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 to get students ready for a new school year.
Its Back to School Sale is now live in the US, UK and Europe following a late June/early July kick-off.
In this article, we’ll answer your questions about 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 2022?
Apple Back to School Sale US & Canada dates – 24 June to 26 September 2022
Apple kicked off its Back to School sale in the US and Canada on 24 June, with the event scheduled to run until 26 September. See Apple’s Back to School promotions in the US.
The date is roughly in keeping with last year’s schedule, when the sale launched on 17 June.
Back in 2020, 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 – and we could see the same this year, but it’s unconfirmed for now.
Apple Back to School Sale UK dates – 14 July to 20 October 2022
Following on from the US in late June, Apple officially kicked off its Back to School Sale in the UK on 14 July, with the event running all the way until 20 October. While it’s in line with last year’s event, it’s slightly later than Apple’s usual early July kick-off. Shop Apple Back to School in the UK.
Apple Back to School Sale European dates – 14 July to 20 October 2022
As with the UK, the Back to School Sale began on 14 July in most countries in Europe on 14 July, and it’s set to run until 20 October 2022.
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 2022?
Apple’s Back to School sale in the UK, North America and Europe all follow the same broad concept; you’ll get an additional gift card on top of the standard educational pricing with the purchase of specific models of iMac, MacBook and iPad.
The gift card amount is tied to the model of iMac, iPad or MacBook that you’re after. If you opt for the iPad Air (2022), iPad Pro 11 (2021) or iPad Pro 12.9 (2021), you’ll get a decent $100/£80/€100 back to spend on other Apple products and accessories.
However, if you’re on the market for a MacBook Air, MacBook Pro (13, 14 and 16in) or a 24in iMac, you’ll receive a more significant $150/£120/€150 gift card.
Students also get 3 months free access to Apple Music and Apple TV, and 20% off AppleCare+, Apple’s device insurance program that covers accidental damages at a small, reduced cost. We look into whether AppleCare+ is worth it here.
Is Apple giving away free AirPods?
Not this year.
In past Apple Education Store sales, Apple has offered credit towards Beats headphones (and more recently, AirPods) with Mac and iPad purchases. Last year, Apple was offering £159/$159 credit that students could put towards a pair of AirPods earphones, effectively making them free.
With the latest AirPods coming in at $179/£169, none of Apple’s Back to School Sale gift cards will cover the entire cost of the wireless earbuds. They’ll be heavily discounted, sure, but not free.
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 (M1) from $899/£898
- MacBook Air (M2) from $1,099/£1,149
- MacBook Pro (13in, 14in, 16in) from $1,199/£1,249
- iMac 24 (M1) from $1,249/£1,124
- Mac mini from $649/£628
- Mac Pro from $5,549/£4,948
- Pro Display XDR from $4,599/£4,138
- iPad Pro (M1) from $749/£711
- iPad Air (5th gen, 2022) from $549/£526
- iPad (9th gen, 2021) from $309/£309
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 Apple Care+ for added device protection.
Is Apple’s iPad Pro M1 included in the Back to School sale?
Yes, you can pick up the gift card when you buy either the 11in or 12.9in variant of iPad Pro with the M1 chip. You can also get the gift card when you buy the iPad Air (5th gen, 2022). What we can’t see are any bundle offers on the entry-level iPad or iPad mini, though both are 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 have put together a full guide on the Apple Education Store.
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 how to get an Apple Education discount over at Macworld.
Author: Somrata Sarkar, Contributor, Tech Advisor
Previously a Tech Advisor Senior Staff Writer, Somrata researches and writes about the best tech deals to help readers make smart, informed buying decisions. She's an expert on accessories and also reviews laptops, phones, audio and other devices.