Apple Launches 2020 Back to School Promotion: Free AirPods With Eligible Mac or iPad Purchase

Apple today launched its annual "Back to School" promotion in the United States and Canada. After five years of offering free Beats, Apple this year is offering free AirPods with the purchase of an eligible new Mac or iPad.

apple back to school 2020
Qualifying students and educators can receive free second-generation AirPods with a wired charging case with the purchase of a new MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, iMac, iMac Pro, iPad Pro, or iPad Air. During the checkout process, it is also possible to upgrade to second-generation AirPods with a wireless charging case for $40 or to AirPods Pro for $90.

As usual, the standard iPad, iPad mini, Mac mini, and refurbished products are not eligible for the Back to School promotion.

The free AirPods are in addition to Apple's educational pricing, which allows students to save up to $200 off a Mac and up to $100 off an iPad Pro. The promotion runs until September 29, 2020 and is available through Apple's education store on the web, at Apple's retail stores where open, or by calling 1-800-MY-APPLE.

For purchases made using Apple Card Monthly Installments, you will receive an instant credit of $159, which will be applied as a discount to your eligible iPad or Mac at the time of purchase. Then, the cost of the AirPods will be billed in six monthly installments. Apple provides more details in its full terms and conditions for the promotion.

The promotion does not appear to be live in Europe or other regions at this time.

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Top Rated Comments

Dowjohnny Avatar
74 months ago
Finally no more beats
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)
74 months ago
I’d take the AirPods over beats every single time. This is a nice alteration and another product in Apples ecosystem.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
74 months ago

I wonder if the upgrade cost would just be the normal difference in price.
It is exactly that.


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Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
74 months ago

Ugh. I just ordered on June 9. Would they honor my request for this promotion or would I have to return the MacBook Pro and place a new order? Has anyone asked them yet?
Yup, just call in and explain and they will transfer you to post-sales support. Took about 5-10 minutes to sort out; the AirPods arrive Thursday :D
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
AppleTO Avatar
74 months ago
This is nice. I would pay to upgrade to Pros if possible.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
warriors2017 Avatar
74 months ago
You can't make everyone happy...sheesh!
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)