Apple to launch low-cost iPad for students and teachers
New Delhi : Apple Inc. is known for designing and developing high quality electronics, computer software for consumers, globally. As of now, the multinational technology company is preparing to launch a new low-cost iPads and education software for students and teachers across the globe. The company is likely to introduce the product next week.
A source confirmed that in its first launch, Apple will target its roots in the education market. The event on Tuesday at Lane Technical College Prep High School in Chicago will mark the first time Apple has held a product launch geared toward education since 2012 when it uncovered a tool for designing e-books for the iPad. It will be a rare occasion for an Apple conference outside its home state of California.
Chicago will witness the show off a new version of its cheapest iPad designed by the world’s most-valuable technology company. Developers working with Apple believe that the iPasd will make a mark in the education market. The company will also showcase new software for the classroom.
Steve Jobs, founder of the company, made schools a priority for Apple early in its life. But, in recent years, the company went toward mass-market and higher-margin products and Google and Microsoft have had success records into classrooms with inexpensive laptops and tablets. Last year, the global educational technology market generated $17.7 billion in revenue, according to research firm Frost & Sullivan.
Apple was responsible for 17% of mobile computing shipments to American students in kindergarten through high school, according to data from the third quarter published by Futuresource Consulting. Devices running Google’s operating systems on Chromebooks or Android tablets held 60 percent of the market, and Windows PCs had 22 percent. While Macs and iPads make up less than 20 percent of Apple’s sales combined, students and teachers are a key market to drive future purchases.
As per official source, a new, cheaper MacBook laptop is in the works and will possibly replace the MacBook Air at a price less than $1,000. However, it won’t be ready in time for next week launch. The MacBook Air which was introduced about a decade ago hasn’t seen a major change since 2010, as the same year the iPad came out. Although, laptop is popular among college students, it has faded away as Apple focuses on more expensive Macs.
In recent years, rival laptops have made ways into the education market, field that originally helped Apple make its name and fame. The sector is appreciated among industry giants because students learn to use a certain type of device, then start into the workforce and spread the technology wider.
With recent advertisement attack, Apple is eager to capture more young minds with the iPad. The company has revised its tablet strategy over the years by launching different versions at a variety of prices. The strategy has helped iPad business return to growth after multiple declining quarters. Yet, the market survey says that demand for tablets is fragile. According to research firm IDC, the market reduced in size by about 7% in 2017. Apple grew 3% last year and leads the industry with about a section of the global market.
