A case that rethinks the iPad, thanks to its detachable magnetic keyboard

The beauty of the iPad lies in its inherent superfluousness. It’s not the gateway to our digital life like a smartphone, nor the productivity powerhouse that a laptop is. But on an iPad, you can draw, write, take notes, edit photos and videos, or watch them—and do a thousand other things. Some brilliantly, many better than on a smartphone, others not quite as well as on a laptop. Superfluous, yes—but incredibly versatile.

An iPad, at its core, is a screen. And its potential is unlocked not only by this minimalist setup, but also by the accessories that go with it: the stylus, maybe a keyboard, perhaps a mouse, and of course, the case. Logitech has just released a case that, in some way, rethinks the iPad. Aimed more at leisure than work—there’s no touchpad, unfortunately—the new Logitech Flip Folio is a protective case that transforms into a practical stand. Need a keyboard? It’s magnetically attached to the back of the case. A smart solution that allows for multiple use configurations. It’s handy if you connect your iPad to an external monitor, or if you need to write a document in a cramped airplane seat, resting the tablet on the tray table and the keyboard on your lap. And if you want to watch a movie in bed, your iPad won’t keep tipping over like it does with Apple’s Magic Keyboard.

The best thing about the Flip Folio is that the keyboard can simply disappear when you don’t need it. It’s comfortable to type on, although of course a bit of practice is needed with an 11” iPad. There are still a few drawbacks: the lack of a touchpad, and the fact that the case isn’t particularly thin or light. It doesn’t turn the iPad into a laptop, for sure. But it’s sturdy, adapts to different contexts just like the iPad itself, and even offers a new setup for vertical use alongside your phone, thanks to its ability to connect to up to three Bluetooth devices at once.

Flip Folio is compatible with the 11” and 13” iPad Pro (M4) and with iPad Air models (M2, M3, and 5th generation). It comes in two colors: Graphite, available now, and Pale Grey, launching in September. It’s priced at €179 for 11-inch models and €199 for 13-inch ones. The Graphite version contains at least 37% certified post-consumer recycled plastic, and the aluminum is produced through low-carbon processes, in line with Logitech’s sustainability commitments.