In an effort to help students grow, Apple has announced the launch of a student friendly iPad. Apple has refreshed its latest iPad, adding Pencil support and other software features designed especially for use in schools. This new 9.7 inches iPad has enhanced all the features loved by Apple users, with improved performances and battery life. Priced at $ 329, this model is considered to be Apple’s cheapest version yet.
The new iPads also support Apple’s digital stylus. This means that the apps built for iPad Pro which use the Pencil can be refreshed by developers to run without hiccups on the new iPads. The new model comes with the latest processor, the A10 Fusion Chip. This chip makes it easier for users to run augmented reality apps or use iOS 11’s multitasking features to run multiple apps at the same time.
While the iPad comes with similar storage options as the previous one, the refurbished version has a battery life of 10 hours along with a Touch ID. In addition to the new software, Apple announced some additional features to the model as well. Apple launched a new software for teachers called the Schoolwork, which is a free cloud based app. The Schoolwork lets teachers send PDFs or documents as handouts, organize upcoming assignments and create activities within apps for their students to complete on their own iPads.
Apart from this, the Classroom app got an upgrade as well. The app lets teachers track more than one student at a time. Further, the app runs on the Mac desktop as well, making it more user friendly than ever. The new iPad has a little bit for everyone. It comes with upgrades to page, numbers and keynotes. A new set of templates have also been added to Apple’s digital book authorising software, along with enabling the use of the Pencil.
If Apple is going to be successful in its bid to peel off a larger share of that education pot, it will need to convince education IT buyers that its new devices offer a better value, an easier maintenance regimen and a richer classroom experience than Chromebooks. Now we all have to wait to see if these new iPads pass the test.