Apple Today Unveils iPad mini TechWoven Smart Folio: $79 in the United States, Two Colors, Dual-Panel Construction, Preorders October 28 (Wednesday), Release November 6 (Friday)

Launch and positioning

Apple today shifted the iPad mini's accessory direction, launching the TechWoven Smart Folio and replacing the long-running polyurethane design.

Apple did not release a polyurethane accessory alongside this launch, so the new iPad mini may become the first iPad since the original model in 2010 to reach the market without an Apple polyurethane cover option. The material first appeared on the Smart Cover Apple launched for the iPad 2 in 2011 and continued across later Smart Cover and Smart Folio designs until TechWoven took over today.

Colors, price, and construction

The accessory comes in two colors, Navy Blue and Taupe, matching the iPad mini's Midnight and Starlight finishes. In the United States it is priced at $79, which is $20 higher than the previous-generation smart folio.

Beyond the cover's material, Apple changed the structure to a dual-panel construction. It attaches to the iPad mini magnetically and supports multiple adjustable viewing angles. Apple says the new design gives users a wider range of movement and new viewing angles, improving flexibility during use.

Availability

Preorders for the TechWoven Smart Folio open October 28 (Wednesday) alongside the new iPad mini, with official release on November 6 (Friday).