You’ve just dropped five hundred bucks on a brand-new iPad mini. It’s tiny, it’s powerful, and honestly, it feels a bit fragile in the hand. Naturally, you look at the apple smartfolio ipad mini as the go-to solution. It’s the official choice. It’s sleek. But there’s a weird amount of confusion online about whether this $59 piece of polyurethane is actually worth your money or if you’re just paying the "Apple Tax" for a magnetic flap.
I’ve spent a lot of time with these covers. I’ve seen them survive coffee spills and I’ve seen them fail to protect a screen during a minor backpack tumble. Basically, if you’re expecting rugged armor, you’re looking at the wrong product. But if you want something that keeps the mini's "mini-ness" intact, things get a bit more nuanced.
The Compatibility Trap
Here is where it gets annoying. Apple released the iPad mini 7 (the A17 Pro version) recently, and on paper, it has the exact same dimensions as the iPad mini 6. You’d think the cases are interchangeable.
Technically? Yes.
Practically? It’s a bit of a mess.
While the physical footprint is identical, Apple shifted the internal magnets slightly for the newer model to accommodate the Apple Pencil Pro hardware. If you try to use an old apple smartfolio ipad mini (designed for the Gen 6) on the new Gen 7, the sleep/wake function usually works, but the "stick" feels off. Users on Reddit and MacRumors have been vocal about this—some say the old folio literally slides off the back of the new mini because the magnets don't align perfectly.
Don't be the person who buys a discounted "Gen 6" folio for their "Gen 7" tablet and wonders why it feels floppy. If you have the A17 Pro model, buy the version specifically labeled for it. It matters for the grip strength.
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It’s Not Actually a "Case"
We need to be honest here. The Smart Folio is a cover, not a case. It’s two sheets of polyurethane held together by a hinge and some magnets.
- Front protection: Great. Keeps keys from scratching the glass.
- Back protection: Solid. Stops the aluminum from getting scuffed on a table.
- Side protection: Non-existent.
If you drop your iPad on its corner while it's in a Smart Folio, that corner is going to dent. Period. The edges are completely exposed. For some people, that's a dealbreaker. For others, it’s the price you pay for not having a bulky, rubberized brick in your pocket.
The weight is the real selling point. The mini is meant to be held with one hand while reading or scrolling. Most third-party cases add enough weight to turn a "light" device into a "heavier" one. The official apple smartfolio ipad mini is basically weightless.
The Material Shift Nobody Talked About
If you’ve owned an older iPad Pro folio, you probably remember that soft, fuzzy microfiber lining. It felt like suede.
Well, the newer batches of the Smart Folio for the iPad mini feel... different. Some users describe the new lining as "papery" or less "plush." It’s still soft enough to not scratch your screen, but it’s definitely a more synthetic, industrial feel than the older versions.
Is it a downgrade? Maybe. But it does seem to attract less lint and cat hair than the old "fuzzy" versions did. Plus, the exterior colors like Denim, Sage, and Charcoal Gray are actually quite nice in person. The Denim, in particular, has this deep navy vibe that hides dirt surprisingly well.
The Stand Is Kinda Limited
You can fold the folio into two positions. One is a steep angle for watching movies, and the other is a low angle for typing or drawing with the Apple Pencil.
That’s it.
There is no portrait mode stand. There is no adjustable height. If you’re sitting on a plane and the tray table is at a weird angle, you’re stuck with what you’ve got. This is where third-party brands like ESR or Pitaka often win—they include extra folds or "origami" styles that let you stand the iPad up vertically.
But there’s a trade-off. Those third-party cases often use weaker magnets or have "lips" that make the iPad mini harder to hold. Apple’s folio stays out of the way. When you fold it back to read a book, it stays flat. It doesn't flap around or feel like it’s trying to escape your hand.
Is It Overpriced?
Probably.
You can go on Amazon and find a "Smart Folio" clone for $15. It will look 90% the same. But here is the thing: those cheap ones usually use cheaper magnets. I’ve seen knock-offs that actually mess with the iPad’s compass or don't trigger the sleep/wake sensor reliably.
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If you want a cover that "just works" and maintains the resale value of your device, the official apple smartfolio ipad mini is the boring, expensive, but correct choice. It’s for the person who wants their tech to feel premium and doesn't want to think about their case ever again.
Final Verdict on the Folio
Look, if you work in construction or have a toddler who thinks the iPad is a frisbee, do not buy this cover. You need a Speck or a Nomad Rugged case.
But if you’re a "commuter reader" or a digital notebook user, the Smart Folio is the most elegant way to protect your screen without ruining the tablet's design. Just make sure you match the generation of the folio to the generation of your iPad.
Next Steps for You
Check the back of your iPad mini for the model number. If it's the newer A17 Pro model, ensure the box for your Smart Folio specifically mentions compatibility with that version to avoid the magnet alignment issues. If you decide to go third-party instead, look for "magnetic" attachment rather than "clip-in" styles to keep the weight down.