Last Updated on August 3, 2022 by srinivas
Whether they’re just learning their ABCs or ready to go to college, the students in your life will rely heavily on digital devices. But it can be difficult to choose the right Apple device in a sea of iPads, iPhones and Macs. Our student buying guide will help you choose new tools and accessories for grade school, high school, high school and college students so you can get the most practical and stylish devices to help you hit the mark.
Apple offers special education prices for college students and teachers at the Apple Education Store in the US, UK, Canada and Australia, which typically offers 10 percent off new Macs and iPads, as well as gift cards and other occasional freebies.
Primary school
Electronic devices are great learning tools for young children, with plenty of apps and games to teach them the basics of reading, writing, and math. If you’re concerned about how much time your child spends on the device, Apple has Screen Time, which can be used to set access limits.
iPad (2021, 9th generation)
There is something to be said about having one central station for reading, learning, building and playing. For $329, the ninth-generation iPad can support any enterprise and more, all set to your controls. With an A12 processor, 10.2-inch display and Apple Pencil support, it’s a great tablet that won’t feel like entry-level.
Read our full iPad (2021, 9th generation) review
Apple Pencil (1st generation)
Pairing an iPad with an Apple Pencil can be quite a game-changer that turns the tablet into a digital art studio. Start your child early and watch the creativity flow.
Read our full review of Pencil (1st generation)
Classic School Vinyl Skin for Apple Pencil
The elementary school student you’re looking for has probably never seen a number two pencil in their young life, and they may never have a reason to see one unless you raise them with Apple Pencil skin styled to last. look like a piece of graphite. It doesn’t protect the actual tip of the Apple Pencil, but it’s much more fun to use with such a festive little costume.
secondary school
Luiza Kamalova / Shutterstock
Studying and working in high school becomes more demanding than in elementary school, so you need more versatile tools. As children enter their teens, they will also become more involved in social media. It might be time for their first iPhone!
iPhone SE (2022)
Recommended retail price:
$429 (64GB); $479 (128GB); $579 (256GB)
Starting at $399, Apple’s most affordable iPhone is a good place to start if you’re ready to bring your high school student into iPhone life. It has a great processor, a solid camera and allows you to keep in touch with your tweenager when they are with friends or at school. Screen Time also allows you to set limits on what they can do and how long they can do it. Be sure to check out our guide to buying iPhones for kids.
Read our full iPhone SE (2022) review
iPad Air (2020)
Recommended retail price:
$599 (64GB); $749 (256GB)
At $599, the iPad Air is a cost-effective alternative to an iPad Pro of the same size and starts at $200 higher, and offers much more functionality than the iPad mini. A student can design, create music, take high-quality photos and videos, and edit their ideas directly from the tablet.
AirPods (2nd generation)
Some of the most powerful music memories are formed in high school, a joy that can be encouraged with a pair of AirPods. And if they don’t go crazy, they can stream audiobooks, podcasts, and other educational audio experiences.
Read our full AirPods (2nd generation) review
Airpods Case
It may not matter to mom and dad, but the AirPods case is really dull, unobtrusive and easily misplaced, but it will be much harder to find keychain-attached cases in the shape of an Arizona Iced Tea and a Hubba Bubba dispenser. Bubble Tape to lose.
Secondary school
one photo / Shutterstock
There’s a lot of pressure to succeed in high school — the last thing you want to worry about is your gear. The right laptop helps you with research and projects. And if you don’t feel like lugging around a MacBook, using a powerful iPhone is a great tool to help you create the content you want to create, and it will help you keep up with social media.
iPhone 12
Recommended retail price:
64GB $699 | 128GB $749 | 256GB $749
A more modern choice than the iPhone SE to consider for a high school student is the iPhone 12. It’s more than adequate for selfies, texting and staying in touch with home, with the bonus of powerful music-making apps (GarageBand) and edit movies (iMovie). It’s not as fancy as the iPhone 13, but the iPhone 12 has an excellent modern design and a great camera.
Read our full Apple iPhone 12 review
MacBook Air (M1, 2020)
Recommended retail price:
$999 (256GB) | $1,249 (512GB)
The MacBook Air is fast, lightweight and lasts all day, all things a growing high school student needs. You get an M1 processor, a 13.3-inch Retina display, and the excellent Magic Keyboard, all starting at $999.
Secondary school
College is a huge step in life – in addition to getting your education in a direction that could determine your career path, you could be leaving home for the first time. Students should be well set up and have all the tools needed to handle course work, career start and beyond.
iPhone 13
Every college student wants the latest iPhone, and the iPhone 13 packs a punch. They can work, play and take great photos without breaking the bank, but don’t forget to pick up AppleCare+ for theft and loss when they’re not at home.
Read our full iPhone 13 review
AirTag
Recommended retail price:
1 pack $29 | 4-pack $99
Students who live on their own for the first time lose things, so a pair of AirTags will come in handy. You can put it in a bag or attach it to a keychain so they can track it with the Find My app on their iPhone.
Read our full AirTag review
MacBook Air (M2, 2022)
The best laptop for a college student is one that can support educational and creative pursuits at the same time and can last four years and more without causing a headache that can slow everything down. The latest MacBook Air definitely fits the bill with its M2 CPU’s incredible speed, battery life, and portability. It’s so good, it’ll probably still be humming if your kids are busy all night in graduate school. (Note: This is the new redesigned model released in June 2022. It differs from the 2020 M1 MacBook Air in the High School section.)
Read our full MacBook Air M2 (2022) review
511 Charger (Nano Pro)
It’s a rough awakening when new iPhone buyers realize that the newer models don’t come with a power adapter. You do get a USB-C to Lightning cable, though, so you’ll want to buy a USB-C charger of at least 20 watts so you can charge quickly. Apple’s 20W adapter is a bit big, but you can also use the plug that came with your MacBook or if you want something smaller, this 20W Anker Power Adapter is a good choice.
Lightweight Flight Messenger Bag
If you want to carry a lot of expensive gadgets with you, you need a good bag. We’re big fans of Timbuk2’s roomy and stylish bags and this messenger bag caught our eye. Waterproof, versatile and big enough to carry a laptop, phone and more, it’s the perfect companion for any hard-working student.