So, the new 9.7-inch iPad Pro and the iPad Air 2 are the same size and thickness, so you can use iPad Air 2 Smart Covers and Smart Cases with the Pro, right? The answer to that would be a big “NOPE!”
With the launch of the 9.7-inch iPad Pro, Apple also released a line of Smart Covers specific to the new device, which are being sold alongside Smart Covers for the iPad Air and the iPad Air 2. Given that many people may already own an iPad Air Smart Cover, there was some question as to whether it would fit on the 9.7-inch iPad Pro.
It seems the Smart Connector on the new, smaller iPad Pro prevents the magnets in the Smart Cover from lining up correctly. This was confirmed by an Apple representative, in a comment to Macworld. So, Apple gives a big “not recommended” for the possibility of using the older covers with the new Pro.
The iPad Air 2’s Smart Case may fit, but it isn’t designed with the 9.7-inch iPad Pro’s Smart Connector, rear flash, or four speakers on the 9.7-inch iPad Pro, making it at the very least, a pain in the butt to try to use.
MacRumors points out that this likely means third-party cases and covers designed for the iPad Air 2 also won’t work with the new Pro. But, on the bright side, this gives users a whole new excuse to accessorize, accessorize, accessorize!
