Smart Cover and the New iPad

[jmbarker]

I was on the phone today with an Apple rep about an entirely different matter and inquired about the current Smart Cover and it's compatibility with the new iPad. I have read somewhere recently, maybe in this forum, that there were issues with the current Smart Cover and it working with the new iPad. Something about polarity of the magnets in the new iPad being reversed compared to the iPad 2. The rep told me there is only one Smart Cover being sold and that it works with both the iPad 2 and the new iPad. She also told me to call Apple if I have problems with one and they would correct the issue.

 

[f4780y]

EDITED - Read further posts for discussion on polarity.

The smart cover works perfectly on both my 2 and 3. I have 2 covers, one old and one new. Both are interchangeable between devices.

Hope that clarifies

 

[Chantelle310]

Do all cases for the iPad 2 with the new iPad? And the same with screen protectors? Need to get some today

 

[f4780y]

Do all cases for the iPad 2 with the new iPad? And the same with screen protectors? Need to get some today

Not 100% guaranteed. The iPad3 is ever so slightly thicker than the 2. So if the case has a little bit of give it will fit. My experience is that most "soft" cases (so leather, silicone, gel, etc.) fit well, but you will want to test the "hard" cases. i.e the rigid moulded plastic type ones, since they obviously have less tolerance for the extra thickness of the pad and since these types of cases often clip round the sides it may not be a good fit...
In other words, if the case is designed to be a very tight fit for an iPad2, it's best to check.

 

[Chantelle310]

Thanks for the heads up. I'll make sure to double check before I buy. I'm guessing screen protectors are the same size too?

 

[f4780y]

Thanks for the heads up. I'll make sure to double check before I buy. I'm guessing screen protectors are the same size too?

Yeah, sorry missed that. Yes, the screen has identical dimensions, so protectors should be fine.

 

[Chantelle310]

Thanks for the help

 

[Jrs22]

Just want to add that many iPad 2 cases fit but the magnetic on-off doesn't always work on the new iPad.

 

[f4780y]

Just want to add that many iPad 2 cases fit but the magnetic on-off doesn't always work on the new iPad.

Interesting, I haven't experienced that myself. Is it a new smart over or an old one you bought for a 2? Would be interested if anyone else is experiencing this too...

 

[PaulCarleton]

I just bought a an apple leather smart cover and the magnets work fine. This wasn't the case for my ZAGGfolio 2. The Case does work with the iPad 3. (it was snug and I had to do some modifications to the felt pad underneath the felt backing) However, my iPad 3 simply wouldn't shut off when you closed it. No matter how many times I tried. It wasn't until I went into the compartment that housed the magnet in the folio and reversed the magnets that it finally worked. So there is some truth to an issue with polarity.

 

[f4780y]

Ahhh. The polarity issue I was referring to was the ability of the Apple Smartcover to attach to the case. Bets are off when it comes to 3rd party cases activating the lock/unlock!

 

[Skull One]

The "sensor" in the iPad (3rd Gen) is about 1/8th of an inch closer to the screen than the "sensor" on the iPad2 for auto lock/unlock. My wifes iPad 2 cover doesn't work because of that, even though it fits perfectly.

 

[f4780y]

The "sensor" in the iPad (3rd Gen) is about 1/8th of an inch closer to the screen than the "sensor" on the iPad2 for auto lock/unlock. My wifes iPad 2 cover doesn't work because of that, even though it fits perfectly.

Odd that both mine work. Ipad2 cover was purchased with the ipad2, but turns my 3 on and off. It is well used and the "hinge" is quite loose. Maybe that's enough to tip the balance...

 

[Skull One]

Odd that both mine work. Ipad2 cover was purchased with the ipad2, but turns my 3 on and off. It is well used and the "hinge" is quite loose. Maybe that's enough to tip the balance...

Or your cover has larger magnets built in to the cover. The ones in my wife's cover seem rather small to me but I would have to measure and then compare to other covers to be sure.

 

[PaulCarleton]

It seems strange that changing the Polarity of my magnets would've made a difference if that isn't an issue. The magnets where put back in the exact same spot on the ZAGGfolio when I reversed them. After I fixed it I did go back in and add an additional magnet to make it stronger, as on my iPad 2, I would have to wiggle the cover to get it too work sometimes. The OEM magnets that come with the ZAGG where tiny.