Apple’s new iPad: 5 things to know

Apple on Tuesday unveiled the latest incarnation of the iPad tablet as it looks to seize a larger share of the U.S. educational services marketplace.

The new 9.7-inch iPad was designed with students and teachers in mind. Apple’s website touts the device as “the perfect computer for learning [that] looks nothing like a computer.”

“We’ve been at this for 40 years and we care deeply about education,” Cook said during a keynote address at Lane Tech College Prep High School in Chicago, Illinois.

Google is the current dominant force in education software, with 60% of U.S. schools using its Chrome operating system, according to Futurescore Consulting data cited by Reuters.

Sales of iPad devices have traditionally composed a small portion of Apple’s annual revenue. Of Apple’s $229.2 billion in total revenue in 2017, iPad sales accounted for just 8.3%.

FOX Business breaks down key details regarding Apple’s new device.

‘Pencil’ functionality

Unlike past iPads, the base version is compatible with Apple’s “Pencil” stylus – an innovation the company says will make it easier for students to take notes and interact with teacher presentations. In the past, only upgraded iPads had stylus functionality.

Better support for teachers

In addition to its iPad, Apple unveiled a new app called “Schoolwork” that allows teachers to create digital assignments and monitor student progress. The device also has augmented reality functionality, allowing students to virtually dissect frogs.

Better processer, more storage

The new iPad features a stronger A10 Fusion processor that matches of the CPU power of its iPhone 7. Apple is also making 200G of free iCloud storage available to students

Cheaper for students

The upgraded version of the iPad costs $299 for schools, compared to $329 for regular customers. Apple is also offering a discount on its “Pencil” stylus, which does not come standard with the iPad. It costs $89 for schools and $99 for consumers.

The iPad is already available

Apple is already taking orders on its new iPad as of Tuesday, with shipments expected to begin this week.