Apple has launched its new 9.7-inch iPad.
Heavily focused on the educational market, the newly updated device is now available in Apple Stores and shipping to schools.
Priced at $299 for students and $329 for consumers, Apple is trying to supplant the Google-powered Chromebooks used by many teachers.
According to research from FutureSource Consulting, sales in the K-12 mobile PC market in 2017 saw strong increases in sales for Google and Windows devices, and declines in Apple’s iPad.
Apple hopes for a new selling point, the addition of Apple Pencil support to this low-end device will stimulate interest and sales.
Previously, the stylus was only available on high-end iPad Pro tablets.
Apple has priced the Pencil at $89 for students. They imagine children using the pencil for art projects and similar school work.
The company has also pushed device storage for educational models. 200 GB is available to help students work on and maintain larger projects. Others will find that standard models start at 50GB.
Speed could be a selling point. iPad features its new A10 Fusion chip with a 40% faster processor for graphics performance.
It comes with 64-bit architecture and quad-core design.
Apple says the machine is “blazingly fast” and can easily handle editing 4-K video, playing graphics-heavy games, or experiencing the latest augmented reality apps.
The device can provide Wi-Fi speeds of up to 866 Mbps and LTE speeds of up to 300 Mbps.
Another feature is the ease of multitasking. Apple says you can work on your business plan, do some web research, and make a FaceTime call to a friend all at the same time.
Like other iPad models, it comes with front and rear cameras. The front is an 8-megapixel lens capable of 1080p HD video.
There is an intuitive on-screen keyboard. Users can also employ a separate version of Blue Tooth compatible.
The device weighs just one pound and is just 7.55mm wide for easy mobility.
Battery life should be around 10 hours on a single charge.
Additional features include a Touch ID, the new Dock app switching with iOS11, and the vibrant Retina display.
Along with the device, Apple is releasing some new apps specifically for the classroom. One is actually called “Classroom” and it allows users to see what students are working on in class.
Another app is “Everyone Can Create,” a kind of free curriculum on what kids can do on their iPads.
“ClassKit” is a platform that allows developers to create puzzles, quizzes, and lesson plans for students.
All Apple applications and dozens of others will be used by the educational community.
The new iPad comes in three different colors. A new gold finish is included along with silver and space gray.
While Apple fans can take a closer look at this lower-priced, feature-enhanced iPad, it remains to be seen if it will stop the popularity of Android devices among educators and students.
The tech giant may need to go back to school to learn how to turn around its sinking educational fortunes.