Since the earliest moments of its inception, Apple has displayed an unwavering dedication to empowering both students and educators through meaningful support and targeted initiatives. Established in 1976, the company swiftly recognized the transformative potential of technology in education. By the close of that decade, Apple had already begun contributing hundreds of computers to classrooms across the United States, a gesture that not only showcased its generosity but also underscored its conviction that technology could revolutionize learning. These early philanthropic efforts expanded rapidly, with Apple’s donations escalating into the thousands by the beginning of the 1980s, marking the start of a long-standing relationship between the company and the academic community.
A particularly notable milestone in this journey occurred in 1983, when Apple co-founder Steve Jobs personally introduced the “Kids Can’t Wait” initiative. This visionary program aimed to provide every public elementary and high school in California—specifically those with an enrollment of at least one hundred students—with a complete Apple II computer setup. Each school was to receive a computer, monitor, disk drive, and accompanying Apple software, creating an unprecedented opportunity for students and educators to access cutting-edge computing resources. Although the initiative was relatively short-lived, its influence endured far beyond its operational life. The program forged enduring partnerships between Apple and countless educational institutions, strengthening trust and cooperation while solidifying Apple’s identity as a company deeply rooted in educational advancement. This enduring commitment to learning and teaching continues to define the brand’s mission even decades later.
Today, Apple maintains this legacy through a variety of programs designed to make technology more accessible to the educational community. Chief among these is the Apple Education Pricing program, a dedicated discount structure that enables students and educators to purchase Apple products at reduced rates. Eligibility for this program extends to students from kindergarten through the twelfth grade, as well as to teachers employed by K–12 schools. In this way, Apple ensures that learners at all stages of primary and secondary education—and the instructors who guide them—can access high-quality tools at more affordable prices.
To confirm eligibility, students can verify their status in several convenient ways. When shopping online, they may upload an acceptable form of documentation, such as a valid student identification card or a current tuition statement, directly during checkout. For those visiting an Apple Store in person, these same documents can be presented at the time of purchase. Educators, including classroom teachers, can similarly demonstrate their eligibility by presenting current school identification, a recent pay stub, or an employment verification letter. Furthermore, Apple extends this courtesy to certified homeschool teachers, acknowledging the valuable work they perform within alternative educational environments.
Once verified, students and educators gain access to an extensive selection of discounted products. The range includes many of Apple’s iconic devices—MacBooks, iMacs, and iPads—as well as a broad array of essential accessories, from Apple Pencils to keyboards and mice. These items are carefully chosen to enhance both teaching effectiveness and learning experiences. However, certain products, such as Apple Watches, iPhones, and Apple TVs, generally remain excluded from educational pricing. This delineation allows Apple to focus its discounts primarily on devices that have direct classroom and study applications.
In addition to hardware, Apple also offers reduced pricing on selected digital services. Notably, students enrolled in colleges or universities can receive special pricing for Apple Music, allowing them to enjoy the company’s media ecosystem at a lower cost. To maintain fairness and prevent misuse, Apple places annual limits on the number of products that can be purchased using educational discounts. Each eligible buyer is entitled to acquire one discounted computer—whether desktop or laptop—two iPads, and up to two accessories per year. These restrictions apply uniformly to both online and retail purchases, ensuring consistency across all sales channels.
Beyond mere product discounts, Apple has developed a vibrant and robust online ecosystem intended to empower educators professionally: the Apple Education Community. This comprehensive, no-cost digital platform is composed of two primary components—a professional learning hub and an interactive forum—each designed to foster growth, collaboration, and skill development among teachers. Within the learning hub, educators can access a diverse compilation of tutorials and instructional materials covering a wide array of subjects. These include in-depth guides on using Apple devices like MacBooks and iPads, creative example lesson plans aimed at integrating technology into classroom environments, and detailed instructions on how to utilize educational software such as Pages, iMovie, and GarageBand effectively.
The complementary element of this platform, the Apple Education Community Forum, functions as a dynamic collaboration space. Here, teachers from around the world can engage in dialogue, exchange innovative teaching ideas, seek technical assistance, and share valuable resources. Participants can post questions, request feedback on lesson design, or connect with Apple specialists for expert advice regarding hardware and software use. The forum encourages a culture of shared learning, transforming the collective experience of Apple-using educators into a living repository of practical knowledge. Through these interactions, the company continues to advance its vision of enhancing education—one user, one product, and one classroom at a time—by giving teachers and students the means to flourish in an increasingly digital world.
Sourse: https://www.businessinsider.com/apple-education
