity, we’ve recently shown you several from brand names. Another little-known contender in the market is Distil Union, a company that integrates their unique quick-release technology into the card slot of their cases.

In this review, we’ll be showing you the Distil Union Wally Ether for the iPhone 7 Plus. It's a wallet case alternative with stitched leather flavor that has been designed for minimalists who need to carry a card or two on them anywhere they go.

Check out stealth case for iPhone prototypes Apple uses to prevent leaks

Christian Zibreg ∙ February 17, 2017

More than six years ago, an Apple engineer mistakenly left an iPhone 4 prototype on a bar stool in a nice German beer garden in Redwood City, California. The rest, as they say, is history.

The random dude who originally found it didn't really have a clue he'd gotten hold of Apple's biggest secret at the time as the prototype device was cleverly disguised as an ordinary iPhone 3GS.

Australian leakster Sonny Dickson gave MacRumors a closer look at a special stealth case Apple uses to prevent leaks and conceal handset prototypes during transport between its Cupertino headquarters and manufacturing partners in China.

The Mujjo Sleeve looks classy and keeps your Mac notebook safe as you travel

Anthony Bouchard ∙ February 10, 2017

If you bring your MacBook, MacBook Air, or MacBook Pro with you everywhere you go, then you should consider protecting your expensive investment with some kind of sleeve.

Because the outside world can be a lot rougher than the comfort and safety of your home computer desk, Mujjo makes classy protective sleeves that will fit every one of Apple’s notebooks. In this review, we’ll be showing you the Mujjo Sleeve for the 15” MacBook Pro.