Apple acquires education tech startup LearnSprout

The move could give Apple a stronger foothold in the education market because LearnSprout is in more than 2,500 schools in 42 states. Speculatively, if Apple has its way with the education sector, we might see the whole system change once there is a developed ecosystem for education-related activities to operate. LearnSprout is a company that develops software for schools and teachers to track student performance and other metrics. Above it are the words, “Transform your student data into actionable insights”. LearnSprout aims to allow schools to analyze collected data, discovering trends on attendance, college readiness, student health, and more.

Apple has been keen in developing education based apps and features that can help in achieving its vision to contribute to education. “We generally do not discuss our goal or plans”.

Apple’s upcoming iOS 9.3 has numerous education-based tools and features built into it. Some of them include fast access to material where students can pick up where they left, photo ID which lets students find their iPads quickly, and simple login feature for younger kids.

In December, Apple CEO Tim Cook said that Google’s Chromebook laptops are mere “test machines”.

According to the outlet The Information, the deal closed last summer and returned investors’ money (just). LearnSprout competes with Clever, which has raised more than $40 million from Sequoia Capital, Lightspeed Venture Partners, and other investors.