Bloomberg:Apple to unveil low- cost iPad and education apps next week

Apple is holding a press event next week and Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman claims that a new low-cost iPad model plus some new educational apps are up for an announcement.

Apple is also working on some new software for the classroom, including the previously reported overhauled version of the iBooks app with App Store-like styling, a Today section with in-house created editorials, interviews, reviews and so forth.

Gurman’s report also mentions that a new, cheaper MacBook laptop is in the works, corroborating a recent report by revered Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo of KGI Securities. The new sub-$999 notebook may replace MacBook Air as Apple’s entry-level notebook, but it probably won’t be ready in time for next week’s event, the report added.

An inexpensive iPad would be Apple’s attempt to win back students and teachers from Google’s and Microsoft’s solutions. Although Apple has led the educational market for years, it got surpassed in the United States in the past few years by Google’s ultra-cheap Chromebook notebooks while Microsoft’s two-in-one devices have been gaining popularity as well.

Last year, the global educational technology market generated $17.7 billion in revenue, according to research firm Frost & Sullivan.

As you know, Apple a week ago invited journalists for a media presentation.

The event will be hosted at the Lane Tech College Prep High School in Chicago, Illinois on Tuesday, March 27 at 10am. “Join us to hear creative new ideas for teachers and students,” reads Apple’s invite.

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