Apple doesn’t often have sales on its products, but its generosity does spread to Black Friday, Christmas – and the Back to School season. Every year, the iPhone manufacturer kicks off bundle deals on its Mac and iPad devices on top of its regular Apple Education Store discounts.
In this article, we’ll answer your questions around Apple’s Back to School Sale and how to get a student discount at the Apple Education Store.
When is Apple’s Back to School Sale?
Apple Back to School Sale US & Canada dates – On now until 27 September
Apple kicked off its Back to School sale in the US and Canada on 17 June. The event will run until 27 September 2021. See Apple’s Back to School promotions in the US.
The date is in keeping with last year’s sale, which launched around the same time on 15 June. Last year, the US Apple Back to School Sale was originally supposed to end on 29 September but was extended to 12 October – just a day before Prime Day 2020 started.
Apple Back to School Sale UK dates
Apple still hasn’t confirmed when it will have its Back to School sale in the UK, though it’s possible we might see an announcement next month.
Apple started its UK sale on 9 July in both 2020 and 2019. Last year the sale lasted until 29 October and bundled a free pair of Apple AirPods. Shop Apple Back to School in the UK.
Apple Back to School Sale Asia-Pacific dates
Running on a slightly separate schedule, Apple kicked off its Asia-Pacific Back to University Sale on 7 January. The event ran across Australia, New Zealand, South Korea and Brazil and ended on 16 March.
Also see: The full guide to the Microsoft student discount (get 10% off Surface devices and free access to Office 365 Education).
What’s included in Apple’s Back to School Sale 2021?
Apple’s Back to School sale in North America this year is following the same route as last year. University students or those just about to start higher education can get a free pair of AirPods (worth £159/$159/AUD$249) with any of the following devices:
Also like last year, those who want to upgrade to the AirPods with Wireless Charger or AirPods Pro will just need to pay the difference. That’s £40/$40 more if you want the AirPods and Wireless charging case or £90/$90 more if you want the AirPods Pro.
Students also get 20% off AppleCare+ , Apple’s device insurance program that covers accidental damages at a small, reduced cost. We look into whether .
Is Apple giving away free Beats headphones?
Not this year. Instead of Beats headphones, Apple US is offering its popular AirPods wireless earphones, which is the same offer we’re expecting in the UK.
In past Apple Education Store sales, Apple offered credit towards Beats headphones with Mac and iPad purchases. This year, like last year, the UK is offering a £159/$159 credit that students can put towards a pair of AirPods earphones, effectively making it free. Students also get 20% off AppleCare+.
In the US, students can put the $159 credit towards the AirPods with the wireless charging case, worth $199, and get the set for $40. Alternatively, students can put the credit towards the AirPods Pro, worth $249, and only pay $90 out of pocket.
What discounts are available with Apple Education Store pricing for students?
Apple’s educational pricing is available all year long – it’s only during the back-to-school season that customers can make the most of Apple’s bundled freebies.
UK students and staff can still take advantage of savings via Apple’s educational pricing scheme with up to 10% off. Here are the starting prices across the range:
- MacBook Air from £898.80
- MacBook Pro from £1168.80
- iMac (M1) from £1124.40
- Mac mini from £628.80
- Mac Pro from £4,948.80
- Pro Display XDR from £4,138.80
- iPad Pro (M1) from £711.60
- iPad AIr (4th gen, 2020) from £535.20
- iPad (8th gen, 2020) from £309.60
Students in the US can save up to $100 on Mac and up to $50 on an iPad Pro or Air and get 20% off for added device protection.
Related:
Will Apple’s new iPad Pro M1 be included in the Back to School sale?
Yes, you can pick up the free AirPods when you buy the new iPad Pro with the M1 chip. You can also get the AirPods when you buy the iPad Air (4th gen, 2020). What we can’t see are any bundle offers on the 2020 iPad, though it is eligible for student pricing.
We’re separately looking at all the retailers stocking the 10.2in iPad (8th gen, 2020) right here.
Also see the best iPad Pro M1 offers here.
Who qualifies for Apple Education Store discounts?
Education pricing is available to current and newly accepted university students, parents buying for university students as well as teachers and staff at all levels.
In the UK, you’ll need a UniDays account to access the deals.
Our colleagues over at Macworld UK have put together a .
How to get an Apple Education Discount
Students and staff will need to verify their status via UNiDays in the UK.
In the US and Australia the verification process is less standardized. While you don’t need any specific ID or login to order for the Apple Education Store, Apple can request to see evidence of your student status at point during or after purchase and can charge you a fee if you lack the proof.
We recommend you register your details via your university email and have your official student ID card and details at hand whether you order for delivery or in-store collection.
See the full guide on over at Macworld UK.
