Already the place was close to the content: While Apple otherwise holds its PR events in California, the company staged the first product launch of the year in a school in Chicago. The reason: Apple wants to win back shares in the computer market for students after the company had neglected the area in recent years.
The group therefore introduced a new iPad model in the regular size of 9.7 inches. What's new is that it can be operated via an (additional to buy) pen like an iPad Pro. In addition to its own "Apple Pencil" Logitech offers a cheaper pen (USA: $ 49 ), which is compatible with the iPad. The chip also receives an update compared to its predecessor (A10 instead of A9).
At the same time, Apple's Office package iWork receives an update that emphasizes joint work and also has the function of creating digital textbooks. A new app called "Schoolwork" is to serve the administration of homework. Students' iCloud storage is increased to 200 gigabytes.
Beginner models are cheaper
The new tablet will cost 349 euros in Germany and is thus cheaper than the previous model without a pen. Since the price in the US remains unchanged, the company has apparently adjusted the currency conversion. Schools receive discounts.
Apple has created in the past few years, on the one hand with the "pro" line tablets in the high-price segment, on the other hand, the prices for the entry-level model to just under 400 € lowered.
For the school iPad, however, a lower price was expected in the US than the one announced: public institutions and parents make purchases more dependent on price than regular Apple consumers. Now the company in this segment seems to be trying to make the device attractive by the new features of the software.
Google more widespread in US schools
Although tablets have established themselves as a class of devices, their popularity has fallen short of expectations: Many people prefer smartphones with a large display size instead of an extra device.
In recent years, US schools have increasingly resorted to Google's cheaper Chromebook laptops, which account for more than 50 percent of purchased school equipment. Many Chromebook and Google apps are designed for education.
Microsoft has 25 percent market share with its devices, Windows laptops and installed Office programs, Apple is currently only about ten percent. All US corporations are fighting for the education market not only fast sales but also the habituation of the students to the products so that they later become lifelong customers.