Schools choose Apple over Google in tech battle

Last week, Google launched Googlebooks, new laptops built around AI features. These are meant to replace Chromebooks, which schools have used for years. But just days before Google’s announcement, Kansas City Public Schools decided to switch entirely to Apple’s MacBook Neos instead. They plan to replace 30, 000 Windows PCs and Chromebooks with the new Apple devices. This move by Kansas City shows how quickly school tech choices can shift. Even though Google says it will keep updating ChromeOS for now, it didn’t promise to keep making Chromebooks. That silence speaks volumes. Schools using Chromebooks might soon feel left behind as Google pushes AI-first devices like Googlebooks. Chromebooks once dominated classrooms, with 93% of US school districts using them last year. But now, Google’s focus on AI could make schools question whether Chromebooks still fit their needs. Google claims it will help schools transition to Googlebooks when their current devices wear out. Yet, details are scarce. No clear timeline or plan has been shared.AI in classrooms isn’t without controversy. Some worry about plagiarism, others about kids relying too much on AI tools. There are also serious concerns about children interacting with AI systems without proper safeguards. Googlebooks brings AI into every part of the device, from the cursor to the keyboard. That raises big questions about how much AI should influence learning. Apple’s MacBook Neos offer a simpler alternative. They’re competitively priced and don’t force schools into AI-heavy setups. For districts tired of tech headaches, the choice might be clear. Chromebooks were once the easy, budget-friendly option. Now, they face a tough competitor in both price and practicality.