Apple Back to School: Get $179 in Free iPad, MacBook Accessories

The Apple Back to School Sale began on June 17 and continues until September 30. This annual promotion features updated offers each year. In 2025, Apple is providing a complimentary accessory valued at up to $179—or a discount of up to $179 on higher-priced accessories—with the purchase of any eligible iPad, MacBook, or iMac that qualifies for an Education discount. The Apple Education Store is accessible to faculty, staff, students, and parents of currently enrolled students, typically offering savings of up to 10% off standard Apple Store prices. These promotional items can be combined with the store's existing education discounts.

The Apple Back to School Sale Is Underway

Apple Back to School Sale Begins Today

Receive up to $179 worth of Apple accessories (which can include a pair of AirPods) when you buy a qualifying iPad, MacBook, or iMac with an Education Store discount. View the offer at the Apple Store.

Please note that not all recent iPad models are included in this promotion. Here are the specific promotional details:

Purchase an iPad Air or iPad Pro and Choose From:

Apple Pencil Pro (save $119) | AirPods 4 (save $129) | AirPods Pro 2 for $129 (save $129) | Magic Keyboard for iPad Air 11-inch for $130 (save $119) | Magic Keyboard for iPad Air 13-inch for $180 (save $119) | Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro 11-inch for $160 (save $119) | Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro 13-inch for $210 (save $119)

Purchase a MacBook Air or MacBook Pro and Choose From:

AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation (save $179) | AirPods Pro 2 for $70 (save $179) | Magic Mouse (save up to $99) | Magic Trackpad (save up to $149) | Magic Keyboard with Touch ID and Numpad (save up to $199)

Purchase an iMac and Choose From:

AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation (save $179) | AirPods Pro 2 for $70 (save $179)

The Apple Back to School Sale Is One of the Year's Best Apple Promotions

If you prefer buying directly from Apple and qualify for an Education discount, the Back to School promotion is the ideal time to shop. These offers are competitive with what we typically see during Apple's Black Friday Sale—the main difference being that Black Friday deals are generally available to all shoppers, not just those in the Education program. The Education store already offers around 10% off most iPads, MacBooks, and iMacs, and this promotion lets you add an accessory you might have been planning to purchase anyway. Even if you opt for a premium accessory at an additional cost, it's still a worthwhile deal. For instance, upgrading to AirPods Pro 2 with an iPad purchase costs an extra $120. That's still better than the top Amazon Prime Day deal for 2025, which priced the same AirPods Pro at $129.

Are iPhones Included in the Back to School Sale?

Unfortunately, the Apple Education Store has never offered discounted pricing or promotional gifts for iPhone purchases, and 2025 is no exception. If an iPhone discount were to appear, it would certainly be major news. For now, your best bet is to take advantage of carrier-specific sign-up bonuses and trade-in credits rather than shopping through the Apple Education Store. The optimal time to buy an iPhone is typically in the fall.

Which iPad Model Is Right for You?

Apple offers a wide range of iPad models, and selecting the best one for your needs can be challenging. The four main models are the standard iPad, iPad Air, iPad Pro, and iPad Mini. If you're looking for a straightforward tablet, the base iPad delivers the best value. However, if you prioritize screen quality and processing power, the iPad Air is an excellent choice—it comes equipped with an M-series processor. The M3 chip offers more than enough power for any task, and pairing it with a keyboard can transform the Air into a laptop-like device. For a more detailed comparison, refer to our iPad guide to see which model fits your needs, or explore our list of available generations to check out older models still on the market.

Which MacBook Model Should You Choose?

Apple’s MacBooks are widely regarded as the best laptops available. With their dependable performance, sleek design, and exceptional software, you’re investing in a high-quality product built to last. And if you're already integrated into Apple's ecosystem with an iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch, choosing a MacBook over a MacBook alternative is the logical next step. That said, determining the right model for your needs can be tricky, so we've put together this handy guide. In summary, the MacBook Air is the most popular model for good reason, but creative professionals in need of a primary workstation should consider upgrading to the MacBook Pro.