Apple now offers education discounts on iPads. Is that because of Chromebooks?

[Commentary] Apple’s iPad line now qualifies for educational discounts for the first time. The company has long discounted its Mac computers for educators and students, but the tablet, which debuted in 2010, was never part of that promotion.

Both the full-sized iPad and iPad mini qualify for $20 to $30 price cuts for eligible purchases according to Mac Rumors.

I have to wonder: Has Apple decided to stem the growing tide of Chromebooks in schools with this pricing promotion?

The growing number of Chromebooks making their way into the classroom, combined with iPad sales that are still rising overall but at a slower rate, make Apple’s decision to reduce iPad prices intriguing. Let’s see if Apple puts even more emphasis on education at the upcoming Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC); if so, that would be telling.