Apple has launched its annual Back to School promotion, offering customers a gift card when they purchase select MacBook and iPad models.
The promotion runs from July 16 to August 27, a six‑week period that is shorter than the three‑month windows of recent years. In comparison, the 2025 offer spanned June 17 to September 30, while the 2024 promotion lasted from June 20 to September 30.
Eligible devices this year include the MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, iPad Pro, and iPad Air. Desktop Macs such as the iMac and Mac mini, as well as the newer MacBook Neo, are excluded from the deal.
Buyers receive a $150 gift card with a MacBook Pro purchase and a $100 gift card when buying a MacBook Air, iPad Air, or iPad Pro. These amounts are lower than the $150 gift card offered for a MacBook Air in the 2024 promotion.
Recent price increases across Apple’s product line reduce the effective discount provided by the gift cards. For example, the $100 iPad Air gift card does not offset the $150 price hike applied to that model, and the MacBook Pro remains $150 more expensive than a month ago.
Retail pricing for Apple devices has aligned with the company’s adjustments, leaving few alternative discounts in the market. Consumers interested in lower prices may consider Apple’s Certified Refurbished store, though the limited promotion timeline requires prompt decision‑making.
