Do Wake/Sleep magnets in Apple’s “Smart Folio for iPad Air (4th gen)” disrupt the iPad compass?

Any magnets in general proximity of the iPad can/will affect accuracy of the built-in fluxgate compass and magnetometer. Even a weak magnet’s field, in proximity of an iPad, is considerably stronger than the earth’s magnetic field.

Whilst is is possible to largely calibrate/compensate for fixed magnets in close proximity, magnets used with covers (that trigger the sleep/wake function), will negatively impact compass and magnetometer accuracy. Unless your iPad is being used specifically for navigation, this inaccuracy may not be a significant issue.

My own observations and testing have recorded compass errors of up to 90° in some instances, requiring triggering of compass recalibration to resolve. If using your iPad for applications where compass accuracy is critical, you would be well advised to avoid proximity to all ferrous materials and magnets - including those employed by covers and keyboards.

I was hoping that Apple would not be selling a ‘smart’ cover advertised as specifically for the iPad Air (4th gen) 10.9” if the wake/sleep magnets in that cover disrupt the compass.

That doesn’t seem logical ... although that doesn’t mean it’s not true. 8-)