Apple has dropped an unexpected surprise on the media, announcing that it’s going to be hosting an event on March 27. It looks to be a pretty unique one, as the invitation indicates that the occasion will focus on education, specifically “creative new ideas for teachers and students.” It’s also taking place in a Chicago high school instead of the firm’s usual venues.
The invitation itself features a hand-drawn Apple logo with the words “Let’s take a field trip” below. Many have interpreted this to mean that the company is going to launch a new Apple Pencil. There’s also a chance it’s going to unveil a low-cost iPad with Apple Pencil support.
The Apple Pencil is currently restricted to high-end iPad Pro models, so carrying it over to the cheapest model will be useful for students and teachers who will be in the market for an affordable iPad. The entry-level 9.7-inch iPad is currently priced at $329, but there are rumors that the rate could drop down to $259 for the next-gen variant.
Also Read: Apple’s making it own screens for future iPhones, Apple Watch
There has also been some considerable chatter about an economical MacBook Air. An education-focused event could be the perfect launching pad for a laptop which will attract students through low costs. The current model hasn’t been updated in years and sells at $999.
The new-and-improved MacBook Air could lower things down to $799 or $899 and boast of a 2560 x 1600p Retina display, a first for the laptop series. Apple might not launch high-profile hardware products at the event though, as there’s no precedent for it doing that.
Apple actually announced a partnership with Chicago Public Schools and the City Colleges of Chicago back in December 2017 to bring its Swift programming language as part of the curriculum in the city. Perhaps its March 27 event is meant to formally launch the initiative.