Apple Back to School offer in India: Free AirPods, gift cards up to $150

Apple has launched its Back to School promotion in India, offering students and educators a choice between free AirPods or a gift card worth up to $150 when they purchase eligible Mac or iPad models.

The annual offer, which typically runs through the summer months, is now live on Apple's official website and at Apple Store locations across the country.

What's on offer

Customers who buy a MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, iPad Pro, or iPad Air can choose from several benefits. The headline option is a free pair of AirPods, including the latest AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation, which retail for around Rs 5,000 in India.

Alternatively, buyers can opt for an Apple gift card worth up to $150. The exact value depends on the product purchased. The gift card can be used for accessories, apps, or future Apple purchases.

Students purchasing an iPad Air or iPad Pro also get a free Apple Pencil Pro as part of the bundle.

Eligibility and verification

The offer is open to current and newly accepted university students, parents buying on their behalf, and faculty and staff at all educational institutions. Apple uses UNiDAYS to verify eligibility, so buyers need to provide a valid student or faculty ID during checkout.

Apple has not disclosed a specific end date for the promotion, but similar offers in previous years have run until late September or early October.

Competitive landscape

This year's Back to School deal comes as Apple faces increasing competition in the education segment from Windows laptops and Chromebooks. The free AirPods offer is seen as a way to sweeten the deal for price-sensitive students.

The AirPods 4 with ANC, in particular, have been a popular choice. Retailers have noted that the in-ear design and noise cancellation feature make them a preferred option for students who study in noisy environments.

What to watch

Industry analysts expect Apple to extend the offer into early October to cover the start of the new academic year. Students and educators interested in the deal should verify their eligibility early, as stock of popular configurations — especially the MacBook Air M4 and iPad Pro M4 — can run low during the promotion period.