Apple has officially launched its 2026 Back to School promotion in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Eligible students, educators, parents, and school staff can save on select Macs and iPads while receiving an Apple Gift Card worth up to $150 with qualifying purchases.
The promotion runs through August 27 and stacks with Apple’s year-round education pricing, making it one of the best times of the year to buy a MacBook or iPad before the new school year begins. Depending on the device you purchase, you can receive either a $100 or $150 Apple Gift Card in addition to education discounts.
Eligible devices and gift card values
Here’s what qualifies for Apple’s 2026 Back to School promotion:
| Eligible device | Apple Gift Card |
|---|---|
| MacBook Pro | $150 |
| MacBook Air | $100 |
| iPad Pro | $100 |
| iPad Air | $100 |
Education pricing is automatically applied to eligible purchases, with the Apple Gift Card included as part of the promotion.
Which devices are not included?
Not every Mac and iPad qualifies for the promotion. Apple excludes several products from this year’s offer, including:
- MacBook Neo
- Mac mini
- iMac
- Mac Studio
- iPad mini
- Entry-level iPad
If you’re planning to purchase one of these devices, you’ll still be able to take advantage of Apple’s education pricing where available, but you won’t receive a promotional Apple Gift Card.
Who qualifies for Apple’s education discount?
Apple makes the promotion available to a wide range of education customers, including:
- Current college students
- Newly accepted college students
- Parents purchasing on behalf of eligible students
- College faculty and staff
- K-12 employees
- Homeschool teachers
Apple also requires UNiDAYS verification for Education Store purchases in the United States and Canada.
What can you spend the Apple Gift Card on?
The Apple Gift Card can be used toward future Apple purchases, including:
- AirPods
- Apple Pencil
- AppleCare+
- Cases and accessories
- Apps and games from the App Store
- Apple Music
- iCloud+
- Other eligible Apple products and services
Many students use the gift card to pick up accessories that complement their new Mac or iPad, making the promotion even more valuable.
Is Apple’s Back to School promotion worth it?
If you’re already planning to buy a MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, iPad Air, or iPad Pro, Apple’s Back to School promotion is typically the best annual offer available directly from Apple. Since it combines discounted education pricing with an Apple Gift Card, eligible buyers effectively receive additional value that can be used toward accessories or future Apple purchases.
For anyone shopping before classes begin, waiting for this promotion is often more worthwhile than buying at full retail price.
Apple’s Back to School 2026 FAQ
When does Apple’s Back to School promotion end?
Apple’s 2026 Back to School promotion runs through August 27, 2026 in the United States.
Does the promotion stack with Apple’s education pricing?
Yes. Eligible buyers receive Apple’s education discount and an Apple Gift Card with qualifying purchases.
Do all Macs and iPads qualify?
No. This year’s promotion only includes the MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, iPad Air, and iPad Pro. Products such as the MacBook Neo, Mac mini, iMac, Mac Studio, entry-level iPad, and iPad mini are not eligible.
Is UNiDAYS verification required?
Yes. Apple requires UNiDAYS verification for Education Store purchases in the United States and Canada.
