Apple adds verification checks to Education Store after MacBook Neo discount surge

Apple now checks if customers are students or educators before offering discounts through its Education Store in the US and some other countries. Previously, shoppers could get these discounts without providing any proof of eligibility.

Wow, it’s crazy! Apple just made a change to how they offer discounts, and it seems like it happened pretty quickly after they released the MacBook Neo back in March. The Neo started at $599, or even $499 for students, and a lot of people online were starting to think the student discount program was being taken advantage of. It sounds like they’re tightening things up!

Apple now requires students in the US, Australia, Hong Kong, Turkey, Canada, and Chile to confirm they’re eligible for education discounts before buying from the Apple Education Store. This verification process was already in place in countries like the UK.

Students currently in college, those who’ve been accepted, parents buying for students, teachers, faculty, and homeschool educators are all eligible for this offer. Apple is working with UNiDAYS to confirm everyone’s status. To verify, you’ll need to create a UNiDAYS account and then prove you’re a student or faculty member either through your school’s website or by uploading a valid ID.

Homeschool teachers need to provide a valid ID and a document like a Letter of Intent or Acknowledgment to complete verification. Apple states that most verifications happen right away, but it may take up to 24 hours for some. This verification process is the same whether you apply online or at an Apple Store.

Apple Watch joins Education Store for first time

Apple is now offering the Apple Watch Series 11, Apple Watch SE, and Apple Watch Ultra 3 through its Education Store for the first time. These discounted Apple Watches are available in several countries, including the US, UK, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, South Korea, India, and Australia.

Apple’s annual Education Store purchase limits remain unchanged:

  • One desktop computer per year
  • One Mac mini per year
  • One notebook per year
  • Two iPads per year
  • Two discounted accessories per year

Apple reached a $250 million settlement on May 6th after a lawsuit claimed they didn’t deliver the promised “Enhanced Siri” features with the iPhone 16.

Read More

2026-05-08 17:48