Apple drops free AirPods from this year’s Back to School promotion

Apple has launched its annual Back to School promotion in the United States and Canada, offering students up to $150 in Apple Store gift cards with eligible iPad and Mac purchases, with 20% off AppleCare+ plans during the promotion which ends on September 26.
The promotion sees Apple offer current and newly accepted college students and their parents, as well as faculty, staff, and homeschool teachers of all grade levels a free $150 gift card with select Mac purchases and a $100 gift card on iPad Air and iPad Pro purchases.
Unlike last year, Apple is offering students free Apple Store gift cards rather than free AirPods, which were given with the purchase of a MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, 24-inch iMac, the Mac Pro, Mac mini, or the M1 iPad Pro or iPad Air.
The offer is available through Apple’s online education store or at Apple retail store locations, with the free gift cards redeemable against future Apple Store purchases, apps, subscriptions, and more.