Back to school Apple deals — free iPhones, $99 AirPods, and more

MacBook Pro laptop held in front of patio furniture
(Image credit: Future)

Apple devices are undergoing major discounts this week. Now that Apple back to school deals are live across numerous retailers, we're seeing Macs and MacBooks sell for as low as $499. iPads are also selling at record price lows.  

I've been covering retail holidays for over a decade. Back to school season is different from most retail holidays in that it lasts through August and into early September. However, the deals can expire just as fast as any traditional retail holiday with no guarantee they'll resurface. 

Below I'm rounding up the best Apple back to school deals you can get right now at places like Best Buy, Amazon, and B&H Photo. As a Mac user myself, I'll be focusing on value and recommending deals that are at or near record price lows. Likewise, I'll be recommending Apple back to school deals on devices we've reviewed at Tom's Guide, so make sure to bookmark this page for the best deals of the season. 

Currently, the best Apple deals I've seen are the MacBook Air 13-inch (M2) on sale for $899 at Best Buy and the MacBook Air 13-inch (M10) on sale for $749 at Amazon. Both systems offer a tremendous value that'll last you for more than just one school year. In the case of the MacBook Air M1, you'll be getting the lowest price ever on this machine. (The M2 MacBook Air is at its second-lowest price ever and just $50 shy of its all-time low).  

Make sure to follow our back to school sales coverage for the best deals on all of your back  to school needs. 

Best Apple back to school deals

Best Apple back to school deals

iPhones

iPhone 14: up $1,000 off w/ trade-in @ Verizon

iPhone 14: up $1,000 off w/ trade-in @ Verizon
The iPhone 14 family includes the 6.1-inch iPhone 14 (from $799), 6.7-inch iPhone 14 Plus (from $899), 6.1-inch iPhone 14 Pro (from $999), and 6.7-inch iPhone 14 Pro Max (from $1,099). Verizon is offering up to $1,000 off select iPhone 14 models when you trade-in your old phone or open select 5G unlimited plans. 

iPhone 14 Pro: free w/ trade-in + unlimited @ AT&T

iPhone 14 Pro: free w/ trade-in + unlimited @ AT&T
New and existing AT&T customers can get up to $1,000 off iPhone 14 Pro (free) or iPhone 14 Pro Max with trade-in. You'll also need be signed up to one of AT&T's qualifying 5G unlimited data plans. 

Mint Mobile: get 6 free months @ Mint Mobile

Mint Mobile: get 6 free months @ Mint Mobile
Mint Mobile is offering one of the best back to school Apple deals we've seen from any carrier. Purchase any 6-month data plan at Mint Mobile and you'll get 6 additional months for free. For instance, Mint Mobile's unlimited plan is $30/month. Buy 6 months ($180 total) and you'll get an extra 6 months for free (you'll wind up with 12 months total). All Mint Mobile phones are eligible for this sale, including the entire iPhone 14 lineup.

iPhone 13: free w/ unlimited @ Verizon

iPhone 13: free w/ unlimited @ Verizon
iPhone 13 deals don't get better than this. For a limited time at Verizon, you can get the iPhone 13 for free when you open a new 5G unlimited plan. (Purchase must be made online). Plus, switch from a competing carrier and you'll get a $200 credit. 

iPhone SE 2022: free w/ unlimited + new line @ Verizon

iPhone SE 2022: free w/ unlimited + new line @ Verizon
Currently at Verizon, new and existing members can get a new iPhone SE 2022 for free when you open a new unlimited line. That's $429 off and one of the best Apple deals we've seen. No trade-in is required for this deal. 

Apple MagSafe Battery Pack: was $99 now $94 @ Amazon

Apple MagSafe Battery Pack: was $99 now $94 @ Amazon
It's a modest price cut, but this handy wireless charger is compatible with all sizes of the iPhone 14, iPhone 13, and iPhone 12 lineups, delivering up to 15W charging when attached.

iPads

10.2" iPad (WiFi/64GB): was $329 now $279 @ AmazonPrice check: $329 @ Best Buy

10.2" iPad (WiFi/64GB): was $329 now $279 @ Amazon
The 10.2-inch iPad features Apple's A13 Bionic CPU, a 12MP front camera, and 64GB of storage (instead of 32GB like its predecessor). You also get support for Center Stage, which uses machine learning to adjust the front-facing camera during FaceTime video calls. In our iPad 10.2-inch review, we called it a solid tablet with a great screen, smooth performance, and good battery life for a reasonable price. Note: The 256GB model is also on sale for $389 at Amazon.
Price check: $329 @ Best Buy

10.9" iPad Air (WiFi/64GB): was $599 now $551 @ AmazonPrice check: $599 @ Best Buy

10.9" iPad Air (WiFi/64GB): was $599 now $551 @ Amazon
The 2022 iPad Air is powered by Apple's M1 processor, which features an 8-core CPU that delivers up to 60% faster performance than the previous-gen iPad Air. Other standout features include a 12MP ultra wide front camera that supports Center Stage and 5G support (cellular models only). The tablet features a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display (2360 x 1640), 12MP wide (rear) camera, USB-C charging, and Magic Keyboard support. In our Apple iPad Air 2022 review, we said it sets a new standard for tablets.
Price check: $599 @ Best Buy

11" iPad Pro 2022 (WiFi/128GB): was $799 now $749 @ AmazonPrice check: $749 @ B&H Photo

11" iPad Pro 2022 (WiFi/128GB): was $799 now $749 @ Amazon
The 11-inch iPad Pro is built around Apple's latest M2 CPU. It packs an 11-inch 2388 x 1668 Liquid Retina display with ProMotion (120Hz), Apple Pencil 2/Magic Keyboard/Smart Keyboard Folio support, and works with Apple Pencil hover, which lets you see a preview of your mark before you make it. You also get 12MP wide and 10MP ultra-wide cameras and a 12MP TrueDepth front camera.
Price check: $749 @ B&H Photo

12.9" iPad Pro 2022 (WiFi/128GB): was $1,099 now $1,049 @ AmazonPrice check: $1,049 @ B&H Photo

12.9" iPad Pro 2022 (WiFi/128GB): was $1,099 now $1,049 @ Amazon
The 12.9-inch iPad Pro is Apple's top tablet. In our iPad Pro 2022 review we called it an all-around great tablet that delivers solid performance, a handy new Apple Pencil Hover feature, and excellent video quality. It features Apple's latest M2 CPU, 12.9-inch 2732 x 2048 Liquid XDR display with ProMotion (120Hz), Apple Pencil 2/Magic Keyboard/Smart Keyboard Folio support, and works with Apple Pencil hover, which lets you see a preview of your mark before you make it. You also get 12MP wide and 10MP ultra-wide cameras and a 12MP TrueDepth front camera. 
Price check: $1,049 @ B&H Photo

MacBooks

MacBook Air 13 (M1/256GB): was $999 now $749 @ AmazonLowest price!Price check: $859 @ B&H Photo | $749 @ Best Buy

MacBook Air 13 (M1/256GB): was $999 now $749 @ Amazon
Lowest price! It's no longer Apple's flagship, but the MacBook Air M1 offers fantastic performance and value. The M1 CPU never stuttered in our tests and also helped it reach over 14 hours of battery life. It features a 13.3-inch Retina display, Apple M1 CPU, 8GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD. In our MacBook Air M1 review, we said it offers amazing endurance and shockingly good speed. This is the lowest price ever for the MacBook Air M1.
Price check: $859 @ B&H Photo | $749 @ Best Buy

MacBook Air 13 (M2/256GB): was $1,099 now $899 @ Best BuyEditor's Choice!Price check: $949 @ B&H Photo | sold out @ Amazon

MacBook Air 13 (M2/256GB): was $1,099 now $899 @ Best Buy
Editor's Choice! The MacBook Air M2 boasts a load of great features. It includes a larger 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display (2560 x 1664), Apple's M2 CPU w/ 8-core GPU, 8GB of RAM, 256GB SSD, 1080p FaceTime camera, four-speaker system with Spatial Audio, and MagSafe charging. In our MacBook Air M2 review, we called the Editor's Choice laptop an unbeatable combo of performance, design, and battery life.
Price check: $949 @ B&H Photo | sold out @ Amazon

MacBook Pro 13" (M2/256GB): was $1,299 now $1,099 @ B&H PhotoPrice check: sold out @ Amazon | $1,299 @ Best Buy

MacBook Pro 13" (M2/256GB): was $1,299 now $1,099 @ B&H Photo
The 2022 MacBook Pro sports a 13.3-inch Retina display (2560 x 1600), Apple's new M2 CPU w/ 10 core GPU, 8GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD. In our MacBook Pro 13-inch M2 review, we said it delivers mind-blowing performance and an epic 18:20 battery life. It's only $50 off, so we recommend waiting till it's at least $100 off. (It's dropped to $1,049 in the past).
Price check: sold out @ Amazon | $1,299 @ Best Buy

MacBook Air 15 (M2/256GB): was $1,299 now $1,099 @ AmazonLowest price!Price check: $1,099 @ B&H Photo | $1,299 @ Best Buy

MacBook Air 15 (M2/256GB): was $1,299 now $1,099 @ Amazon
Lowest price! There's a new MacBook Air in town. Apple's biggest MacBook Air features a large 15.3-inch Liquid Retina display (2880 x 1864), Apple's M2 chip w/ 10-core GPU, 8GB of RAM, 256GB SSD, 1080p FaceTime camera, four-speaker system with Spatial Audio, and MagSafe charging. In our MacBook Air 15 review, we called the Editor's Choice laptop a super-sized version of the 13-inch model with excellent performance, epic battery life (15 hours in our testing), and a gorgeous display. It was $100 off earlier, which makes this the second-lowest price we've seen for it.
Price check: $1,099 @ B&H Photo | $1,299 @ Best Buy

MacBook Pro 14" (M2 Pro/512GB): was $1,999 now $1,799 @ B&H PhotoPrice check: sold out @ Amazon | $1,799 @ Best Buy

MacBook Pro 14" (M2 Pro/512GB): was $1,999 now $1,799 @ B&H Photo
The 2023 MacBook Pro 14-inch packs Apple's new M2 Pro silicon, which outperforms most of today's flagship laptops. (It can also be configured with the M2 Pro Max). In our MacBook Pro 14-inch 2023 review, we called it the world's best laptop. It offers an incredible battery life of over 14 hours. The base model includes a 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display (3024 x 1964), M2 Pro 10-core CPU (w/ 16-core GPU), 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD.
Price check: sold out @ Amazon | $1,799 @ Best Buy

AirPods

AirPods: was $129 now $99 @ Amazon

AirPods: was $129 now $99 @ Amazon
Amazon has the Apple AirPods with standard/wired charging case on sale for $99. That's one of the best deals we've seen for Apple's entry-level buds. They feature Apple's H1 chip for fast wireless connectivity with Apple devices. Although they've been outshined by newer models, in our AirPods review we said they're a great pair of wireless earbuds that work seamlessly with iOS devices. They're just $20 shy of their all-time price low.

AirPods 3 (2021): was $179 now $149 @ Amazon

AirPods 3 (2021): was $179 now $149 @ Amazon
The AirPods 3 offer Spatial Audio, which creates immersive listening experiences for music-listening, movie-watching, and more. They're also IPX4 sweat and water resistant, a feature that was previously exclusive to the AirPods Pro. In our Apple AirPods 3 review, we said they offer fantastic sound with results that give the AirPods Pro a run for its money, though remember they lack ANC and Transparency Mode. 

AirPods Pro 2 (2022): was $249 now $199 @ AmazonPrice check: $199 @ Verizon | $225 @ B&H Photo

AirPods Pro 2 (2022): was $249 now $199 @ Amazon
The AirPods Pro 2 pack Apple's new H2 chip to provide 2x more noice cancellation than their predecessors. They also offer Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking for a more immersive audio experience. In our AirPods Pro 2 review, we said they take everything we loved about the original AirPods Pro to the next level. 
Price check: $199 @ Verizon | $225 @ B&H Photo

AirPods Max: was $549 now $477 @ Amazon

AirPods Max: was $549 now $477 @ Amazon
The AirPods Max are Apple's premium, retro-style headphones. They feature large ear cushions, a digital crown, active noise cancellation, and Spatial Audio. The latter feature uses head tracking to offer a surround sound experience. In our AirPods Max review, we said the 'phones offer exceptional noise-cancelling, a luxurious design, and sophisticated soundstage. 

Apple Watch

Apple Watch 8 (41mm/GPS): was $399 now $329 @ Amazon

Apple Watch 8 (41mm/GPS): was $399 now $329 @ Amazon
The Apple Watch 8 sports a new skin temperature sensor to monitor sleep tracking and cycle tracking. It also comes with new advanced safety features like Crash Detection, which can sense when you've been in a car crash. In our Apple Watch 8 review, we called it the best smartwatch hands down.

Apple Watch SE (GPS/40mm): was $249 now $149 @ WalmartLowest price!

Apple Watch SE (GPS/40mm): was $249 now $149 @ Walmart
Lowest price! The Apple Watch SE is Apple's mid-tier smartwatch. It features the same chip found in the Apple Watch 5, but sports a bigger screen than the Apple Watch 3. It supports Emergency SOS calling, fall detection, and features a built-in compass and always-on altimeter. This is the cheapest price we've ever seen for the previous-gen model. 

Mac desktops

Apple Mac mini M2: was $599 now $499 @ B&H Photo
Lowest price! Price check: sold out @ Amazon | $599 @ Best Buy

Apple Mac mini M2: was $599 now $499 @ B&H Photo
Lowest price!
The new Mac mini M2 is faster and $100 cheaper than its M1-based predecessor. In our Mac mini M2 review, we said it's one of the best computers on the market with a speedy M2 CPU that runs circles around Apple's M1 CPU. The base model supports up to two external displays at up to the same resolutions (6K via Thunderbolt 4 or 4K via HDMI). It features an M2 CPU, 8GB of RAM, and 256GB SSD.
Price check: sold out @ Amazon | $599 @ Best Buy

Apple Studio Display: was $1,599 now $1,399 @ AmazonLowest price!

Apple Studio Display: was $1,599 now $1,399 @ Amazon
Lowest price! The Editor's Choice Apple Studio Display is hands down the best monitor for your Mac. It's also the priciest. In our Apple Studio Display review, we said it has an excellent camera, fantastic speaker setup, and gorgeous 27-inch 5K screen. It delivers a lot of the value of Apple's $5,000 Pro Display XDR in a somewhat more affordable package. 

Louis Ramirez

As deals editor-in-chief at Tom’s Guide, Louis is constantly looking for ways to avoid paying full price for the latest gadgets, appliances, and apparel. With over 10 years of deals-hunting experience, Louis price checks against multiple retailers and searches high and low for the best deals to bring readers. He's also always on the look out for the best coupon codes to use when shopping. A born-and-bred New Yorker, Louis is also an avid swimmer and marathoner. His work has appeared on Gizmodo, CNET, and Time Out New York.