In what looks like a well timed announcement for Apple’s iPadOS 26 enhancements, Logitech has simply unveiled the Flip Folio, a brand new all-in-one keyboard case that allows you to benefit from your iPad whereas on the go.
The discharge is probably going extra fortuitous than the rest. We’re unsure if Logitech had any particular insider data from Apple right here, however like most merchandise, Flip Folio has been within the works for for much longer than we’ve been listening to iPadOS 26 rumors. Logitech briefed us on the brand new accent and despatched me an early launch model practically two weeks in the past.
The Flip Folio is a protecting case that options magnetic attachments for an iPad Air or iPad Professional, much like Apple’s Magic Keyboard case. It additionally has the added bonus of utilizing a completely indifferent Bluetooth keyboard.
The low-profile keyboard magnetically clips onto the again of the case when not in use in an effort to carry it with you, however principally ignore it when tapping or utilizing an Apple Pencil. The magnets are sturdy sufficient to maintain it securely in place whereas letting you pop it off when it’s worthwhile to do some typing.
The keyboard high quality can also be what you’d anticipate from Logitech, which has been within the keyboard enterprise for many years. The keys are snug and responsive, and all the standard iPadOS shortcut keys are right here for controlling brightness, quantity, media playback, and even calling up an emoji picker or taking screenshots.
The keyboard will also be paired with two different Bluetooth gadgets, letting you simply change between an iPad, iPhone, and Mac. That is the place one other intelligent facet of the Flip Folio comes into play. Along with magnetically attaching an iPad within the traditional panorama orientation, there’s additionally a ledge to prop it upright, letting you’re employed at that angle whereas leaving room to set your iPhone alongside it. The iPad and iPhone don’t magnetically connect in these positions; as a substitute, the Flip Folio provides a small ledge they will relaxation on.
“We’ve designed Flip Folio to make the iPad expertise each enjoyable and useful, serving to you keep centered on what issues,” stated Joseph Mingori, GM of cell and audio options at Logitech. “Flip Folio enhances on a regular basis experiences–from binge watching to checking your social media or emails– by delivering portability and connectivity, setting folks free to allow them to do what they love from anyplace.”
The case has a completely adjustable kickstand, which is the place the keyboard magnetically attaches, offering easy accessibility while you need to sprint off a fast e-mail in between sketching or watching YouTube movies. The standalone keyboard permits you to prop the iPad up individually for extra versatility. For instance, it was good to arrange the iPad at eye degree with the keyboard on a desk somewhat than hunkering down over it like I usually must do with conventional iPad keyboard circumstances. I think about the same strategy might additionally work whereas touring on a aircraft, the place the Flip Folio case might sit on the tray desk whereas the keyboard rests in your lap.
You additionally received’t want to fret about recharging the keyboard. As an alternative of a lithium-ion battery, Logitech has opted to make use of a CR2016 coin cell that guarantees two years of life for most common customers. In consequence, there are not any ports on the keyboard and no cables to mess with. For those who’re a frequent traveler, you could need to hold an additional battery readily available after you’ve been utilizing it for some time. Nonetheless, even for those who don’t have one, these are normally fairly straightforward to seek out, and it’s a lot faster to alter the battery than discovering an influence outlet and ready in your keyboard to recharge so you may get again to work. I feel it’s one other intelligent strategy. Like Apple’s choice to go along with coin cells in its AirTags, typically the seemingly extra primary options are probably the most sensible.
The Flip Folio is offered in each 11-inch and 13-inch sizes. Nevertheless, every measurement can be utilized with an iPad Air or iPad Professional, as they’ll adapt to the thickness of every pill. The 11-inch model formally helps iPad Air fashions way back to the 2022 fifth-generation mannequin — the primary to characteristic an M1 chip — and solely the most recent M4 iPad Professional. Nevertheless, there’s no purpose to imagine it wouldn’t work with older iPad Air and iPad Professional fashions that share the identical design. For instance, the 2020 iPad Air has similar dimensions to the 2022 mannequin, and each can use the identical Apple Magic Keyboard for iPad Air.
The 11-inch model sells for $160, whereas the 13-inch model is $180. Each will finally are available in 5 colours: Graphite, Midnight Black, and Pale Gray can be found now, with the latter completely on Logitech’s web site. Lilac is listed as coming quickly, and Logitech tells us a Sand model will even be launched in September. The Graphite and Midnight Black have mild blue accents on the keyboard, whereas the Pale Gray makes use of orange accents, and the Lilac will use a deeper purple.