Apple has introduced a redesigned Smart Folio for the updated iPad mini line, replacing its previous polyurethane cover with a fresh TechWoven fabric. The move marks a return to woven materials, last seen around the original iPad’s era, and signals Apple’s first polyurethane-free iPad folio since the company started using synthetic covers in 2011. When preordering opens on October 28, this cover will set users back US$79—a $20 premium over the outgoing model. Alongside the material overhaul, Apple also revamped the folio’s construction and functionality. It now uses a two-panel hinge and magnetic fasteners, allowing for a wider array of viewing angles than the flat, one-piece design it replaces.
Design: Material & Color Choices
The cover is now made entirely from what Apple calls TechWoven, blending texture and durability into a shell that complements the latest iPad mini finishes. Two color options are available: Navy Blue and Taupe. These are meant to harmonize with the new iPad mini’s Midnight and Starlight bodies, though no polyurethane option has been announced.
Availability & Pricing
Smart Folios will be available for preorder starting Wednesday, October 28, and will start shipping Friday, November 6. While priced at $79 in the U.S., buyers should note the absence of a lower-cost polyurethane alternative. Apple previously used synthetic covers beginning in 2011, but this is the first cover change in over a decade, coinciding with the updated iPad mini launch.
By replacing polyurethane with a textile weave and adding a folding magnetic flap, the new folio feels more premium and functional. Pricing reflects that shift, even as fewer material options may polarize traditional cover users.
