Apple announces new iPad with stylus support to take on Windows devices in the Education market
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Apple used to be an undisputed leader in the US education market. Following the release of Chromebooks and highly affordable Windows 10 devices, Apple’s market share in the education market is declining day by day. Apple is now trying to reverse the trend by announcing a more affordable iPad with Apple Pencil support. The new 9.7-inch iPad is powered by A10 Fusion chip delivering faster CPU and GPU performance and it also enables ARKit apps.
The new iPad starts at an retail price of $329 (US) for the 32GB with Wi-Fi model and $459 (US) for the 32GB Wi-Fi + Cellular model at apple.com and Apple Stores. Apple Pencil should be purchased separately for $99 as usual. However, Schools can purchase iPad starting at $299 (US) and Apple Pencil for $89 (US).
This new iPad is available to order today and will be shipping later this week in more than 25 countries and regions: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, China, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, UAE, the UK and the US. India, Russia, Thailand, Turkey and other countries and regions will follow in April, with South Korea and other countries and regions following in May.
While this new iPad is a solid offering for the education market, I don’t find any compelling reason for a school to switch from Google Chromebook’s or Microsoft’s Windows 10 devices. Even with the Apple Pencil support, I still think iPad mainly as a content consumption device. I don’t think it can replace a convertible Windows or Chromebook device which can be used for more creative activities.
Source: Apple
