Apple Implements New Verification Requirements for Education Discounts

Apple has recently updated its online purchasing policy for US customers availing of discounted education rates. Customers are now required to provide proof of eligibility when purchasing products online, including the Apple Watch, for the first time.

Verification Process Through Unidays

To verify their status, students, parents, and teachers are directed to use Unidays’ third-party verification service. This system, already in place in other countries such as the UK, is now being rolled out in Canada, Australia, Hong Kong, Turkey, and Chile. Eligible customers can verify their academic status through the Unidays app or website using an email address, photo ID, or other valid documents from educational institutions.

Preventing Abuse of Education Pricing

Apple is implementing these changes to prevent abuse of the education pricing system. Previously, anyone in the US could make discounted purchases through the virtual education store without verification. Customers can also complete the Unidays verification ahead of time to expedite in-store purchases, building on existing verification requirements in physical stores.

Reintroduction of Unidays Verification

This is Apple’s second attempt at adopting Unidays verification for US purchases. The requirement was briefly introduced four years ago before being removed. The effectiveness of the current implementation remains to be seen.

Discounted Apple Watch Models

As part of the education program changes, Apple Watch models are now available at discounted rates for the first time. Education customers can save up to 10 percent on the Apple Watch Series 11, Apple Watch SE, and Apple Watch Ultra 3.