According to IDC, Apple’s iPads have been overtaken by Google’s Chromebooks in US schools for the first time.
715,500 Chromebooks were shipped to schools in Q3, compared to 702,000 iPads. Chromebooks now represent 25% of the education market, from a 0% share two years ago.
The education market has traditionally been dominated by Windows, but schools are increasingly choosing lower-cost alternatives. While the iPad’s touchscreen is appealing, the inegrated keyboard on Chromebooks is key to its takeup. Apple retains a slight lead over Google in schools and colleges when Macbook sales, using OS X, are included.
The result is the latest sign of slowing iPad sales. Revenues were down 14% YoY in Apple’s financial quarter ending in September.
