Apple Inc. is going head-to-head with Google in education, a market the iPhone-maker helped pioneer but has let languish.
For the first time in several years, Apple released hardware specific to education: a new iPad that squares up against Google's cheap Chromebook laptops, which have become popular in schools. Apple also introduced a new education service called Schoolwork, which will compete with Google's Classroom software.
The new iPad has a 9.7 inch screen and costs $299 for students and schools, and $329 for other users. It supports the Apple Pencil accessory, a first for a non-Pro iPad model. Apple also said it is releasing new versions of its iWork productivity apps that work with the Pencil stylus. The Pencil will cost $89 for students, $10 below the regular price.