Apple Launches 2021 Back to School Promotion: Free AirPods With Eligible Mac or iPad Purchase

Apple today launched its seasonal back-to-school sale for the upcoming school year in the United States and Canada, offering students free AirPods alongside purchases of select Macs and iPad models.

2021 back t0 school
Similar to last year's promotion, this year's offer includes free AirPods alongside the purchase of a MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, the new 24-inch iMac, the Mac Pro, Mac mini, and the new M1-powered iPad Pro and the iPad Air. Alongside the free AirPods, qualifying students and educators can get 20% off AppleCare+ with their purchases.

During checkout, customers can upgrade their AirPods to include wireless charging for just $40 or upgrade to the AirPods Pro for $90. The promotion seems to only be live in the United States and Canada at the time.

Popular Stories

maxresdefault

Apple Shows Off a Key Reason to Upgrade to the iPhone 17

Saturday February 7, 2026 9:26 am PST by
Apple today shared an ad that shows how the upgraded Center Stage front camera on the latest iPhones improves the process of taking a group selfie. "Watch how the new front facing camera on iPhone 17 Pro takes group selfies that automatically expand and rotate as more people come into frame," says Apple. While the ad is focused on the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max, the regular iPhone...
apple wallet drivers license feature iPhone 15 pro

Apple Says These 7 U.S. States Plan to Offer iPhone Driver's Licenses

Monday February 9, 2026 6:24 am PST by
In select U.S. states, residents can add their driver's license or state ID to the Apple Wallet app on the iPhone and Apple Watch, and then use it to display proof of identity or age at select airports and businesses, and in select apps. The feature is currently available in 13 U.S. states and Puerto Rico, and it is expected to launch in at least seven more in the future. To set up the...
m5 macbook pro deal

Why You Shouldn't Buy the Next MacBook Pro

Tuesday February 10, 2026 4:27 pm PST by
Apple is planning to launch new MacBook Pro models as soon as early March, but if you can, this is one generation you should skip because there's something much better in the works. We're waiting on 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, with few changes other than the processor upgrade. There won't be any tweaks to the design or the display, but later this...
Apple Logo Zoomed

Apple Expected to Launch These 10+ Products Over the Coming Months

Tuesday February 10, 2026 6:33 am PST by
It has been a slow start to 2026 for Apple product launches, with only a new AirTag and a special Apple Watch band released so far. We are still waiting for MacBook Pro models with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, the iPhone 17e, a lower-cost MacBook with an iPhone chip, long-rumored updates to the Apple TV and HomePod mini, and much more. Apple is expected to release/update the following products...
iOS 26

Apple Releases iOS 26.3 and iPadOS 26.3

Wednesday February 11, 2026 10:07 am PST by
Apple today released iOS 26.3 and iPadOS 26.3, the latest updates to the iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 operating systems that came out in September. The new software comes almost two months after Apple released iOS 26.2 and iPadOS 26.2. The new software can be downloaded on eligible iPhones and iPads over-the-air by going to Settings > General > Software Update. According to Apple's release notes, ...

Top Rated Comments

61 months ago
So no new MacBook Pro until this promo is over?
Score: 15 Votes (Like | Disagree)
thefourthpope Avatar
61 months ago
The day after school ended (in Maryland) and it’s already back-to-school season.
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
61 months ago

I literally bought a macbook air on the education store yesterday. Do you think if I called they'd give me the deal? The laptop is still in the box so I could return it.
Yes. Just got them to honor the offer on an iPad Pro I bought last week.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ouimetnick Avatar
61 months ago

So no new MacBook Pro until this promo is over?
Not necessarily, but it would be excluded as new models have been in the past.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Mr. Chewbacca Avatar
61 months ago

I literally bought a macbook air on the education store yesterday. Do you think if I called they'd give me the deal? The laptop is still in the box so I could return it.
Yes. they will usually do this. Especially if it is still in the full return period. Worst case, return and re-buy but they know you are going to do that so it's way easier to just send you the air pods. Just be nice when you call, be the kind of customer someone wants to help.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Apple_Robert Avatar
61 months ago

You know, the MacBook Air is really a good deal considering the alternatives. For $999 you get top performance and the great experience of Apple products. The only real competitor is Microsoft Surface laptop, and that costs even more than $999. The other alternatives (Chromebooks, cheap Lenovo etc) are just urgh - poor quality and the designs are so outdated. With educational pricing and free AirPods it's a no brainer.
Don't forget the privacy differences between. Apple wins for the price, integration, and privacy, in my opinion.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)