https://www.cnet.com/news/apple-wants-to-make-ipads-cheaper-heres-how-that-might-happen/

While once considered a potential powerhouse for education, the iPad has been overshadowed by cheaper, more flexible Chromebooks that run Google's Chrome OS. Chrome OS systems currently own about 60 percent of the K-12 education market, versus 17 percent for Apple.

Lowering the entry price for iPads could help win some of that market share, and Apple is already moving in this direction. Last year's iPad price cut -- where the 2017 iPad at $329 replaced the iPad Air 2 at $499 -- was the prime driver that finally reversed a 13-quarter trend of iPad sales declines, even as higher-end iPad Pro models deliver better screens, sleeker design and support for the Apple Pencil stylus at considerably higher prices.