Apple's iPad Air 2 is an incredible 18 percent thinner than the already thin iPad Air that came before it, so that means accessory makers have had to launch brand-new cases to protect the new tablet. Here, we bring you 12 of the best iPad Air 2 cases we've seen to help you find one that suits you.

Apple's iPad Air 2 Smart Case

£65

Apple offers its own Smart Case for the iPad Air 2 (above), which you can buy from the Apple Stores or the Online Apple Store. The iPad Air 2 Smart Case is made with dyed leather, available in Black, Red, Midnight Blue, Olive Brown or Soft Pink.

The Smart Case covers the front and back of the iPad Air 2, and the front flap not only automatically wakes up your iPad when you open it and puts it to sleep when you close it, but also doubles as a stand.

Apple iPad Air Smart Cover

£29

If you're happy to leave the back of your iPad Air 2 exposed but want to cover up the front, get the wake/sleep functionality and also a handy stand, then the Smart Cover should be enough for you.

It's made from polyurethane rather than leather, but is available in a wider range of colours including black, white, pink, yellow, blue, green and red.

As the front of the iPad Air hasn't changed, the Smart Cover is the same for both generations of the tablet.

Belkin Qode Ultimate Keyboard Case for iPad Air 2

£149.99 (available on Amazon for £129.99 at time of writing).

If you're looking for more functionality from your iPad Air 2 case then the Belkin Qode Ultimate Keyboard Case could be just for you. It's made with aluminium alloy, and covers the front and back of your iPad Air when carried around in a bag. The built-in stand offers multiple viewing angles, and the QWERTY keyboard includes some dedicated iPad specific shortcut keys. Plus, the keys are backlit, and the cover can be removed if you're not planning on using the keyboard for a while (if you're presenting in a meeting, perhaps).

It's available in white/silver or black.

Nodus Access Case for iPad Air 2

£99.99

For a bit of sophisticated luxury, Nodus offers the gorgeous Access Case for iPad Air 2, which is made with a leather exterior and a microfiber interior. There's a pocket for storing papers and cards, and the case can double as a stand.

The iPad Air 2 is attached to the Nodus Access Case using micro-suction technology rather than plastic clips or housings, so looks super sleek.

Incipio Faraday Folio Case for iPad Air 2

£25

Incipio's Faraday Case for iPad Air 2 has a magnetic fold over design for extra protection. It has a polycarbonate rear shell and a faux leather front cover, and is available in Black, Coral, Light Blue, Periwinkle and Smoke (that's really black, pink, blue, purple and grey, in case you're wondering).

Everything Tablet Luxury Leather Flip case

We've been fans of Everything Tablet since its early days of the 360-degree case, and now the company has launched a luxury range for those looking for something a bit more stylish.

The Luxury Leather Flip case for iPad Air 2 is made with genuine leather and soft Alcantara lining, and offers a multi-angle stand, too.

It's available in grey, navy, pink, white and yellow, and right now it's on sale for £49.99 (down from £59.99).

STM Studio iPad Air 2 cases

£39.99

STM's Studio case for iPad Air 2 uses a patented magnetic closure to keep your tablet secure, wrapping all the way round the iPad for extra protection. The magnets in the front cover also double as a sturdy and versatile stand that can be positioned in various angles, including portrait.

The case is available in orange, black and purple.

Proporta Slimline Protective Case for iPad Air 2

£29.95

Here's another simple case option for you. Proporta's Slimline Protective Case for iPad Air 2 is a tight fit, with precise cutouts for the ports and buttons and a textured finish to make it easier to grip. Plus, it has a clear back so you'll be able to see the colour of your iPad beneath it, as well as the Apple logo.

Grovemade Maple Sleeve for iPad Air

$89 (around £60)

This one's a little on the expensive side, and it ships all the way from America, but it's really good-looking (at least we think it is).

It's the Grovemade Maple Sleeve, handcrafted from Eastern hardrock Maple (there's a darker, Oregon Black walnut version available, too).

With a geometric, contoured design, wool lining and a leather and brass strap, there's no doubt that this sleeve oozes quality, style and sophistication. We love it.

Cygnett Slim for iPad Air 2

£24.95

We rather like the look of the Cygnett Slim case for iPad Air 2, which, as the name suggests, really is rather slim. It has a soft-feel finish, and is lined with microfiber. Coloured silicon dots on the front cover mean that the case can be used as a stand that provides a huge variety of viewing angles. There's also an elasticated strap that helps secure the folio during transit.

Inateck TPB-IA Protection for iPad Air

£11.99

Inateck's iPad Air 2 case is a soft but durable grey felt slip case that protects the tablet in transit. Cheaper than many rival cases at £11.99 from Amazon, it may be all you need to keep your iPad Air 2 looking smart and safe from bumps and scrapes. It will also fit an original iPad Air.

A leather clasp attaches via a magnetic buckle to hold the iPad Air 2 snug inside the case, or you can fold it around to create a makeshift stand.

Booqpad for iPad Air 2 case

For those who like the traditional as well as the modern, the Booqpad for iPad Air 2 is perfect. It combines a protective shell and folio case with a handy notepad for when you want to jot down notes or make sketches with an actual pen and paper.

It's ideal for students and for business meetings, but it probably won't be for everyone as the paper adds a bit of extra weight. It's £50 from Amazon.

We'll be updating this article with more iPad Air 2 cases as we come across them, so check back for new additions.

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