Apple hands out Beats headphones for back-to-school promo
The promotion launched later this year than in the past: In 2014, for example, Apple started its back-to-school campaign July 1.
Buyers who purchase a qualifying Mac between now and Sept. 18 receive a $199.95 credit toward a a pair of Beats Solo2 On-Ear Headphones, which list for that amount. Alternately, the credit can be applied to a pair of Beats Solo2 Wireless On-Ear Headphones, which run $299.95, making the out-of-pocket expense $100.
The promotion launches today in Apple's retail stores and participating authorized on-campus stores but won't appear on the company's e-store until Aug. 6.
9to5Mac.com first reported on the promotion earlier today.
This year's back-to-school promotion gives parents of college students and incoming freshmen, and teachers and staff members of all grade levels -- including K-12 -- the credit when they buy a new iMac, Mac Pro, MacBook, MacBook Pro or MacBook Air. Unlike years past, iPads and iPhones do not qualify.
For the last four years, Apple has handed out gift cards and maxed the amount of the offer at $100. Before that, a more generous Apple gave rebates of up to $300 toward the purchase of an iPod Touch.
Educational discounts on the hardware also apply. MacBooks and MacBook Airs are reduced by $50 for parents of students and for faculty and staff. The discounts on other products are $100 on MacBook Pros, $100 to $200 on Retina 5K iMacs, $50 to $100 on iMacs, and $200 to $300 on Mac Pros.
Details of the U.S. promotion can be found on Apple's website (download PDF).