Apple doesn’t offer discounts - or, at least, that’s the expectation. It’s not quite true. While Apple’s ethos seems to be that sales devalue its high-end products, the tech company has occasional promotions, many of which serve students.

Higher Education Offer

Apple’s student treats usually revolve around hardware, as most basic apps come built into iPads, MacBooks, and iMacs. Apple Music can be found for $5.99 (£4.66) per month as a student with Apple TV+ thrown into the bundle for free. Using a Mac VPN can lower download times for shows on university networks and keep connections private.

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Apple’s student offer is two-fold. Its Higher Education Offer runs in the UK and Europe for around two months beginning in July. This brief campaign gives out gift cards on certain purchases. Buying a Mac or iPad earns a gift card of up to £120. It’s not the greatest promotion in the world but it’s (almost) enough to buy a pair of AirBuds, which used to be Apple’s promotional gift. 

Plus, there’s still more to come. 

It’s worth noting that while Apple itself doesn’t cut its prices very often, other stores do. This means iPhones (for example) are sometimes cheaper at Amazon or Argos. Also, second-hand markets like musicMagpie trade in refurbished Apple products, as does the company itself. A refurbished iPad goes for hundreds of pounds less than a new one in Apple’s bargain bin. 

The Education Store

The Education Store is where students will get the most joy. There’s nothing tangible available (it’s all gift cards again) but there’s much more to look at. Get up to a £120 gift card with a purchase of a Mac Mini, iMac, iPad Pro, MacBook Pro, iPad Air, or MacBook Air. This is on top of minor price cuts or “education savings”.

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The Education Store has a 20% discount on Apple Care+ that covers students against accidental damage. It's not as expensive as expected, beginning at £2.49 per month for the Apple Watch, but the site does get a bit confusing when it comes to billing. Everything from monthly to 3-year cycles is included, depending on the product. Apple Care+ for HomePods starts at £25 for three years, for instance. That's not ideal for somebody on a budget.

Finally, Apple has a specialist - or “Pro” - software package for students. Geared towards videographers, musicians, and animators, this £199 collection includes Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro, Motion, Compressor, and Main Stage. It's a bit of an awkward grouping, especially at the price, so specialists might need to look elsewhere for dedicated apps. 

UNiDAYS

So, how is all this redeemable? Shoppers must be students or staff at a college, sixth form, or university in the UK. Then, they need to verify this status via the UNiDAYS website. UNiDAYS is a discount site that works like Groupon for people in higher education. Deals on Apple, Currys, Samsung, and HP populate its technology section. 

Apple doesn’t break the mould with its student promotions but the Education Store is at least a stepping stone to premium products.