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 16:35 · Andrew Griffin]

You can get other stuff for the iPad, they point out. Logitech makes a "crayon" for instance, which works like the Pencil but sells for only $49.

[27 March 2018 16:35 · Andrew Griffin]

Altogether this is the best iPad for students and teachers, Apple says. And with that we're done on the tablets!

[27 March 2018 16:37 · Andrew Griffin]

(They're calling the new iPad the "iPad 6", by the way.)

[27 March 2018 16:38 · Andrew Griffin]

Apple's big press release on the iPad has arrived. Here's what they've got to say:

Apple today updated its most popular iPad with support for Apple Pencil plus even greater performance, starting at £319. The new 9.7-inch iPad and Apple Pencil give users the ability to be even more creative and productive, from sketching ideas and jotting down handwritten notes to marking up screenshots. The new iPad is more versatile and capable than ever, features a large Retina display, the A10 Fusion chip and advanced sensors that help deliver immersive augmented reality, and provides unmatched portability, ease of use and all-day battery life.*

“iPad is our vision for the future of computing and hundreds of millions of people around the world use it every day at work, in school and for play. This new 9.7-inch iPad takes everything people love about our most popular iPad and makes it even better for inspiring creativity and learning,” said Greg Joswiak, Apple’s vice president of Product Marketing. “Our most popular and affordable iPad now includes support for Apple Pencil, bringing the advanced capabilities of one of our most creative tools to even more users. This iPad also has the power of the A10 Fusion chip, combined with the big, beautiful Retina display, advanced cameras and sensors that enable incredible AR experiences simply not possible on other devices.”

iPad’s beautiful 9.7-inch Retina display delivers gorgeous detail and vivid colours, and features a higher-resolution touch sensor that enables Apple Pencil support. First introduced for iPad Pro, Apple Pencil has become a popular and versatile tool among students, professionals and creatives and is now available to even more customers. 

[27 March 2018 16:39 · Andrew Griffin]

And here's the important info:

– iPad comes in silver, space grey and a new gold finish and starts at an Apple retail price of £319 for the 32GB with Wi-Fi model and £449for the 32GB Wi-Fi + Cellular model at Apple.com and Apple Stores. It is also available through Apple Authorised Resellers and select carriers (prices may vary). For more information, please visit apple.com/ipad.

– Apple Pencil is available for purchase separately for £89.

– Schools can purchase iPad for a discounted price.

[27 March 2018 16:41 · Andrew Griffin]

Apple is talking about some new apps: Classroom for Mac and a brand new one called Schoolwork.

Schoolwork sounds like what had been rumoured as ClassKit: a special framework that can integrate with different apps and so on, and make them easier for teachers and students to use.

[27 March 2018 16:42 · Andrew Griffin]

Here's a little nod towards the current environment: everything done as part of Schoolwork will only be shared with teachers. “It’s really important to us that you understand: This data stays private.”

Apple has long stressed its commitment to privacy, and the last couple of weeks seem to be suggesting that's paying off.

[27 March 2018 16:42 · Andrew Griffin]

So, ClassKit is real: it's a framework that you can integrate into other apps. Schoolwork is one of those apps.

[27 March 2018 16:46 · Andrew Griffin]

Another app: Apple Teacher. Does what it says on the tin – it's an app for teachers who use Apple products. It's a learning programme that lets people get achievements and things as they go.

[27 March 2018 16:48 · Andrew Griffin]

Talking about coding and Everyone Can Code. Apple has long been committed to encouraging people to learn programming in school. Here's our despatch from one of its Hour of Code events all the way back in 2014.