Apple Unveils New Ipad: Low-cost iPad with education-friendly software to lure students, teachers

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Apple has unveiled a new entry-level iPad as well as a host of new educational apps. The company hopes the tablet will help gain back market share in the education market. CGTN's Dan Williams has this report from Chicago.

An unlikely setting for an Apple product launch, but the eyes of the tech-world were centered on Lane Tech High School in Chicago. Apple's focus here was on the education market, but as CEO Tim Cook took to the stage, there was also an acknowledgment for the March For Our Lives greater gun control movement that occurred over the weekend.

TIM COOK APPLE CEO "We've always believed that people with passion could change the world. And that was on the display this weekend in marches across Washington and across the nation."

Apple used the platform to unveil a new version of its entry-level tablet, designed to appeal to teachers and students. Apple once dominated the U.S. school market. But in recent years the company has faced stiff competition from Chromebooks, a product that snapped up 60 percent of the market share. Some of the students were given the chance to play with some of the devices.

I do feel inspired especially as a girl. I hope it gets to a point where it can really help society. I think we have a long way to go and I can't really tell where it is going to go but I like where it is going.

One thing that has not changed is the price tag of 299 US dollars. That could present a challenge to school administrators when purchasing tablets on a large scale. Not that it deterred those here.

JANICE JACKSON CEO, CHICAGO PUBLIC SCHOOLS "Our goal is to get a device into every child's hand. Right now, every single school has a collection of devices for students to use. This was amazing for Chicago's public schools. Tim Cook says he choose Chicago because we are one of the most diverse and forward-thinking school systems and that was really great to hear."

DAN WILLIAMS CHICAGO "Although this event focused on the educational aspects of Apple's products, it comes amid growing tensions over an international trade war that could impact a number of industries and that includes tech."

That message was emphasized by Illinois Governor, Bruce Rauner.

BRUCE RAUNER ILLINOIS GOVERNOR "To be clear trade wars don't really benefit anyone. They do not benefit anyone so hopefully, we can change our system so that we have more fair trade. America are leaders in technology. Technology can drive economic growth across America and around the world."

Apple hopes this launch will enable them to get a greater slice of the education market. But there are potentially many other challenges ahead. Dan Williams CGTN Chicago.