Apple just concluded a "field trip" of sorts in Chicago, with a large focus on education. Most announcements revolved around software tools for teachers and students, but, there's also some new hardware to utilize in the classrooms and beyond - a new 9.7-inch iPad. A good way of thinking about it is an upgraded iPad 9.7 (2017). Most notably, one compatible with the Apple pencil and all the interactivity that comes with it. Visually, it is identical to the current iPad, which only makes sense for cost-saving. Hardware-wise, there is likely some change in the display or digitizer...
Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/apples_new_97inch_ipad_comes_with_pencil_support_and_an_a10_chip-news-30291.php
