Amidst WWDC announcements, Apple quietly reveals the new iPad Smart Case

After a comprehensive Keynote address at the World Wide Developer’s Conference, Apple has added another new product to its 2012 line-up: the iPad Smart Case.

The Smart Case improves upon its predecessor, the magnetic Smart Cover for the iPad, by covering both the front and back of the device.

While this upgrade was not worthy of an on-stage announcement like the details of iOS 6 was, it is still a bit of news that most iPad owners will find welcome.

Covered, just in case

The magnetic screen flap of the newly unveiled Smart Case works exactly as it did with the Smart Cover, but is integrated into a matching polyurethane back. The cover may still be folded back to prop up the iPad for typing or video viewing.

The additional coverage comes with an additional cost, however - the pricing for the Smart Case is $10 more expensive than the Smart Cover.

For the aesthetically minded, the Smart Case comes in all of the Smart Cover’s polyurethane colors - dark grey, light grey, pink, green, and blue - in addition to a new (Product) Red, which was previously only available in the more expensive leather version of the Smart Cover.

Furthermore, the Smart Case features an Apple logo on its back so as not to hide the branding of the iPad and may be engraved at no additional charge.

It is unclear at time of writing whether Apple intends to have the Smart Case replace the Smart Cover, as the Smart Cover is still available for purchase on its website