Buying a Mac for school? Apple now wants proof you're a student

The new procedure takes effect today, with most verification requests expected to be completed instantly.

Image via Apple

Students and educators in the United States now need to provide Apple with documents and proof of their status before accessing discounts through the online Education Store.

Starting today, visitors to Apple’s US online Education Store will see a message requiring them to verify their eligibility before making a purchase. Apple is collaborating with Unidays, a third-party verification service, to handle the process. Apple introduced Unidays in 2022 for in-store verifications.

A similar system has already been implemented in the UK, and Apple is now expanding it to the US, as well as Australia, Hong Kong, Turkey, Canada, and Chile. The change applies to both online and in-store purchases. Most verification requests will be processed instantly, though manual reviews may take up to 24 hours.

Students and educators can verify their status through the Unidays website or app by providing an email address or other documents issued by their educational institution. Homeschooled students and educators can also verify their eligibility through Unidays by submitting documents such as a Letter of Intent or Letter of Acknowledgment. Additional forms of identification, including a driver’s license, state ID card, or passport, may also be accepted.

While Apple’s Education Store is intended for students and teachers, anyone in the United States could previously purchase products through the online store and take advantage of student discounts, even without being a student. Apple hopes the new verification process will help prevent abuse of these discounts. The new procedure also puts an end to the honor system.

Education Store purchase limits remain unchanged. Each eligible customer can purchase one desktop computer, Mac mini, and MacBook per year, while the limit for iPads and accessories remains two devices per year.

In addition, Apple has added the Apple Watch to the list of products available through the Education Store with a 10 percent discount. Eligible models include the Apple Watch Series 11, Apple Watch SE, and Apple Watch Ultra 3.