Apple to make it easier to setup, share iPads for schools

Apple's devices, particularly iPad tablets, have been the darling of the academic industry for quite some time, but now it is seeing its turf threatened by more affordable, more general purpose computers, namely Google's myriad Chromebooks. iPads definitely still have advantages in terms of looks and tech savvy-ness, but some things need to change if the devices are to remain relevant and useful in today's school settings. It seems that Apple has been listening and a leaked email to its iPad for education customers reveal that the storms of change are coming.

The iPad and the software ecosystem around it has been meticulously designed around a one device per user scenario. While that might be ideal, some academic institutions cannot afford to do so for iPads used in classrooms. Some might even reuse a single tablet across different classes. In this scenario, Apple's hard requirement for an Apple ID to get things going just won't fly. That is why Cupertino is shaking things up a bit in order to ensure that iPads remain a staple of classrooms for the foreseeable future.

For one, it will be removing the need for an Apple ID to assign and deliver apps on the iPad. This removes the need for schools to create unmanageable generic Apple IDs just to get things going. But even in the circumstance that Apple IDs for students are needed, Apple will also be making the process easier. Soon, school administrators will be able to create and manage Apple ID's on behalf of the student, without requiring to go through the usual hoops, like getting consent from parents of students below 13 years of age.

These all tie up with plans to have a simplified and better deployment program for iPads in schools. Administrators will have a lot more power and flexibility when it comes to managing such devices but without making the process too complex in turn. Device deployment and administration is one of the cited reasons why Chrombeooks are surpassing iPads as the device of choice in classrooms. These changes could definitely put Apple back into the game.

There is no word yet when these changes will roll out, but Apple should probably do it soon. The iPads are now seen to be dying by many prophets of doom and salvation could very well come from established market segments like education, as well as new ones like businesses, as rumors about the iPad Pro would seem to imply.

VIA: 9to5Mac