Apple event - as it happened: No new iPhones, but plenty of education updates and an affordable, upgraded iPad

New iPad features support for computer learning in schools

Apple has held its latest product launch, revealing new iPads and sweeping updates to its education offering.

The event didn't bring with it many new announcements, despite expectations that Apple could update the iPhone SE or other products. Those sorts of updates have been expected early in the year, but it's likely that it will either be in a press release sent out after the event or in another announcement later on.

Instead, the event focused on education, revealing a range of new releases intended to be used in the classroom. They're ranged from new products – most affordable iPad ever, which can support the Apple Pencil – to software that allows teachers to more easily use Apple computers in their classroom.

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[27 March 2018 15:55 · Andrew Griffin]

Attendees have been given schedules for the rest of their day. They suggest that the event will last for about an hour, from 10-11 UK time, after which everyone will be head for other school-themed sessions such as coding labs.

(That further suggests that much of what we'll get today will be about software. The developers who have been invited strengthen that yet more.)

[27 March 2018 15:57 · Andrew Griffin]

While we wait the five minutes for the event to begin, here's the negative case on getting new stuff today. Would Apple really dilute the iPad line by offering something so cheap? Especially if it had Pencil support – something that's made the iPad Pro distinct until now? If it were going to launch a new iPad, would it not want to do it an event where people could see it, where there'd be a live stream?

Well, who knows. You can file this away for when I'm wrong later on.

[27 March 2018 15:59 · Andrew Griffin]

Al Gore – who as well as being a former vice president is also a member of Apple's board – is at the event 

[27 March 2018 16:02 · Andrew Griffin]

Everything is kicking off with a video, narrated by a child, about how useful computers can be in education. (Surprise.)

[27 March 2018 16:02 · Andrew Griffin]

Tim Cook is now on stage.

[27 March 2018 16:05 · Andrew Griffin]

Tim Cook is talking about principles and ideas for the moment. He's discussing the way that "people with passion can change the world", highlighting – for instance – the marches in Washington. Students are appreciative.

[27 March 2018 16:09 · Andrew Griffin]

Now talking about the importance of teaching, schools, coding and programmes unifying the three.

[27 March 2018 16:12 · Andrew Griffin]

Kathleen Richardson, who works on education at Apple but was a teacher, has given a speech about the importance of learning and technology.

[27 March 2018 16:13 · Andrew Griffin]

A shoutout for London, where Cook says there's a school that is using Apple technology to help children create books and program drones.

[27 March 2018 16:13 · Andrew Griffin]