Apple Now Requires UNiDAYS Verification for Education Store in US, Adds Apple Watch Discounts

Apple is tightening access to its Education Store in the United States and several other countries, while simultaneously expanding its discount program to include the Apple Watch for the first time.



Starting today, shoppers in the US, Canada, Chile, Australia, Hong Kong, and Turkey must verify their academic status through UNiDAYS before completing purchases with education pricing. Apple previously operated the US storefront on an honor system, allowing anyone to browse and purchase discounted hardware without upfront proof of eligibility. Customers will now need to create a UNiDAYS account and authenticate via their school's academic portal or upload a valid student or faculty ID.


Apple briefly introduced UNiDAYS verification in the United States in 2022, but removed the requirement days later following customer complaints about the rollout.

The system also accommodates homeschool teachers, who can verify their status by uploading a government-issued identity document alongside a Letter of Intent or Letter of Acknowledgment. Apple notes that most verifications process instantly, while manual reviews should take less than 24 hours. Once verified and signed in with an Apple Account, the eligibility status remains active for a full year. The same verification rules apply to in-store purchases.

The change comes shortly after Apple introduced the MacBook Neo at $599, with education customers eligible for an additional discount that drops the starting price to $499.

Alongside the new restrictions, Apple has officially added the Apple Watch to its education discount program in multiple countries. Eligible students and staff can now save on the Apple Watch Series 11, Apple Watch SE 3, and Apple Watch Ultra 3. The Apple Watch Hermès edition is excluded from the promotion. Standard Education Store purchase limits remain unchanged, including a limit of two discounted accessories per year.