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. It’s a nice gesture by Apple to offer those who serve and protect our country a good deal on a new iPhone, MacBook, or iPad. 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.
What is the Apple Military Discount?
10%.
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.
Is the Discount Only Available to Active Military?
No.
All veterans and reserve personnel are also eligible to get the discount.
See Also: The Home Depot Military Discount: It’s Confusing But We Make Sense Of It
What Proof of Service Do I Have to Show?
First of all, Apple uses a verification service called ID.me to verify your military status. Click here to start your verification.
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
Are All Military Branches Eligible?
Yes.
All branches of the armed forces are eligible along with the National Guard and Reserve.
What Products Can I 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.
Are There Any Exclusions?
Yes, but not many.
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
Is Apple Okay With Me Reselling Products Later?
Yes.
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.
Does Apple Limit the Number of Products I Can Buy?
Yes.
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.
Can Family Members Get the Discount Too?
Yes.
The one caveat is they have to be an immediate family member who live in the same household.
See Also: Apple Student Discount: Here’s What It Is and How to Take Advantage
How Do I Know I’m Getting the Discount?
The Military storefront on the Apple website doesn’t 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.
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.