
It's that time of the year again. Students all over the country are filled with nervous anticipation, while parents are excited just to get their homes back (at least for part of the day). That’s right; it's back-to-school time! And it's also time for some big sales.
You can get huge student discounts on Macs, iPads, and even free accessories through the Apple back-to-school deals. Plus, educators can also snag new tech gear for the new academic year with Apple's teacher discounts as well.
Although Apple's back-to-school sales don't include discounts on iPhones, you can check out the best ways to save on a new iPhone for the full trifecta—MacBook, iPad, and iPhone.
Keep reading to learn more about Apple's back-to-school specials.
Apple Mac back-to-school deals
Apple's best offerings this back-to-school season focus on its computers—arguably the most important tool for students. With the Apple Education discount, you can save big on the MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, and iMac.
MacBook Air
Get $100 off when you buy the MacBook Air at these lowered prices:
- $899 13" with the M4 chip (usually $999)
- $1,099 15" with the M4 chip (usually $1,199)
The new MacBook Air is the ultimate back-to-school upgrade. Its lightweight design, powerful M series chip, and all-day battery keep up with classes, projects, and more. Fast, portable, and built to last, it’s the perfect study sidekick.
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MacBook Pro
Enjoy discounts of $100 to $200 off for the MacBook Pro. Prices start at:
- $1,499 for the 14" MacBook Pro (usually $1,599)
- $2,299 for the 16" MacBook Pro (usually $2,499)
The new MacBook Pro is the ultimate powerhouse for back to school. With its blazing-fast M3 chip, stunning Liquid Retina display, and unmatched battery life, it helps with projects, edits, and multitasking like nothing else.
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iMac
You can get between $50 and $100 off a new iMac. With the discount, the iMac's starting price drops to $1,249 (normally $1,299).
The new iMac is the perfect all-in-one for back-to-school upgrades. With its vibrant 24-inch 4.5K display, powerful M4 chip, and seamless setup, it’s ideal for studying, creating, and collaborating.
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iPad
Educators and students can get $50 or $100 off a new iPad. With the discount, the iPads will cost:
- $549 for the iPad Air (usually $599)
- $899 for the iPad Pro (usually $999)
The new iPad is the perfect study buddy for the academic year. With its powerful performance, Apple Pencil support, and all-day battery, it's great for notes, projects, and creative work. It's thin, light, and versatile, making it the smartest way to learn on the go.
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Once you score your new iPad, make sure you have enough data to support it. Many carriers offer student and teacher discounts to help educators and learners save on both internet and phone plans. While you'll find the best teacher discounts through the Big Three (like AT&T's teacher discount on standard plans), smaller carriers also offer enticing discounted teacher plans.
Learn how to get free internet for students in our hands-on guide, or choose from the best cheap phone plans for students to cut down on your monthly bills.
Check out the most popular phone plans for students and teachers:
Free Apple accessories
Free AirPods 4
Get the all-new AirPods 4 for free when you buy an iPad or iPad Pro during Apple’s back-to-school sale. Usually priced at $129, you can get them free of charge as Apple's back-to-school gift.
Designed for all-day comfort with rich, immersive sound, the AirPods 4 keep you focused on lectures, playlists, or calls. Their sleek design and sweat-resistant build make them perfect for campus life.
Pair them with an iPad for the ultimate study setup and premium audio at no extra cost.
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Free Apple Pencil Pro
The Apple Pencil Pro is valued at $119, but you can get it free with Apple’s current promotion. Sketch, take notes, and create your own custom font with pro-level precision. The Apple Pencil Pro boasts an ultra-responsive tip, magnetic attachment, and speedy charging, making it the smartest way to work on iPad.
For a limited time, add this essential tool to your new iPad or iPad Pro at no extra charge.
Are iPhones included in Apple's back-to-school sale?
No, iPhones are not included in Apple's 2025 back-to-school discounts. The promotion focuses mainly on discounted Macs, MacBooks, iPads, and a few accessories like Apple pens and trackpads. However, both big and small carriers offer great iPhone deals of their own. You may even be able to grab yourself a free iPhone 16.
Check out our current list of the best iPhone deals available now.
Save on a new iPhone
If you’re already invested in Apple’s ecosystem, pairing a new iPhone with your new Mac or iPad can make everything sync seamlessly. While Apple doesn't offer discounts on iPhones, major carriers like Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile (as well as smaller providers) offer steep device discounts.
For example, you can currently get a cheap iPhone 15 or an iPhone 16 for just a fraction of the retail price when switching to a new carrier plan. By taking advantage of these back-to-school promotions, you can save hundreds on the latest iPhone without breaking the bank.
Who qualifies for the Apple back-to-school program?
To qualify for the Apple Education discount and back-to-school sales, you must be one of the following:
- An employee of a school for grades K-12, including public, private, and home schools
- A school board member or Parent Teacher Association officer
- Faculty or staff of a college or university
- College or university student
- Parent purchasing for a student of a college or university
All-year Apple discounts for students and educators
Don't worry if you missed Apple's back-to-school promotions at the start of the school year; Students and educators can save on Apple's devices all year long. With Apple's education discount, university, college, and school staff and students can save between $50–$200 on iPads and Macs. You'll only be able to buy one of each device through Apple's education store, and make sure to have your ID or school email ready for verification.
Another way to score Apple products at a discount is through UNiDAYS. UNiDAYS partners with Apple, offering university students discounts on fan-favorite devices to make learning easy.
Apple's back-to-school deals: FAQs
Angelo Ilumba
Senior Writer