In 2017, the combined net worth of Apple and Microsoft reflected two of the most valuable technology companies in the world. During that year, both firms were heavily investing in educational initiatives, cloud services, and device ecosystems, shaping how schools and universities selected technology platforms.
As education budgets tightened, institutions compared total cost of ownership, device durability, software integration, and support models. The question of whether Apple was used more than Microsoft for education in 2017 depended on region, institution type, and existing infrastructure.
| Company | Market Cap 2017 (USD Billion) | Key Education Initiatives 2017 | Primary Education Product Lines | Reported Education Channel Revenue 2017 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple | ≈ 650 | Apple Teacher program, Everyone Can Code, iBooks textbooks | iPad, Mac, Apple School Manager | Estimated several billion through institutional channels |
| Microsoft | ≈ 610 | Microsoft Education, Minecraft: Education Edition, Office 365 for Education | Windows devices, Surface, Azure for education | Significant multi-billion revenue stream from schools and enterprises |
Device Preference and Classroom Deployment in 2017
Platform Adoption in K-12 and Higher Education
In many developed regions, iPad and Mac enjoyed strong footholds in primary and secondary classrooms by 2017. Apple provided a tightly integrated ecosystem of hardware, software, and device management through Apple School Manager, which simplified app distribution and content control for teachers.
Microsoft responded with Windows 10 and 10S devices, emphasizing lower-cost laptops and hybrid devices for standardized testing and productivity. Institutions with existing Microsoft infrastructure, such as Office 365 and Active Directory, often leaned toward Microsoft for identity management and enterprise security.
Software Ecosystem and Learning Tool Integration
Content Creation, Collaboration, and Accessibility
Apple promoted iBooks Author, GarageBand, and iMovie to support creative projects, while Microsoft emphasized tools like OneNote Class Notebook, Teams for Education, and Minecraft: Education Edition for collaborative problem solving. Both companies offered free or discounted licenses for schools, which influenced procurement decisions.
The choice between Apple and Microsoft in 2017 often boiled down to whether educators preferred a design-focused workflow centered on media creation or a document-centric, compatibility-first approach aligned with business standards.
Total Cost of Ownership and Procurement Considerations
Hardware Pricing, Licenses, and Support Models
While Apple devices carried higher upfront costs, schools sometimes valued longevity, resale value, and simplified management. Microsoft offered broader device price points, from budget Windows laptops to premium Surface models, enabling more flexible budget allocations across large districts.
Depreciation schedules, charging and repair logistics, teacher training, and compatibility with legacy systems formed key parts of the net cost calculations used by finance teams in 2017.
Enterprise, Security, and IT Administration
Identity, Compliance, and Endpoint Management
Microsoft maintained an advantage in environments already using Active Directory, Group Policy, and Azure-based identity services. Apple countered with stronger integration into existing Apple Business or Enterprise programs and robust parental controls through Screen Time and MDM solutions.
Compliance frameworks, data residency requirements, and long term vendor stability were decisive for large public sector buyers comparing the two platforms in 2017.
Strategic Direction for Education Technology Beyond 2017
- Evaluate long term device lifespan and resale value when budgeting for 1:1 programs.
- Align platform choice with existing enterprise systems, such as identity providers and learning management systems.
- Prioritize teacher training and professional development to maximize return on education technology investments.
- Require proof of accessibility features and compliance with educational standards before large scale procurement.
- Run pilot programs in a few classrooms to measure real world performance before district wide rollout.
FAQ
Reader questions
Which platform had more dedicated education features in 2017?
Both Apple and Microsoft launched education-specific features in 2017, such as Apple Teacher coding curriculum and Microsoft Minecraft: Education Edition, making direct feature counts less decisive than alignment with teaching styles.
How did pricing influence adoption in public schools during 2017?
Microsoft offered a wider range of price points, which helped in budget-constrained districts, whereas Apple justified higher prices with perceived durability and resale value.
Did IT departments prefer Apple or Microsoft for management and security in 2017?
Enterprises with existing Microsoft investments typically found Microsoft tools easier to integrate, while Apple simplified mobile device management for iPad-centric programs.
Which ecosystem supported creative subjects like media and arts more effectively in 2017?
Apple’s suite of creative apps and strong third-party software for design, music, and video often made it the preferred choice for arts-focused curricula.