Apple has updated its 9.7-inch iPad, in a launch of a range of new products aimed at the education market. The new iPad is the first lower-cost model to come with support for the Apple Pencil to write and draw on the screen. It also features the upgraded A10 Fusion chip, Retina display, front and back cameras and more advanced sensors to support augmented reality apps.
The tablet launches in an initial 25 countries from 30 March, in a choice of silver, space grey or gold. The price has been reduced to USD 329 for the basic 32 GB model and USD 459 for the iPad with built-in LTE access. The Apple Pencil costs an extra USD 99. Apple also offers a reduced price for schools of USD 289 for the tablet and USD 89 for the pencil.
At a launch event in Chicago, Apple also announced new software for schools. The 'Everyone Can Create' curriculum helps teachers integrate drawing, music, filmmaking and photography into their lessons for any subject. It adds to Apple’s 'Everyone Can Code' initiative for schools. The company also introduced the Schoolwork app to help teachers create assignments and see student progress.
All the software is optimised to work with the new iPad and builds on Apple’s existing Classroom app, which also being extended to Macs. Apple will also be offering all students and teachers with a valid ID a free 20 GB storage in its iCloud.
In addition, Apple is updating its iWork suite of productivity apps — Pages, Numbers and Keynote — with new features to enhance documents, spreadsheets and presentations on the iPad. The apps will now support the Apple Pencil, so users can add drawings, illustrations and diagrams to their documents. With the beta 'Smart Annotation' function, they can also add notes and comments for feedback.
