The new cases offer the same magnetic locking/sleep and keyboard rest functions as the smart covers but also protect the rear of the iPad with a back panel coloured to match the front.
The cases are available in Light Grey, Dark Grey, Blue, Green, Pink and Red.
When it launched the original iPad Apple offered a black neoprene case which hid the device’s shape and added extra bulk.
The second generation iPad was accompanied by the smart cases which looked better than the original black covers but failed to offer protection for the device’s rear.
The online Apple store describes the new product as follows:
The iPad Smart Case covers your iPad — both front and back — yet still retains the thin, light design of iPad. Like the Smart Cover, it folds easily into a stand for reading, typing and watching video. And it automatically wakes and sleeps iPad on open and close. Made from polyurethane, it’s available in six bright colours. And you can personalise it with free laser engraving on the Apple Online Store.