Apple takes on Google with school-friendly iPad

Apple has announced a new entry-level iPad with special features designed for schools, in a bid to overtake Google in the education market.

The new iPad features a 9.7in touchscreen and is the first non-Pro version of the tablet to be compatible with Apple’s Pencil stylus, which allows users to create “on-screen drawings and annotations”, the Financial Times says.

The device was unveiled at a keynote meeting in Chicago yesterday, along with updated versions of Apple’s iWork “productivity” software.

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The budget iPad comes with 200GB of free iCloud space, so users can upload their files and videos into cloud storage, while a new Schoolwork app allows teachers to “assign students handouts and track their work”, the newspaper reports.

Apple’s new entry-level iPad goes on sale today and costs £319, although the company will offer a discount on the tablet and Pencil for schools, according to the London Evening Standard.

While the iPad is one of Apple’s best-selling products, the Cupertino-based firm has lagged behind other tech giants in building a presence in schools.

According to Alphr, Google’s Chromebook laptops and tablets account for “around 60% of the education market”, while Apple products make up just 19%.

Although the new iPad is Apple’s cheapest yet, Wired points out that Google Chromebooks are still far less pricey, at around $200 (£140), and come with a keyboard - which is an optional extra on iPads.