Apple tightens education discounts with new rules

Apple just made it harder to get discounts on its devices. The tech giant used to trust customers to say they were students, teachers, or parents when buying from its education store. Now, you have to prove it. This change started in 2022 but has spread to more countries, including the U. S. , Australia, and Canada. To get the discount, you need to create an account with UNiDAYS and verify your status. Students log in through their school’s system, while teachers must show ID like a passport or driver’s license. Homeschoolers need extra paperwork. Once approved, you can buy one desktop, one Mac mini, two iPads, or two accessories. Verification can take up to a day.Why the change? Apple blames rising costs. A global shortage of computer memory has driven up prices, making discounts harder to justify. Some think Apple might even raise prices by $100 soon. Without tighter controls, the company risks losing money to people who take advantage of the deals without being eligible. The old system worked for years, but times have changed. Apple now wants to protect its profits while keeping discounts for real students and educators. The shift shows how big companies adapt when supply chains struggle and costs rise.