Apple Back to School}: deals on MacBooks, Apple Watches and iPads

Apple Back to School
(Image credit: Future)

Get yourself kitted out and ready with our Apple back to school guide. We've got all the best deals from Apple products available right now, with the biggest discounts from retailers across the US and the UK. 

The latest Apple products can be the ideal asset in the classroom and beyond. Whether you're looking at MacBooks, iPhone, iPads, Apple Pencils or whatever else, a cutting-edge Apple product can be useful for all sorts of educational and creative endeavours. 

What's more, the fact that Apple is releasing new products all the time – like the recent MacBook Pro 13-inch (M2, 2022), a blazingly powerful laptop – means that older products tend to see discounts more frequently, and students can snag themselves a bargain. We've put together this guide to all the best deals on the latest Apple product lines, so you can make sure you're fully prepared for the beginning of the new semester. If you're in the US, make sure you also check out the best Labour Day Apple deals.

Top deal right now

Our favourite back to school Apple deal right now comes directly from the tech firm itself, which isn't a common thing, so is worth paying attention to. Apple are right now offering students a gift card worth up to $150 or £120 on a range of purchases from their range of Macs and iPads. This could be a great way to save some cash on an accessory for your new computer or tablet, such as a pair of AirPods, or an Apple Pencil

Bear in mind that all Apple deals can and do change. We keep this guide regularly updated, but if you come across a deal that you like the sound of, it's worth jumping on it sooner rather than later, as it may not be there the next time you look. You should also check out our guide to getting Apple student discount and our breakdown of the very best iPad cases out there.

MacBook deals

Apple Back to School: The best Mac deals in the US

Apple MacBook Pro 13in: $1,299.99 $949.99 at Best Buy
Save $350:

Apple MacBook Pro 13in: <a href="https://shop-links.co/link?skuId=6418601&publisher_slug=future&exclusive=1&u1=hawk-custom-tracking&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bestbuy.com%2Fsite%2Fmacbook-pro-13-3-laptop-apple-m1-chip-8gb-memory-256gb-ssd-space-gray%2F6418601.p%3FskuId%3D6418601&article_name=hawk-article-name&article_url=hawk-article-url" data-link-merchant="bestbuy.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">$1,299.99 $949.99 at Best Buy
Save $350:
This is an incredible saving on a MacBook Pro at Best Buy, with $350 off the list price for the 13.3-inch version of the powerful laptop. Get it while it lasts!

Apple MacBook Air (M1, 2020): $999.99 $899.99 at Best Buy
Save $100:

Apple MacBook Air (M1, 2020): <a href="https://shop-links.co/link?skuId=5721600&publisher_slug=future&exclusive=1&u1=hawk-custom-tracking&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bestbuy.com%2Fsite%2Fmacbook-air-13-3-laptop-apple-m1-chip-8gb-memory-256gb-ssd-latest-model-space-gray%2F5721600.p%3FskuId%3D5721600&article_name=hawk-article-name&article_url=hawk-article-url" data-link-merchant="bestbuy.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">$999.99 $899.99 at Best Buy
Save $100:
This laptop boasts a stunning 13-inch display and Apple's super-fast M1 chip, and can survive up to 18 hours on battery life alone.

Apple Back to School: The best Mac deals in the UK

Apple MacBook Pro 13in: £1,349.00 £1,279.00 at Currys
Save £70:

Apple MacBook Pro 13in: <a href="https://www.awin1.com/awclick.php?awinmid=22479&awinaffid=103504&clickref=hawk-custom-tracking&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.currys.co.uk%2Fproducts%2Fapple-macbook-pro-13.3-2022-m2-256-gb-ssd-space-grey-10216269.html%3F20Mac%2520-%2520Generic%2520SSC%25202021~1004%2520%28PLA%29%2520Apple%2520Mac%2520-%2520Adaptive%2520ad%2520group~Exact~71700000089161228~%26mctag%3Dgg_goog_7904%26kwid%3DGOOGLE%26device%3Dc%26ds_kids%3D92700071774477025%26tgtid%3D1004%2520%28Shopping%2520Ads%29%2520Apple%2520Mac%2520-%2520Generic%2520SSC%25202021%26gclid%3DCj0KCQjwxIOXBhCrARIsAL1QFCbCGzCgfnW07P1ByjkL5PCHcOrlICzFW0wn5syxAKoVp-Zae7Ez3WwaAsMhEALw_wcB%26gclsrc%3Daw.ds" data-link-merchant="currys.co.uk"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">£1,349.00 £1,279.00 at Currys
Save £70:
Currys currently have some great savings on Macs. With its super-fast M1 chip, the new Apple MacBook Pro will whizz through college work.

Apple MacBook Air 13in: £999 at Argos

Apple MacBook Air 13in: <a href="https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-8150602-15618761?sid=hawk-custom-tracking&url=https://www.argos.co.uk/product/8797748" data-link-merchant="argos.co.uk"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">£999 at Argos
This is the lowest price we could find on the Macbook Air right now in the UK. With a brilliant Retina display, Magic Keyboard, super-fast processors and plenty of storage, it's a great price, and we don't expect it to last too long. If you're interested, don't delay!

iPad deals

iPad Air and iPad Pro
US: Buy an iPad Air or iPad Pro and get a free giftcard
UK: Buy an iPad Air or iPad Pro and get a free giftcard

iPad Air and iPad Pro
US:
<a href="https://go.redirectingat.com/?id=92X1519156&xcust=hawk-custom-tracking&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.apple.com%2Fus-edu%2Fshop%2Fback-to-school%3Fafid%3Dp239%257C221109%26cid%3Daos-us-aff-ir&sref" data-link-merchant="SkimLinks - apple.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Buy an iPad Air or iPad Pro and get a free giftcard
UK:
<a href="https://apple.sjv.io/c/221109/435298/7615?subId1=hawk-custom-tracking&sharedId=hawk&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.apple.com%2Fuk-edu%2Fshop%2Feducation-pricing" data-link-merchant="apple.com"" data-link-merchant="SkimLinks - apple.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Buy an iPad Air or iPad Pro and get a free giftcard
If you're after a new iPad Air or iPad Pro, this is cracking deal from Apple. Purchase any spec of either model and get yourself a free gift card. Not bad at all! For UK buyers, Validation of a UniDays account is needed.

Apple Back to School iPad deals: US

iPad Air (2020): $599.99 $549.99 at Best Buy
Save $50:

iPad Air (2020): <a href="https://shop-links.co/link?skuId=5985620&publisher_slug=future&exclusive=1&u1=hawk-custom-tracking&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bestbuy.com%2Fsite%2Fapple-10-9-inch-ipad-air-4th-generation-with-wi-fi-64gb-sky-blue%2F5985620.p%3FskuId%3D5985620&article_name=hawk-article-name&article_url=hawk-article-url" data-link-merchant="bestbuy.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">$599.99 $549.99 at Best Buy
Save $50:
Boasting a A14 Bionic chip this is a fantastic iPad, and is also really light and portable, with 64GB RAM and 10.9-inch screen. If you're looking for a tablet that covers you in both work and play, this is the best iPad out there, in our opinion and beats last year's saving of $60.

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (2021): $899.99 $828 at Amazon
Save $70:

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (2021): <a href="https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=8429&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Famazon.com%2F2021-Apple-11-inch-Wi-Fi-256GB%2Fdp%2FB09323PCV7%2Fref%3Dsr_1_3%3Ftag%3Dhawk-future-20%26ascsubtag%3Dhawk-custom-tracking-20" data-link-merchant="Amazon US"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">$899.99 $828 at Amazon
Save $70:
This is a good deal if you want the power of the iPad Pro, and the storage that comes with the higher-end version of this 2nd Gen model. This 11-inch model comes with a whopping 256GB storage and a beautiful LED Retina Display. 

Apple Back to School iPad deals: UK

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Apple iPad Air (2020): <a href="https://www.awin1.com/awclick.php?awinmid=22479&awinaffid=103504&clickref=hawk-custom-tracking&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.currys.co.uk%2Fproducts%2Fapple-10.9-ipad-air-2020-64-gb-space-grey-10210770.html" data-link-merchant="currys.co.uk"">£549.00 £419.00 at Currys
Save £130:
The fourth-generation Apple iPad Air is a powerful and extremely portable 10.9-inch tablet with enough battery life to get through a day's lessons. Check out this hefty saving at Currys right now.

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Apple iPad Pro (2021, M1): <a href="https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=8429&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Famazon.co.uk%2F2021-Apple-12-9-inch-Wi-Fi-128GB%2Fdp%2FB0932S8RY5%3Ftag%3Dhawk-future-21%26ascsubtag%3Dhawk-custom-tracking-21" data-link-merchant="Amazon UK"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">£999.00 £954.00 at Amazon
Save £45:
The 2021 iPad Pro is a stunning tablet with the power of a computer thanks to Apple's M1 chip. With its liquid retina screen and Apple Pencil support, this will have you flying through coursework in no time. Amazon has 5% off.

Apple Pencil deals

Apple pencil deals: UK

Apple Pencil 2: £119.00 £114.97 at Amazon
Save £4.03:

Apple Pencil 2: <a href="https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=8429&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Famazon.co.uk%2FApple-MU8F2ZM-A-Pencil-Generation%2Fdp%2FB07K2PK3BV%3Ftag%3Dhawk-future-21%26ascsubtag%3Dhawk-custom-tracking-21" data-link-merchant="Amazon UK"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">£119.00 £114.97 at Amazon
Save £4.03:
This is the pencil you'll need for the 4th generation iPad Air (2020), the first generation 11-inch iPad Pro (2018) or later and the iPad Pro 12.9-inch third generation (2018) and later – including the brand new iPad Pro 2021 models.

Apple Pencil: £89.00 £83.59 at Amazon
Save £5.41:

Apple Pencil: <a href="https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=8429&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Famazon.co.uk%2FApple-MK0C2AM-A-Pencil%2Fdp%2FB016NY7784%3Ftag%3Dhawk-future-21%26ascsubtag%3Dhawk-custom-tracking-21" data-link-merchant="Amazon UK"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">£89.00 £83.59 at Amazon
Save £5.41:
The original Apple pencil is supported by the iPad 10.2-inch (2019), iPad mini (2019) and iPad Air (2019). Snap one up now with a 6% discount at Amazon.

iPhone deals

Apple Back to School iPhone deals: US

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Apple iPhone 13 Pro 128GB: <a href="https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=8429&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Famazon.com%2FApple-iPhone-13-Pro-128GB%2Fdp%2FB09LP7YLF9%2F%3Ftag%3Dhawk-future-20%26ascsubtag%3Dhawk-custom-tracking-20" data-link-merchant="Amazon US"" target="_blank">$954.97 $899.99 at Amazon
Save $54.98:
The iPhone 13 Pro features one of the best smartphone camera systems ever made, at least until the iPhone 14 arrives. This 5% discount on the 128GB Gold version at Amazon is a rare find, and worth snapping up.

Image

Apple iPhone 12 256GB: <a href="https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=8429&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Famazon.com%2FApple-iPhone-12-256GB-Black%2Fdp%2FB08PNVVX47%3Ftag%3Dhawk-future-20%26ascsubtag%3Dhawk-custom-tracking-20" data-link-merchant="Amazon US"" target="_blank">$649.99 $619.95 at Amazon
Save $30:
Going for older iPhone models is a smart way to save yourself some money, as discounts tend to come up more often. You can save 4% off the list price of the excellent iPhone 12 in black, with 256GB storage.

Apple Back to School iPhone deals: UK

Apple iPhone 13: £779.00 £729.00 at Amazon
Save £50:

Apple iPhone 13: <a href="https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=8429&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Famazon.co.uk%2FApple-iPhone-13-128GB-Blue%2Fdp%2FB09G9HQHRH%2Fref%3Dsr_1_1_sspa%3Ftag%3Dhawk-future-21%26ascsubtag%3Dhawk-custom-tracking-21" data-link-merchant="Amazon UK"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">£779.00 £729.00 at Amazon
Save £50:
One of Apple's latest phones, the iPhone 13  operates on the newest IOS 15 system and this model has a tidy 128gb of storage. Save 6% at Amazon.

Apple iPhone 12: £679.00 £626.97 at Amazon
Save £52.03:

Apple iPhone 12: <a href="https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=8429&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Famazon.co.uk%2FNew-Apple-iPhone-12-64GB%2Fdp%2FB08L5PKJSB%3Ftag%3Dhawk-future-21%26ascsubtag%3Dhawk-custom-tracking-21" data-link-merchant="Amazon UK"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">£679.00 £626.97 at Amazon
Save £52.03:
This brilliant phone from Apple has a 6.1-inch Super Retina display and insanely good cameras. Start the new school year well kitted out by grabbing a fantastic 8% saving at Amazon right now.

Apple Watch deals

Apple Watch deals: US

Apple Watch 3 GPS: $199.00 $149.00 at Walmart
Save $50:

Apple Watch 3 GPS: <a href="https://goto.walmart.com/c/1943169/565706/9383?subId1=hawk-custom-tracking&sharedId=hawk&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.walmart.com%2Fip%2FApple-Watch-Series-3-GPS-38mm-Sport-Band-Aluminum-Case%2F706203065%3F" data-link-merchant="walmart.com"">$199.00 $149.00 at Walmart
Save $50:
Walmart now has this smartwatch in stock and with $50 off. It's a good deal to grab if you want a great budget watch to get to class on time.

Apple Watch 6 GPS: $399.00 $324.99 at Amazon
Save $69:

Apple Watch 6 GPS: <a href="https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=8429&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Famazon.com%2FNew-Apple-Watch-GPS-40mm-Aluminum%2Fdp%2FB08J5RBMRN%2Fref%3Dsr_1_2%3Ftag%3Dhawk-future-20%26ascsubtag%3Dhawk-custom-tracking-20" data-link-merchant="Amazon US"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">$399.00 $324.99 at Amazon
Save $69:
If you want the newer Series 6 watch and want to make a bold colour statement on campus, Amazon has $69.01 off the GPS version right now. You can take calls and reply to texts from your wrist and check all your vital signs.

Apple Watch deals: UK

Apple Watch 7 GPS: £369 £359 at Amazon
Save £10:

Apple Watch 7 GPS: <a href="https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=8429&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Famazon.co.uk%2FApple-Watch-GPS-41mm-Aluminium%2Fdp%2FB09HH9GWYZ%2Fref%3Dsr_1_3%3Ftag%3Dhawk-future-21%26ascsubtag%3Dhawk-custom-tracking-21" data-link-merchant="Amazon UK"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">£369 £359 at Amazon
Save £10:
The Watch 7 is the perfect way to monitor fitness, notifications and have easy access to thousands of apps on your wrist. Check out this 3% saving at Amazon.

Apple AirPods deals

Apple Back to School AirPods deals: US

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Apple AirPods Pro: <a href="https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=8429&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Famazon.com%2FApple-MLWK3AM-A-AirPods-Pro%2Fdp%2FB09JQMJHXY%2Fref%3Dsr_1_1_sspa%3Ftag%3Dhawk-future-20%26ascsubtag%3Dhawk-custom-tracking-20" data-link-merchant="Amazon US"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">$249 $179.99 at Amazon
Save $69.01:
In the US, you can get the AirPods Pro at under $200 right now with a hefty saving of 28% off the standard price. It's a great opportunity to get these iconic noise-cancelling earbuds with Siri and everything else you'd expect.

Apple AirPods with wireless charging case (2nd Gen): $199.95 $134.95 at Adorama
Save $65:

Apple AirPods with wireless charging case (2nd Gen): <a href="https://ad.admitad.com/g/cbvmqmmirjcf955d81ea45f1c03a4a?subid=hawk-custom-tracking&ulp=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.adorama.com%2Facmrxj2ama.html" data-link-merchant="adorama.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">$199.95 $134.95 at Adorama
Save $65:
You can also get 33% off the wireless charging AirPods (just place the case on a qi mat) at Adorama. The earbuds offer 18 hours of talk time, 24 hours of listening time, Siri and one-tap, always-on activation.


Apple Back to School AirPods deals: UK

Apple AirPods Max: £549 £469 at Currys
Save £80:

Apple AirPods Max: <a href="https://www.awin1.com/awclick.php?awinmid=22479&awinaffid=103504&clickref=hawk-custom-tracking&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.currys.co.uk%2Fproducts%2Fapple-airpods-max-wireless-bluetooth-noisecancelling-headphones-silver-10207226.html" data-link-merchant="currys.co.uk"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">£549 £469 at Currys<a href="https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=8429&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Famazon.co.uk%2Fdp%2FB07ZPML7NP%3Ftag%3Dhawk-future-21%26ascsubtag%3Dhawk-custom-tracking-21" data-link-merchant="Amazon UK"" data-link-merchant="currys.co.uk"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">
Save £80: Apple's newest instalment of the Airpods series are the Max over-ear line:  and Currys are offering buyers an impressive 15% off right now! With noise cancelling technology and a comfy fit, these are a great way to get into the right mindset for studying

Apple AirPods Pro with Magsafe charging case (2021): &nbsp;£239 £189 at Very
Save £50:

Apple AirPods Pro with Magsafe charging case (2021):  <a href="https://www.awin1.com/awclick.php?awinmid=3090&awinaffid=103504&clickref=hawk-custom-tracking&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.very.co.uk%2Fapple-airpods-pro-2021-with-magsafe-charging-case%2F1600587455.prd" data-link-merchant="very.co.uk"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">£239 £189 at Very
Save £50:
With wireless charging (just place them on a charging mat), 18 hours of talk and 24 of listening, one-tap activation and Siri assistance, these AirPods are a bargain right now at Very.


Apple Music deals

Apple Music: 3 months free then just $5.99/£5.99 per month

Apple Music: <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com/?id=92X1519156&xcust=hawk-custom-tracking&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.apple.com%2Fapple-music%2F&sref" data-link-merchant="SkimLinks - apple.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">3 months free then just $5.99/£5.99 per month
One of the best back to school deals going, prove you're a student and get three months of Apple Music for free, then pay just $4.99/£4.99 per month for access to 60 million songs – what are you waiting for? Sign up and start making your playlists today!

How to get a student discount at the Apple Education Store

In order to qualify for the official Apple Back to School sale deals, you need to make sure you can get an Apple student discount. This is available to the following people: 

  • Students in higher education
  • People purchasing for educational institutions
  • Parents of students purchasing on their behalf

This may differ slightly depending on your location, so be sure to check Apple's terms and conditions for full details specific to your area. Once you've identified that you qualify, you then need to verify that. Again, how you do this varies in different regions. 

How to get an Apple Student discount in the US 

1. Visit the Apple US Education Store (from your university network, if possible).
2. Make sure you have access to some for of ID, such as a student ID card, which proves you qualify for the education discount.

How to get an Apple student discount in the UK

1. Visit the Apple UK Education Store
2. You'll be asked to sign up for student discount website UNiDAYs, which you will need to do in order to access Apple offers.
3. Here you will need to provide your email address, a password, your name, place, subject and length of study.
4. Once completed and registered successfully, Apple offers will become available.

Alternatively, if you'd prefer to go through Apple directly, there is also the option to use its Apple chat online feature, visit an Apple Store or call Apple, where staff can guide you through the process.

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Beren Neale
Ecom Editor

Beren has worked on creative titles at Future Publishing for over 13 years. Cutting his teeth as Staff Writer on the digital art magazine ImagineFX, he moved on to edit several creative titles, and is currently the Ecommerce Editor on the most effective creative website in the world. When he's not testing and reviewing the best ergonomic office chairs, phones, laptops, TVs, monitors and various types of storage, he can be found finding and comparing the best deals on the tech that creatives value the most.

With contributions from