Here’s How Apple is Blazing New Trails

Apple’s (NASDAQ:AAPL) newest iPad is growing its footprint in the U.S., branching out from the wealthier coastal states that have comprised the largest share of activations in the past into some unexpected new climes.

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While Hawaii and California have so far led new iPad activations in May, a study shows that in Nebraska, of all places, followed in third place, with new iPads accounting for 15.603 percent of activations.

But according to Chitika Insights, a large number of iPad activations in the Cornhusker State weren’t from the typical gadget consumers, but rather the state’s public education system, which in a new initiative includes a 1-to-1 iPad program for students.

Nebraska isn’t the only state in which Apple grew its customer base this month through education sales. Delaware was fifth on Chitika’s list, with the new iPad accounting for nearly 15 percent of activations, thanks in large part to the University of Delaware, the state’s largest learning institution, which introduced an entire iPad-focused course load to prepare educators to comprehensively teach using the devices.

New iPads accounted for just over 15 percent of activations in Washington D.C., where government usage is growing. According to Chitika’s report, General Martin Dempsey of the Joint Chiefs of Staff uses his iPad daily, and the Air Force recently agreed to purchase up to 18,000 iPads for use in cargo aircraft.

By expanding through new industries like education, healthcare, and transportation, the iPad is helping Apple as a company reach new industries it could not penetrate with the Mac. And as learning institutions and corporations adopt Apple technologies, their students, staff, and employees are exposed to the brand, helping build familiarity with Apple’s platforms and, hopefully, create new, loyal customers.

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