Chromebooks Account for Half of K-12 Device Shipments

Shipments of Chrome OS-based devices to American K–12 schools increased more than 31 percent in the last year, according to a report released by FutureSource Consulting.

Despite an overall decline is computing devices across all other sector, spending on ed tech in the United States increased in the last year, and leading that increase were devices running Chrome OS, such as the Chromebook and Chromebox.

According to FutureSource, Chrome accounted for exactly half of all device shipments to K–12 schools in the United States, displacing all other operating systems. In fact, even Google's own Android OS, the most popular OS in the world, which powers Android phones and tablets, was off by one point for the year among American K–12 schools (down to a 2 percent market share).

The biggest losers to Chrome OS for 2015 were:

  • Apple's iOS (which powers the iPhone and iPad), off seven points in 2015 compared with 2014, to a 19 percent market share;
  • Windows, down three points to 22 percent; and
  • Mac OS, down two points to 6 percent.
chart showing market share of operating systems in united states k-12 schools

Chart: FutureSource Consulting

That's in stark contrast to the global ed tech market, where Microsoft Windows dominates with a 43 percent market share (up four points from 2014) and where Chrome and Android run neck and neck at 20 percent and 18 percent, respectively.

According to FutureSource, excluding the United States, Chromebooks accounted for only 3 percent of device shipments globally.

About the Author

David Nagel is the former editorial director of 1105 Media's Education Group and editor-in-chief of THE Journal, STEAM Universe, and Spaces4Learning. A 30-year publishing veteran, Nagel has led or contributed to dozens of technology, art, marketing, media, and business publications.

He can be reached at [email protected]. You can also connect with him on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidrnagel/ .


Featured

  • digital learning resources including a document, video tutorial, quiz checklist, pie chart, and AI cloud icon

    Quizizz Rebrands as Wayground, Announces New AI Features

    Learning platform Quizizz has become Wayground, in a rebranding meant to reflect "the platform's evolution from a quiz tool into a more versatile supplemental learning platform that's supported by AI," according to a news announcement.

  • red brick school building with a large yellow "AI" sign above its main entrance

    New National Academy for AI Instruction to Provide Free AI Training for Educators

    In an effort to "transform how artificial intelligence is taught and integrated into classrooms across the United States," the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), in partnership with Microsoft, OpenAI, Anthropic, and the United Federation of Teachers, is launching the National Academy for AI Instruction, a $23 million initiative that will provide access to free AI training and curriculum for all AFT members, beginning with K-12 educators.

  • stylized illustration of a desktop, laptop, tablet, and smartphone all displaying an orange AI icon

    Survey: AI Shifting from Cloud to PCs

    A recent Intel-commissioned report identifies a significant shift in AI adoption, moving away from the cloud and closer to the user. Businesses are increasingly turning to the specialized hardware of AI PCs, the survey found, recognizing their potential not just for productivity gains, but for revolutionizing IT efficiency, fortifying data security, and delivering a compelling return on investment by bringing AI capabilities directly to the edge.

  • Abstract AI circuit board pattern

    Nonprofit LawZero to Work Toward Safer, Truthful AI

    Turing Award-winning AI researcher Yoshua Bengio has launched LawZero, a nonprofit aimed at developing AI systems that prioritize safety and truthfulness over autonomy.