While the CEO's visit is timed with the opening of the country's first Apple retail store, it's said that he also may be discussing a possible $4 billion project to bring iPads to Turkey's schools. February 3, 2014 5:18 PM PST Apple's iPad mini. (Credit: Apple) Apple CEO Tim Cook's visit to Turkey this week has been in the works for awhile now. It coincides with the opening of the company's first retail store in the country. However, during his visit, Cook also has plans to meet with Turkish president Abdullah Gul on Tuesday. Word has it that Cook will be discussing an initiative that could bring millions of iPads to children in Turkey's schools, according to AppleInsider. The deal is said to be worth as much as $4 billion. Related stories Apple hit by a patent suit over A7 chip IHS cautious about Apple's push for large iPad Future iPhones, iPads could be more touch sensitive Apple applies for 'smart bezel' patent for iPads Apple to make critical new component at sapphire plant The iPads are a central component to Turkey's technology education initiative, dubbed FATIH Project. This project's goal is to bring high-tech tools and devices to Turkish children. This project aims to equip 42,000 schools and 570,000 classes with up-to-date information technologies. So far, in the pilot phase of the project, 57,500 tablets have been distributed to students and teachers. According to AppleInsider, Turkey could buy as many as 12.6 million tablets for the initiative over the next few years. The meeting between Cook and Gul wouldn't be the first time Apple has met with the Turkish president. According to AppleInsider, Apple's vice president of education John Couch was said to have discussed the FATIH Project with Gul last year. Apple has been expanding its Turkish market as of late. In October, the company launched Turkey's first online Apple Store and its new 21,500-square-foot retail store will open this week in Istanbul's Zorlu Center. CNET contacted Apple for comment. We'll update the story when we get more information.
While the CEO's visit is timed with the opening of the country's first Apple retail store, it's said that he also may be discussing a possible $4 billion project to bring iPads to Turkey's schools.
Apple's iPad mini.
(Credit: Apple)
Apple CEO Tim Cook's visit to Turkey this week has been in the works for awhile now. It coincides with the opening of the company's first retail store in the country. However, during his visit, Cook also has plans to meet with Turkish president Abdullah Gul on Tuesday.
Word has it that Cook will be discussing an initiative that could bring millions of iPads to children in Turkey's schools, according to AppleInsider. The deal is said to be worth as much as $4 billion.
Related stories
- Apple hit by a patent suit over A7 chip
- IHS cautious about Apple's push for large iPad
- Future iPhones, iPads could be more touch sensitive
- Apple applies for 'smart bezel' patent for iPads
- Apple to make critical new component at sapphire plant
The iPads are a central component to Turkey's technology education initiative, dubbed FATIH Project. This project's goal is to bring high-tech tools and devices to Turkish children. This project aims to equip 42,000 schools and 570,000 classes with up-to-date information technologies. So far, in the pilot phase of the project, 57,500 tablets have been distributed to students and teachers. According to AppleInsider, Turkey could buy as many as 12.6 million tablets for the initiative over the next few years.
The meeting between Cook and Gul wouldn't be the first time Apple has met with the Turkish president. According to AppleInsider, Apple's vice president of education John Couch was said to have discussed the FATIH Project with Gul last year.
Apple has been expanding its Turkish market as of late. In October, the company launched Turkey's first online Apple Store and its new 21,500-square-foot retail store will open this week in Istanbul's Zorlu Center.
CNET contacted Apple for comment. We'll update the story when we get more information.
