Apple Back-to-School Deal: Free $179 Accessories with iPad/Mac

Apple's annual Back to School Sale runs from June 17 through September 30, with exclusive 2025 promotions. When purchasing qualifying iPad, MacBook, or iMac models through the Education Store, customers receive either a free accessory (valued up to $179) or equivalent discount. The Education Store offers year-round savings of about 10% for verified students, faculty, staff, and parents, with Back to School deals stacking on these existing discounts.

Apple's Back to School Promotion Is Live

Current Back to School Offers

Qualifying Education Store purchases of select iPads, MacBooks, or iMacs include your choice of Apple accessories worth up to $179 (AirPods included). Available exclusively at Apple's Education Store.

Note that newer iPad models may have restrictions. Here's the complete breakdown of eligible products and promotions:

iPad Air/Pro Purchase Options

1) Apple Pencil Pro ($119 value)
2) AirPods 4 ($129 value)
3) AirPods Pro 2 for $129 ($129 discount)
4) Magic Keyboard for 11" iPad Air: $130 ($119 off)
5) Magic Keyboard for 13" iPad Air: $180 ($119 off)
6) Magic Keyboard for 11" iPad Pro: $160 ($119 off)
7) Magic Keyboard for 13" iPad Pro: $210 ($119 off)

MacBook Air/Pro Purchase Options

1) AirPods 4 with ANC ($179 value)
2) AirPods Pro 2 for $70 ($179 discount)
3) Magic Mouse (up to $99 off)
4) Magic Trackpad (up to $149 off)
5) Magic Keyboard with Touch ID/Numpad (up to $199 off)

iMac Purchase Options

1) AirPods 4 with ANC ($179 value)
2) AirPods Pro 2 for $70 ($179 discount)

Top Seasonal Apple Deal for Education

Apple's Back to School Sale combines Education pricing with exceptional accessory offers unmatched by regular promotions. These deals compete with Black Friday savings, though exclusively for academic buyers. Beyond the standard 10% Education discount on devices, the promotion lets you acquire essential accessories at substantial savings. Consider the AirPods Pro 2 add-on for iPads - paying just $120 extra beats even Prime Day's 2025 record price of $129.

iPhone Eligibility Clarification

Apple's Education Store continues excluding iPhones from discounts and promotions in 2025. For iPhone savings, explore carrier trade-in programs or wait for seasonal deals. Historically, fall releases bring better iPhone purchase opportunities outside the Education program.

Choosing Your Ideal iPad

Apple's iPad lineup requires careful consideration: standard iPad (budget-friendly), iPad Air (balanced performance with M-series chips), iPad Pro (professional-grade), and iPad Mini (compact). For most students, the M3-powered iPad Air delivers optimal productivity when paired with accessories, nearly replacing laptops. Our comprehensive iPad buying guide details all current and previous-generation models to help your decision.

Selecting the Right MacBook

Apple's MacBooks consistently rank among premium laptops, offering reliability, elegant design, and seamless ecosystem integration - especially valuable for existing Apple users. While the MacBook Air satisfies most users, creative professionals should consider the enhanced capabilities of MacBook Pro models. Our expert recommendations help navigate the selection process based on your specific computing needs.