Here’s How the Apple Military Discount Works and How You Qualify
As most of my loyal readers know, I’m a huge fan of retailers offering a military or veteran discount to those who serve our country. Back in December of 2018, Apple officially announced and opened a dedicated online store specifically for active military and veterans. So I figured it was time to take a closer look at how the Apple military discount works, how you qualify, and what kind of deals you can expect.
Once verified, you’ll gain access to the Military and Vet Online Storefront where all Apple products will be discounted by 10%.
It should be noted that this discount is only available online.
Also, all veterans and reserve personnel are eligible to get the discount.
See Also: The Home Depot Military Discount: It’s Confusing But We Make Sense Of It
The Proof of Service You’ll Need to Show
First of all, Apple uses a verification service called ID.me to verify your military status.
CLICK HERE to start your verification process.
To prove you’re active, retired, or reserve military status you’ll need one of the following:
– Veteran’s ID card (VIC)
– Veteran Health ID card (VHIC)
– Common Access card
– State driver’s license with veteran’s designation (usually has a U.S. flag or the word “Veteran” on it)
– Uniformed services ID card
– DD214 or DD256 form
PRO TIP: PROOF THAT YOU’RE GETTING THE DISCOUNT
The Military storefront on the Apple website does NOT typically list the original price which can leave you wondering if you’re actually getting a discount.
To insure you’re actually getting a deal, pull up the Apple Store website in a separate browser tab, find the product you’re interested in purchasing, then compare the price with the military discount price.
All Military Branches Are Eligible
All branches of the armed forces are eligible along with the National Guard and Reserve.
Immediate family member who live in the same household are also eligible.
PRO TIP: BUY WITH DISCOUNT THEN CONVERT TO ACMI
So you can’t get your military discount and also buy with your Apple Card with 0% ACMI financing (Apple Card Monthly Installments).
But you absolutely can but with your discount through the Apple military storefront, then convert to 0% financing ACMI after purchasing it.
I personally called Apple support to verify this information after I got several questions from readers.
The Products You Can Get a Discount On
As a general rule, you’ll score a 10% discount on the iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad, MacBook, Apple TV, and accessories.
You’ll also get a discount on AppleCare and AppleCare+ protection plans which is nice.
There Is Only 1 Excluded Product
The only items excluded from the Apple military discount are 3rd party accessories sold by Adobe, HP, Microsoft, and Bose.
See Also: Apple Employee Discount: All Your Burning Questions Answered
PRO TIP: ASK FOR IN-STORE PRICE MATCH
Often a website like ShopMyExchange, which specializes in tax free shopping for vets, will have a better price that the Apple military price.
This is especially true when you live in a state like California that has a high state sales tax.
When shopping at an Apple store, ask if they can price match the lower price from ShopMyExchange.
If they won’t, then ask the CSR if they’ll at least price match the Apple Military storefront. I’ve been told that they always will.
Apple Is Okay With You Reselling Products
Apple is fine with you reselling products you bought with your military discount.
First of all, there is no way they could logistically track what used products you sell.
Secondly, they know you’re probably going to upgrade and spend even more money on new Apple products so they are fine with it.
Apple Limits the Number of Products You Can Buy
Apple specifically says the military discount is for “personal use” only.
To this end, they limit you to only three Mac computers, iPhones, AirPods, iPads, HomePods, and Apple TVs per calendar year.
They raise that limit to ten when buying Beat products, refurbished items, iPod Touch, and Apple Watch accessories.
See Also: Apple Student Discount: Here’s What It Is and How to Take Advantage
Ask the Reader: Have you been verified by Apple to receive their military and veteran discount? Was it an easy process and how much money has it saved you so far?
By Kyle James
I started Rather-Be-Shopping.com in 2000 and have become a consumer expert and advocate writing about out-of-the-box ways to save at stores like Amazon, Walmart, Target and Costco to name a few. I’ve been featured on FOX News, Good Morning America, and the NY Times talking about my savings tips. (Learn more)
The Apple Military Discount process works perfectly. As a Retiree of the Army Nation Guard, I’ve purchased iPads, iPhones, and Laptops with my discount, including newly introduced models.
What Apple does not detail is, ..am I allowed to sell my my used products a year or two later so I can upgrade to a newer one? I’m assuming Apple is quite ok with that, due to the length of ownership of everything I purchased using the Military Discount.
The IDMe process works well and is typically automated to log you into Apple when you select the Apple Store. Once you setup and link IDMe to Apple, that link remains in place and you won’t need to authenticate every time you login to Apple.
5 Stars all around and getting 10% off on a new and pricey apple product adds up! Consider applying for the Apple Card too. If you use it on Apple purchases along with your Military Discount, you -will- get an additional 5% cash back on that purchase!
Hey Allan – Apple is fine with you selling the products later, especially since you’ll probably upgrade.
It’s a pretty simple process with ID ME to get the discount. The biggest downfall is you will pay upfront for the whole purchase and have to wait to get a refund as well if you are using a trade in. The other problem is you are going to pay interest or have to pay off quickly because the interest will more than negate the discount. I don’t understand why a if you are Apple Card holder why you are treated different and not offered the monthly interest free payments. To me I see it as a punishment, not a benefit if you are treated differently..
I agree. Others have said it like getting a double benefit. Since when is paying monthly installments considered a benefit? Not using my Apple Card to purchase kind negates the whole veterans discount.