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The best iPad Pro accessories

The iPad Pro is a great tool with a multitude of uses, and it’s perfect for you if you want to increase productivity. However, to really get the most from this device, you’ll want to get your hands on some of the latest accessories.

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Accessory options for the iPad Pro include a range of charging options and stands and the incredibly helpful Apple Pencil. Some accessories on our list are Apple products, while others provide an off-brand option, but all are items that increase the usefulness of your iPad.

Apple Magic Keyboard

Apple Magic Keyboard Image used with permission by copyright holder

Apple’s Magic Keyboard comes in two variants, costing $299 for the 11-inch iPad Pro and $349 for the 12.9-inch model. Whether you’re typing up reports or replying to emails, up your typing game with this official Apple keyboard — you won’t regret it. The keyboard features full-size, backlit keys with 1mm travel, making it easy to type up that report quietly while your other half snoozes unawares. The precision trackpad offers excellent cursor control, while a floating cantilever design allows you to attach the iPad Pro magnetically and adjust it to the perfect angle for typing. The Apple Magic Keyboard comes with a USB-C port and folds neatly into a case offering front and back protection — ideal for stashing in your bag.

Zugu Alpha Case

Photo shows an iPad Pro 12.9 inch in a ZUGU Alpha Case with kickstand
Image used with permission by copyright holder

The ZUGU Alpha Case is designed specifically for the new 12.9-inch iPad Pro, with a slim yet highly protective construction. Its polycarbonate and TPU shell provides military-grade drop protection for drops up to 5 feet, while the recessed holder on the case’s spine is the ideal place to stash your Apple Pencil. The magnetic kickstand lets you enjoy hands-free Netflix binges and also doubles as a fridge mount. It comes in a sleek black finish.

Apple Pencil (2nd Generation)

Picture shows a hand writing and drawing on an iPad using an Apple Pencil
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Compatible with iPad Pro 11-inch and iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation) tablets, the Apple Pencil 2nd generation features precision, low-latency responsiveness, versatility, and the natural fluidity of a traditional writing implement. The updated design has no connectors or moving parts and is easy to store. It’s packed with sensors that work with the iPad, allowing it to detect the position, force, and tilt. Use the Apple Pencil to jot down notes, paint a picture, or mark up an email.  The new version of Apple’s breakout stylus features a flat edge that attaches magnetically to the iPad to pair and charge. It also features an intuitive touch surface that supports double-tapping so you can switch tools without having to put it down.

TechMatte XL Multi-Angle Aluminum Stand

Photo shows a tablet stand from Techmatte in a brushed silver finish
Image used with permission by copyright holder

This sturdy but compact stand is used to prop up your iPad Pro in either landscape or portrait orientation. Press the button on the top side and you can rotate the stand 270 degrees, allowing for a range of different viewing angles. The frame is 5.5 inches wide to comfortably accommodate the iPad Pro 12.9, 11, 10.5, 10.2, 9.7, iPad Mini, iPad Air, iPhone, and most e-readers. Its nonslip grip tabs and liners protect your device and hold it securely while you use it. The TechMatte XL Multi-Angle Stand comes in a silver finish with rubber bumpers to ensure your iPad doesn’t get damaged and works with most thin cases.

Ventev Desktop Charging Hub S500

Picture shows a smartphone and a tablet resting in a Ventev Charging Hub
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Designed for phones, tablets, and other small devices, the Ventev Charging Hub s500 is a combo desktop charger, portable outlet, and device stand. It brings all the power you need for all of your devices directly to the desktop. It features two surge-protected outlets, and three USB ports — one rated at 2.4A, and two at 2A each. The two 120V AC outlets have a 10 amps rating and are surge protected to power office equipment like monitors, scanners, and lamps (but not space heaters or other appliances). You can charge or use five devices at once. Its two grooves accommodate a smartphone and a tablet.

Anker PowerCore Power Bank (USB-C)

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Anker’s compact power bank is the perfect solution if you’re worried about running out of battery life at a crucial moment. Despite its slim design, the charger has a 20,000mAh rating — an extra-high capacity that’s ideal for larger devices like the iPad Pro — along with the required USB-C connection, so you don’t have to worry about compatibility. This Anker PowerCore model comes with both a USB-C cable and a USB-C to USB-A adapter cable. There’s also an 18-month warranty to help protect against unexpected failures.

Kensington StudioDock

Image used with permission by copyright holder

One of the major advantages of the iPad Pro is that it has the ability to function as a laptop replacement, especially when paired with a keyboard and trackpad. The StudioDock takes everything to another level and allows the iPad Pro to be a desktop replacement. The iPad Pro attaches magnetically to the stand and can be oriented horizontally or vertically. The iPad Pro can charge on the stand, while the base serves as a wireless charger for other devices. There’s also an HDMI 2.0 video output for transferring video to a larger screen if necessary. Everything is supported natively, so you don’t need any extra software or drivers to make things work.

Important note: The current version of the StudioDock is not compatible with the new 2021 iPad Pro, which has a thicker design that’s not friendly with the Dock’s magnetic attachment. Kensington is working on an updated model and we’ll be sure to link to it when it comes out.

Apple AirPods Pro with Charging Case

Image shows white Apple AirPods in a charging case
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When you’re watching movies or listening to a podcast on your iPad, you don’t need to broadcast it to the rest of the world. Apple AirPods Pro help you keep the noise to yourself while delivering a wireless headphone experience. When you pull them out of their case, the AirPods are all charged up and ready to use with a single tap. With the Apple H1 headphone chip, AirPods use optical sensors and motion accelerometers to sense when they’re in your ears, and they automatically route the audio, engage the microphone, and pause when you take them out. The AirPods Pro feature Active Noise Cancellation for an immersive listening experience, thanks to one outward-facing and one inward-facing microphone, and flexible silicone tips — which come in three sizes — that conform to fit your ears. Quickly switch to Transparency Mode using the sensor on the stem to hear what’s going on around you. There’s even Adaptive EQ, which cleverly tunes music to suit the shape of your ear.

Use the Hey Siri command to adjust the volume, change the song, make a call, or get directions. You can even ask Siri to read your messages. You can wear one or both AirPods, and you can play or skip forward with a double-tap for music or podcasts. The Audio Sharing feature lets you share your audio stream with another set of AirPods, so you can watch a video or listen to music with friends. The Apple AirPods Pro deliver five hours of listening time (with Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency turned off) and three and a half hours of talk time on a single charge. The charging case holds multiple charges for more than 24 hours of listening time.

ESR Glass Screen Protector for iPad Pro

Picture shows an Apple iPad Pro with the EST Glass Screen Protector
Image used with permission by copyright holder

The cost of replacing an iPad Pro screen is exorbitant, so be sure to get some protection for your 12.9-inch hunk of iPad Pro goodness. ESR’s premium tempered 0.3mm thick glass protects your screen from scratches with a 9H hardness rating. The large cutout for the front camera and microphone facilitates face recognition and ensures excellent sound quality. The thin but durable glass covering guarantees touch sensitivity when using the Apple Pencil, 99% transparency for preserving the iPad’s Retina display, and protects the front camera against dust and scratches. ESR’s no-stress self-installation kit is easy to use: You simply need to attach the installation frame to the iPad and place the screen protector over the holder to align it without dust or air bubbles. The ESR Glass Screen Protector comes in a handy two-pack, so you can keep a spare to hand.

Incipio Fixie Stand

iPad Pro on an Incipio Fixie tablet stand
Image used with permission by copyright holder

If you’re annoyed with having to mess with your iPad Pro to type, read, or watch videos, check out the incredible lithe stand. It’ll add convenience by propping up your screen to give you the best possible visibility.

This stand’s high-quality, aircraft-grade aluminum with rubber padding protects your iPad, along with its adjustable plastic arc to provide you with optimal angles. The Incipio Fixie stand is incredibly stable, all thanks to its rubber grips. While you use this stand, you have complete access to ports and controls without any hassle.

Tomtoc Tablet Shoulder Bag

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TheTomtoc Tablet Shoulder Bag makes a fashion statement by helping professionals look top-notch and classy. It stores your tablet, USB adapter, keyboard, Pencil, cords, and other items inside an organized, aesthetically pleasing shoulder pouch. Between the thick sleeve padding and the bottom CornerArmor, you have protection from scratches, impact, and bumps.

It’s effortless to transport the Tomtoc bag. All you have to do is grab the handle if you’d like to carry it in your hand or put the strap on your shoulder if you want to enjoy hands-free holding. You can easily condense your heavy load when you’re on the go by hiding it away in your carry-on bag. The bag is available in gray or black colors and offers two different sizes to carry iPad Pro products (11 or 12.9-inch).

Lightning to USB Cable

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We acknowledge that sometimes it’s the small details that make the most significant difference in certain products. The latest iPad Pros have stopped using the lightning port and have switched over to a USB-C port. Still, there may come a time when you need a lightning device to connect your iPad Pro to other devices such as your iPhone or Mac computer.

The Apple USB-C-to-Lightning cable is Mfi certified and guarantees complete charging and syncing with other Apple devices. This is a sturdy, long-lasting cable that can extend up to three feet in length. You also get to enjoy the fantastic and bright color options, which can help you determine which cord is which. The color combinations include red, white, and blue, Rasta, and Rainbow.

Jackie Dove
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Jackie is an obsessive, insomniac tech writer and editor in northern California. A wildlife advocate, cat fan, and photo app…
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