You now need to be a student or teacher to shop at Apple's education store

May 8, 2026 - 18:19

Apple has quietly updated the requirements for its education pricing, now forcing shoppers to prove they are a current student or teacher before they can buy discounted products. The change applies in the United States and five other countries, where anyone hoping to use the education store must verify their status through UNiDAYS, a third-party verification service.

Previously, Apple's education store was open to a broader group, including parents of students and some school staff without strict checks. Now, only active students and educators with valid credentials can access the lower prices. The move is likely aimed at stopping people who are not in school from abusing the discount system. In the past, anyone could simply click through to the education page and place an order without proof.

The new policy affects the US, the UK, Canada, France, Italy, and Germany. To verify, users must log into a UNiDAYS account or create one using their school email or other documents. Once approved, they can shop for items like MacBooks and iPads at reduced prices. Apple has not commented on whether the change will expand to other regions, but the shift marks a clear effort to close a loophole that had been used by many non-students for years.