iPad Pro 12.9” (2015) Tempered Glass & Films

Four case types are popular. Smart Folio (Apple's official cover) folds front and back as a magnetic folio, wakes the iPad on opening and supports a stand and a writing angle. Smart Cover only covers the front — lighter, but no back protection. Hardshell cases in PC + TPU offer better drop protection for backpack and travel — especially useful for commuters. Leather cases look elegant and develop patina. Sleeves and carry bags are useful additionally if you carry the iPad without a case. Important: cases for other iPad Pro generations usually do NOT fit — the iPad Pro 12.9″ (2015) has its own dimensions. Always check the explicit model year (2015) when buying.

Three protection types are common. Tempered glass offers the highest protection against impact and scratches — the standard pick if you don't use the Pencil. Anti-glare films reduce reflections — useful at the park, near windows or under office lighting. Paper-feel films have a matt, slightly textured surface that makes writing and drawing with the Apple Pencil noticeably more pleasant — almost like paper — and reduce Pencil slipping. A must for notes, sketchnotes and illustration apps such as Procreate, Notability or GoodNotes. Note: paper-feel films wear down the Pencil tip a bit faster — replacement tips are available individually.

The iPad Pro 12.9″ (2015) is compatible with Apple Pencil 1 (Lightning adapter for pairing/charging) — Pencil 2 is NOT compatible. We carry matching Pencil tips (standard, paper-feel tips for matt films, softer tips for quieter writing), Pencil grips in silicone or leather for more ergonomic handling during long writing sessions, and Pencil cases with carabiner to clip onto a bag or backpack. Note: Pencil generations are NOT interchangeable — Pencil 1 doesn't work on a Pencil-2 iPad and vice versa. The Apple Pencil USB-C is the cheapest Pencil option but does not support pressure.

For the iPad Pro 12.9″ (2015) we recommend Apple's Smart Keyboard (no Magic Keyboard — no floating cantilever, no backlit keys). The Magic Keyboard turns the iPad into a laptop — backlit keys, precision trackpad and a magnetic floating-cantilever design that holds the iPad at two adjustable angles. Important: the new Magic Keyboard for M4/M5 with aluminium palm rest and function row fits ONLY 2024 and 2025 Pros — not older generations. The original Magic Keyboard (2020-2023) fits the 2018-2022 Pro 11″ and 2018-2022 Pro 12.9″. For cheaper options we stock Bluetooth keyboard folio cases from third-party brands.

The iPad Pro 12.9″ (2015) has a Lightning port — we stock Lightning-to-USB-C cables, Lightning-to-USB-A cables and Lightning audio adapters. A full USB-C hub won't work here — for SD cards there's a Lightning SD card reader. For speakers or headphones we recommend the Lightning-to-3.5mm audio cable.

Which case fits the iPad Pro 12.9″ (2015)?

Cases for the iPad Pro 12.9″ (2015) are sized exactly for this generation (2015). Cases for older or newer iPad Pro generations usually do NOT fit — the iPad Pro chassis has been redesigned several times. Always check the explicit model year “2015” or the chip “A9X” and compare camera and port cutouts if in doubt.

The iPad Pro 12.9″ (2015) supports Apple Pencil 1 (Lightning adapter for pairing/charging) — Pencil 2 is NOT compatible. If you mainly draw, the recommended pressure-sensitive Pencil is the best pick. The Apple Pencil USB-C is the cheapest option but lacks pressure sensitivity — fine for notes and occasional writing.

With the iPad Pro 12.9″ (2015) Apple's Smart Keyboard (no Magic Keyboard — no floating cantilever, no backlit keys) is compatible. Make sure the Magic Keyboard is explicitly listed for your iPad Pro generation — the new Magic Keyboard for M4/M5 does NOT fit older iPads, and the original Magic Keyboard does not fit the newer M4/M5 Pros.

If you regularly write or draw with the Apple Pencil, yes. Paper-feel films (matt, textured surface) drastically reduce Pencil slipping and feel like paper — pleasant for sketchnotes, bullet journals and illustration. Downsides: slightly softer display sharpness and faster Pencil tip wear. Pure consumers (streaming, reading) are better off with clear tempered glass.

The iPad Pro 12.9″ (2015) has a Lightning port — full USB-C hubs do not work. We recommend the Lightning SD card reader and a Lightning-to-USB-A adapter.