What Will Apple Reveal At Its Upcoming Chicago High School Event?

CHICAGO, IL — Apple will be coming to Chicago to make a big education-related announcement, the tech giant revealed. The event will be March 27 at Lane Tech College Prep High School, and it's the first time Chicago has been the location for such an event since the company unveiled its digital personal assistant, the Newtown, in 1992.

Traditionally, Apple has held product announcements at its headquarters in Cupertino, California, but its last education-related event — which was in New York City in 2012 — also happened away from its West Coat home, according to Bloomberg News. Analysts aren't surprised that the focus is on education, as the company's Macintosh computers have lost ground in that area to Google and its line of Chromebooks, USA Today reports.

But the event's unusual location — at least for Apple — isn't nearly as intriguing to tech industry observers as to what exactly the company will be announcing. Here's a look at some of the rumors and theories at what Apple will roll out at its school soiree:

A new iPad: Analyst Tim Bajarin of Creative Strategies told USA Today that he believes Apple's announcement will be centered on its line of tablets. A refreshed version of the 9.7-inch, entry-level iPad aimed at students could be unveiled, according to CNet News.

RELATED: Apple To Host Education Event At North Center High School

A new iPhone SE: Fortune magazine points to rumors suggesting that an affordable version of its smartphone will be announced. But the magazine also points out that those same rumors had the event scheduled for Cupertino. CNet finds an SE2 to be unlikely, as well.

An updated stylus: A redesigned, student-friendly version of the Apple Pencil, which is only available with high-end iPad Pro currently, might be on the horizon, according to both CNet and Fortune. The reasoning behind this prediction? Parts of Apple's event invite sports flowing lines that appear to have been created with a stylus.

YOUR TURN: What do you think Apple will announce at its rare Chicago event? Share your thoughts in the comments section.

More via Bloomberg News, USA Today, Fortune magazine and CNet News

Image via Apple