5 things to expect from Apple’s 'Field Trip' event next week

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5 things to expect from Apple’s ‘Field Trip’ event next week

Apple’s sprung a surprise event on us. “Let’s take a field trip,” says the invite, before asking everyone to join Apple to hear “creative new ideas for teachers and students”. The event will take place on 27 March in Chicago but in the meantime, here’s what we might see – along with some things we hope Apple reveals…

5 things to expect from Apple's Field Trip event: Apple Pencil 2.0

1. Apple Pencil 2.0

A revised Apple Pencil has been rumoured for a while, and it sure looks like that invitation was scribbled by someone with high-quality pressure-sensitive kit. Word is the new one will stick to your iPad by the power of magnetism, and might have a clip. More out-there rumours talk of virtual erasers and changeable nibs. Frankly, we’d love to use a Pencil with something cheaper than an iPad Pro. Teacher says: A good idea, although a bit vague and lacking in focus. B

5 things to expect from Apple's Field Trip event: Cheaper iPads

2. Cheaper iPads

We know new iPads are on the way, but not what they’ll look like, nor whether they’ll even be mentioned at this event. It’s vanishingly unlikely a major revamp would happen away from Apple’s home turf but we might get a price-drop (possibly education-only) or a spec-bump for last year’s model. Teacher says: Lacking in imagination, but solid thinking that recognises a need in the marketplace. B

5 things to expect from Apple's Field Trip event: Revamped notebooks

3. Revamped notebooks

The MacBook Air’s looking a bit long in the tooth now, but slots in nicely as the entry-level model in Apple’s line-up, especially with the top-end MacBooks costing so much. Imagine if the rumours are true and the Air is getting a $150 price-cut. And Thunderbolt. And a Retina display. And a pony. Teacher says: Starts well, and again showcases a need in the market, but you got a bit silly towards the end. C

5 things to expect from Apple's Field Trip event: iCloud storage

4. More free iCloud storage

The 5GB free tier Apple gives all iCloud users is irritating and borderline insulting, but with managed IDs in education, you can’t even buy more space. Now would be a good time for Apple to raise the limit for everyone, or at least give students an extra 45GB each – unlimited space would be better though. Teacher says: An excellent idea that would be a boon to everyone working with Apple equipment in the classroom and beyond. A

5 things to expect from Apple's Field Trip event: Classroom apps

5. New and improved apps for the classroom

Finally, seeing that this event is all about teachers and students, there’s bound to be a bunch of stuff specifically aimed that them. Perhaps we’ll see demos of ClassKit in iOS 11.3, a revamped Classroom app, and updates to iTunes U. Although, to be honest, that all sounds pretty boring, and we’d sooner sit there sneakily playing GRID Autosport on our iPhone while we’re supposed to be working instead. Teacher says: See me after class.