Apple plans to release its cheapest iPad yet next week in bid to compete with Microsoft and Google in the classroom, report claims

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Apple may be preparing to release a new iPad that is its cheapest model yet.

The iPhone maker is hosting an education-focused event on Tuesday in Chicago where they're expected to make a few product-related announcements. 

One of those could include a new version of its low-cost iPad, Bloomberg reported, citing sources close to the situation. 

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Apple could release a low-cost iPad at its education-focused event in Chicago next week. Currently, its cheapest model is the $329 iPad that was released in 2017

Apple is trying to carve out a greater share of the education market after it ceded its once-dominant position to rivals Google and Microsoft. 

Now, high school and middle school-aged students are more likely to be using Google's Chromebooks and Microsoft's Surface laptops, instead of an iPad or a MacBook. 

The last time the tech giant held an education-focused event was six years ago. 

Now, Apple appears to be going after the market again by releasing a slew of cheaper products, as well as new education software. 

It's been rumored for several months that Apple was considering releasing a low-cost iPad.

The cheapest model available right now is Apple's $329 iPad, which was released last year. 

The forthcoming iPad is said to be priced at about $259. 

Classrooms are a highly sought after market because they can serve as the breeding ground for future, or even lifetime, Apple customers.

Apple is trying to carve out a greater share of the education market after it ceded its once-dominant position to rivals Google and Microsoft

Students have become more budget-conscious, preferring products like Google's Chromebook (pictured) or Microsoft's student-focused Surface laptop

A cheaper iPad could be a smart strategy for Apple as more and more students have become budget-conscious with their devices.

Apple may release a few other new products in addition to the iPad. 

Some have speculated that Apple will introduce a wireless charging case for its AirPod headphones, while others have suggested Apple could even release a new wireless iPhone SE. 

Apple is also rumored to be releasing a new version of its popular iBooks app next week, designed similarly to its App Store, Bloomberg said.  

However, since it's an education-focused event, it seems more likely that Apple will limit its announcements to a few new products. 

Over the past few months, several reports indicated that there's a good possibility Apple will release an affordable 13-inch MacBook laptop at its education event

IS APPLE BUILDING A CRUMB-RESISTANT MACBOOK KEYBOARD?

Getting crumbs stuck down the back of your keyboard could soon be a thing of the past, according to a patent application from Apple.

The new design could resolve the issue of dust and dirt getting lodged in the gaps between shallow keys.

Brushes, wipers and flaps could block crumbs going down the space between keys and a 'bellows' effect could even force pesky crumbs out from under them.

Not only do these crumbs look disgusting but they can also result in the entire keyboard needing to be replaced.

The mechanism may consist of structures such as brushes, wipers, and flaps that block gaps around key caps. Pictured is a view of the potential keyboard from the patent

A cross section of a key assembly mechanism to prevent particles from reaching spaces underneath keys. Apple's patent application explains how funnels, skirts, bands or other guard structures coupled to key caps may block or direct contaminants away from areas under the key caps

The patent, which was published earlier this month, aims to protect Apple's laptop device from contaminants, including dust and liquid.

Residues from such liquids, such as sugar, can corrode or block electrical contacts and inhibit moving parts.

The mechanism could prevent damage to MacBook's and so limit the need for costly repairs.

The company files lots of patents and it is not known if this technology will ever be made available. 

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Many are holding out hope that Apple will release a cheaper MacBook model. 

Over the past few months, several reports indicated that there's a good possibility Apple will release an affordable 13-inch MacBook laptop at its education event. 

A new 13-inch MacBook could cost less than $1,000.  

The model would replace the MacBook Air, Apple's ultraportable laptop released a decade ago. 

While it may be working on a new 13-inch model, Apple probably won't have it ready by Tuesday, according to Bloomberg.