Apple's redesigned 12.9-inch iPad Pro features a Liquid Retina XDR display, ProMotion adaptive refresh rate, LiDAR scanner, M1 chip, 5G cellular capability, and a true cursor experience with the Magic Keyboard with Trackpad. All of this means that there are some brand new accessories to think about — here are some of the best 12.9 iPad Pro accessories out there.
A magical experience
The Magic Keyboard includes a trackpad for precision control of the cursor on your iPad. In our review, we loved how the floating cantilever design lets you adjust your iPad to the perfect angle for typing. The Magic Keyboard is compatible with 2018, 2020, and 2021 iPad Pro models, making it one of the best 12.9 iPad Pro accessories you can buy. You should also consider one of the best keyboards for Mac for your iPad.
Classic keyboard case
Apple's official keyboard case, released with the 2018 iPad Pro, also works with the newer 2020 and 2021 iPad Pro models. The Smart Keyboard Folio protects both the front and the back of your iPad and features two viewing angles, one for desktop users and one for laptop. If you don't need the Magic Keyboard's trackpad, you can save some money with this option.
The essential stylus
If you're planning on doing any drawing, sketching, or handwriting, then you're going to want the Apple Pencil 2 to go along with your new iPad Pro (2018, 2020, or 2021). It's the very best stylus for the task on the market, no question about it. In fact, our review was drawn entirely with the Apple Pencil 2.
New cover
Though the fifth-generation iPad Pro is slightly thicker than previous models, a new case may be in order. The Smart Folio is always an excellent choice with front-to-back protection and the ability to be folded into a stand.
Trifold case for less
The ESR Trifold Smart Case for 12.9-inch iPad Pro is similar to Apple's Smart Folio but at a substantially lower price point. I have had several versions of this case for different iPad models and it is my everyday case. It works just like Apple's does, and it comes in various color options. We loved it when we reviewed it hands-on.
Charge and go
One of the neat little tricks of the newer iPad Pro models is that they can charge your iPhone using a USB-C to Lightning cable. This USB-C to Lightning cable from Anker allows just that at a lower price than Apple's official cable.
Standing up
Twelve South's Compass Pro lets you extend the back leg to use the iPad as a hands-free display or shorten it for a better angle for more productive tasks. It also features a secondary back leg, letting you re-angle the iPad (any model) for easier drawing or touchscreen typing.
Basic protection
If you're just looking for something basic to protect your iPad Pro, JETtech's laptop sleeve is actually a great option. Affordable and big enough to house both your iPad and, say an Apple Pencil, the sleeve is also roomy enough to hold your iPad Pro while it's attached to a Smart Keyboard Folio or Magic Keyboard.
Next-level AirPods
Apple's AirPods Pro are the best version of Apple's wireless earphones so far, as we detailed in our review. They're dead simple to pair and switch between devices, and these add excellent noise cancellation and MagSafe charging to the mix.
Protect the screen
Keep the screen pristine with a tempered glass screen protector. Your finger or Apple Pencil will glide across the glass, which is resistant to most scratches. At just 0.33mm thick, the glass allows your iPad Pro to retain full sensitivity.
Mulitple ports
One port isn't enough, so how does six sound? Hyper offers this little hub gem, which turns your single USB-C port into a 3.5mm audio Jack, USB-A port, SD card slot, microSD card slot, USB-C port, and HDMI port.
The best 12.9 iPad Pro accessories for you
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The iPad Pro is one of the best iPads that Apple has ever made. When looking for accessories for your new iPad Pro, you should definitely start with these. If I had to pick one to get, I'd go with Apple's Magic Keyboard because I use my iPad Pro for a lot of my writing.
If drawing or handwriting are more important priorities, definitely pick up the Apple Pencil. There's no better stylus than the one that Apple designed specifically for the iPad Pro.
If I was getting anything else for my iPad Pro, I'd take a look at AirPods Pro as my audio accessory of choice. They're small, comfortable, have excellent sound, and feature noise cancelation so that you can enjoy your music, podcasts, and audiobooks without issue, no matter where you go.
