The 7 Best Back-to-School Apple Deals

Back-to-school season is in full swing, and whether you’re heading off to college as a freshman, returning as an upperclassman, or continuing in grad school, having the right tech can be pretty critical.

A broad range of Apple devices are fit for education and everyday tasks. The M1 MacBook Air can last for hours, so it doesn’t die while pulling an all-nighter to finish a term paper. At the same time, AirPods Pro or Max can let you block out distractions. Sure, an iPad is great for streaming, but with an Apple Pencil, it’s the ideal way to take notes.

Lucky for students everywhere and folks who just eye a good deal, many Apple devices are discounted this back-to-school season. Ahead we’re sharing our favorite deals on Apple devices, and keep checking back as we keep this list up to date.

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Best Apple Back-To-School AirPods Deals

AirPods Pro 2nd Gen, $199 (was $249) at Amazon

Whether you need a pair of earbuds that can pump you up on your way to class or block out noisy roommates, AirPods Pro second-generation are versatile enough to succeed. Inside each earbud is a custom driver to deliver a vibrant, crisp mix that works for any genre, lasting upwards of six hours on a full charge. That’s paired with easy Bluetooth pairing for other Apple devices and class-leading listening modes.

AirPods Max, $450 (was $549) at Amazon

AirPods Max are as much a fashion statement as an excellent pair of over-ear headphones. Coming in Green, Pink--aka the perfect Barbie accessory--Blue, Silver, or Space Gray, you can pick the color that best matches you. The build is super cozy and premium, meaning you can wear them comfortably for hours without feeling stuffy. You also get classic AirPods features like hands-free “Hey Siri,” fast-pairing, and long battery life.

EarPods with Lightning Connector, $17 (was $29) at Amazon

What’s old is cool again, and Apple EarPods--yes, the iconic white wired earbuds that came in the box along with an iPod--are making a comeback. You never have to worry about charging your EarPods, but they also deliver an always-accountable wired connection. Maybe best of all, though, is the in-line microphone for crisp, clear vocals.

Best Apple Back-To-School MacBook Deals

13-inch MacBook Air with M1, $750 (was $999) at Amazon

I get asked often what’s the best laptop, and nine times out of ten, it’s the M1 MacBook Air. I’d double down on that recommendation for college students as regardless of your major, the M1 MacBook Air can scale to meet your needs. It supports Microsoft Office just as well as Pages, Keynote, or Sheets, and the same goes for G-Suite. Thanks to Apple’s own M1 chip, it offers plenty of power for nearly any thinkable task, from multitasking between a dozen apps to exporting a 4K film. Truly, the best news, though, is the all-day battery life.

15-inch MacBook Air with M2, $1,250 (was $1,299) at Amazon

While $50 isn’t the biggest discount, it is a fresh discount on the newest MacBook Air in Apple’s lineup. Yes, the 15-inch MacBook Air with M2 is down to $1,249.99 for the entry-level model with the M2 chip, 8GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage in Silver, Starlight, Space Gray, or Midnight. It provides all the portability of a MacBook Air with a more expansive 15.2-inch Liquid Retina display that visuals look great on and provides more room for multitasking. In the audio realm, it also delivers a much wider soundstage than the M1 or M2 Air.

Best Apple Back-To-School iPad Deals

9th Gen iPad, $270 (was $329) at Amazon

Apple’s entry-level iPad might have thicker bezels and a classic Home button, but it’s an unbeatable value at 18% off and fully supports the first-generation Apple Pencil. You can use Notes, GoodNotes, Notability, or countless other applications to take notes in class. The 10.2-inch Retina display here is clear and crisp for note-taking and myriad other tasks. You could even split screen the 9th Gen iPad for notes on the left and a textbook on the right. How neat is that? Plus, post-class, you can stream your favorite TV show or movie, FaceTime with friends, and even game.

The first-generation Apple Pencil is also 20% off at just $79 on Amazon. It recharges by plugging right into the Lightning port of the 9th Gen iPad and can be used for note-taking, drawing, or even just navigating the interface.

iPad Air 5th Gen, $559 (was $599) at Amazon

Those needing more power or a laptop replacement can consider the 5th Gen iPad Air. It’s $40 off and is powered by Apple’s M1 chip--the same as in the MacBook Air--making iPadOS 16 glide. It can power through any thinkable task and even be used with Final Cut Pro for iPad and more advanced applications. You control it all via a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display that offers more vivid colors and clarity over the 9th Gen. iPad Air comes in five colors and supports the second-generation Apple Pencil, which can magnetically attach to the side and wirelessly recharge itself. 

Prices are accurate and items in stock at time of publishing.