Apple’s annual back-to-school deal is back — and it’s better than ever for students and educators in the U.S. If you’re wondering how to get free AirPods or an Apple Pencil with your next Apple device, you’re in the right place.
In this guide, we’ll break down exactly how you can qualify for Apple’s 2025 school offer, what devices are eligible, and how to claim your free gift step-by-step. Whether you’re heading to college, buying for a student, or you’re an educator, this is your chance to save big while getting some powerful Apple accessories — for free.
Table of Contents
🎓 What Is Apple’s Back-to-School Promotion?
Each year, Apple launches a Back-to-School Program for students, parents, and educators. It usually runs during the summer and offers discounts on MacBooks and iPads. But the biggest attraction is the free premium gift that comes with qualifying purchases — typically a pair of AirPods or an Apple Pencil.
For 2025, Apple is continuing its tradition with a new lineup of eligible products and bonus accessories.
🎁 What Can You Get for Free in 2025?
Depending on the device you purchase, Apple offers:
✅ Free 2nd Generation AirPods with select Mac purchases
✅ Free Apple Pencil (USB-C or 2nd Gen) with select iPad purchases
You can also upgrade to higher-end accessories by paying the difference:
- Upgrade to AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) for around $90
- Upgrade to Apple Pencil Pro for approximately $50
This deal is available both online at Apple’s Education Store and at physical Apple Store locations across the U.S.
🧑🏫 Who Is Eligible?
To qualify, you must fall under one of the following categories:
- Current or newly accepted college/university students
- Parents buying on behalf of a student
- Faculty or staff at K-12 schools or higher education institutions
- Home school teachers in the U.S.
Apple uses UNiDAYS, a student verification service, to confirm eligibility for online purchases. If you’re buying in-store, simply bring a valid student or faculty ID.
💻 Eligible Products for the 2025 Back-to-School Deal
Here are the current qualifying Apple products:
For Free AirPods:
- MacBook Air (M2 or M3)
- MacBook Pro (M3, M3 Pro, or M3 Max)
- 24-inch iMac (M3)
For Free Apple Pencil:
- iPad Air (M2)
- iPad Pro (M4)
💡 Note: The standard iPad (10th Gen) and iPad Mini do not qualify for the Apple Pencil promotion.
🛒 How to Claim Your Free AirPods or Apple Pencil (Step-by-Step)
Here’s how to make the most of this offer:
🔹 Step 1: Visit Apple’s Education Store
Go to Apple’s Education Store in your browser.
🔹 Step 2: Verify Eligibility
Apple will redirect you to UNiDAYS. Create an account or log in to verify your student or faculty status.
🔹 Step 3: Choose an Eligible Product
Add a qualifying Mac or iPad to your cart. You’ll automatically see the AirPods or Apple Pencil appear in your cart as a free item.
🔹 Step 4: Upgrade (Optional)
Want AirPods Pro or Apple Pencil Pro? Choose the upgrade option and pay the price difference.
🔹 Step 5: Complete Purchase
Checkout normally. Your free gift will ship with your device.
🕒 Important Dates
Apple’s Back-to-School offer typically runs from mid-June to late September. For 2025, the promotion started on June 20 and is expected to end around September 23, or while supplies last.
Tip: These deals are time-limited and may sell out earlier depending on demand, so don’t wait too long!
🏪 In-Store Purchase Tips
Prefer buying from a physical Apple Store? Here’s what you need to bring:
- Valid student ID or admission letter
- Photo ID
- Proof of enrollment (if recently accepted)
An Apple specialist can help apply the deal and answer questions in-store.
📚 Why Apple Offers This Deal
Apple’s Back-to-School promotion is part of their strategy to empower students with powerful tools for education. By offering free accessories like AirPods or Apple Pencil, they make learning more interactive, personalized, and fun.
Plus, with the rise of remote learning and digital classrooms, having high-quality tech accessories is more important than ever.
🔗 Ready to Shop? Below are the Links
➡️ Visit Apple’s Education Store Now
➡️ Learn more about Apple’s Student Offers
✍️ Conclusion
Apple’s Back-to-School promotion is one of the smartest ways to save money on premium tech gear while getting extra value in the form of free AirPods or an Apple Pencil.
If you’re planning to start college or just want to upgrade your devices for school, this is a golden opportunity. Don’t miss out — the offer runs for a limited time and supplies are known to sell out quickly.
