Apple Deals

Each summer, Apple invites kids aged 8-12yrs to sign up for a free three-day workshop or 'Summer Camp' at its high street stores across the UK.

Registration for this year hasn't opened yet, but as spaces are limited (and it's first-come, first-served), when it does you'll need to go quick. You can sign up to be notified as soon as registration opens for 2019. Last year, it opened towards the end of June.

In the meantime, see our guide for more School Holidays activities.

What workshops are there?

In 2018, there were three workshops on offer, each lasting for 90 minutes per day over three consecutive days:

• Coding with Sphero robots. Kids were shown how to solve problems logically through the fundamentals of code.
• Beat making and songwriting with GarageBand. Kids discovered how to create beats and build their own songs using the GarageBand app on an iPad.
• Telling stories with Clips. Kids explored how to tell stories with video using the Clips app.

Children must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian at all times.

While buying an Apple iPhone is never MoneySaving, our Cheap iPhones guide explains the cheapest ways to get your hands on the latest iPhone X, iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus, or how to get the - now cheaper - older iPhone 7 or iPhone 7 Plus.

Read the full guide for the cheapest ways to buy an iPhone.

If you're interested in learning a new creative skill, or would just some tips on how to get more from your iPad or Mac computer, Today at Apple programmes* are free educational workshops, mostly aimed at adults, running at all 30+ Apple Stores across the UK (find your nearest*).

Times and dates vary by location, so go to the Today at Apple website to find out what's on and when at your local branch. You can sign up to the workshops online using your Apple ID (the email and password you use to sign into Apple devices), then simply turn up on the day.

While most are for grown-ups, children can get involved at special Kids' Hour sessions held on weekends. As the sessions are aimed at owners of Apple technology, you may be asked to bring along your iPad or whatever gadget is needed for the activities.

Here's a quick guide to the different Apple Today programmes:

• Studio Hours - Topics include art/design, documents and presentations.
• Photo Walks - Guided walks on topics such as framing architecture or capturing action.
• Sketch Walks - Guided walks on observational drawing and brush techniques.
• Kids' Hour - Weekend sessions for families involving hands-on projects for kids.
• Coding Sessions - Beginner classes exploring code languages used by professionals.
• Photo Labs - Learn new techniques and styles in hands-on sessions.
• Music Labs - Designed to introduce new tools to musicians of all levels.

In 2017, Apple made all of its iWork programs free to download for all iMac, MacBook and iPhone/iPad users. Previously, you had to have bought a device recently.

See Free iWork apps for more info and download links.

What is iWork?

iWork is Apple's answer to the Microsoft Office suite of work programs, but created specifically for Mac computers and iOS devices. The package consists of three programs:

• Pages (for documents, like Microsoft Word)
• Numbers (for spreadsheets, like Microsoft Excel)
• Keynote (for presentations, like Microsoft Powerpoint)

While iPads aren't MoneySaving, if you're going to buy one anyway, you should spend some time looking around for the cheapest deal. See our Cheap iPads guide for iPad buyers' tips, whether it's 'new vs refurbished' or buying direct from Apple compared with cheaper UK retailers.

If you've never used the iTunes streaming service Apple Music*, you can try it free for the first three months (normally £9.99 per month). Simply log in with your Apple ID and sign up* for the free trial in iTunes or via the Apple Music app on your Apple device.

Warning: After the trial, you'll automatically be charged £9.99 per month every month until you cancel. So if you don't want to pay, remember to cancel before the three months are up.

There are plenty of free music streaming services available, if you don't mind putting up with the ads. But if you want an ad-free service you'll need to stump up for it. With Apple Music Student Membership you can get a subscription for half the standard price, at £4.99/month (normally £9.99) – a strong deal given there's no free version of the service.

How do I get the discount?

You need a Unidays account for Apple to verify your student status (it can't do this via NUS Extra unfortunately). Use up any new customer promos first though to maximise value – a three-month trial of Apple Music is available on an ongoing basis.

Apple says it "periodically" checks your student status, and if it finds out you're no longer a student or if you reach the maximum discount period (four years), it'll automatically move you to a full-price subscription at £9.99/mth. So make sure you cancel if you don't want this.

There are rarely big discounts available at Apple*, but don’t assume you can’t cut your costs on a new iPhone, iPad or Mac computer until you've checked the following tips and tricks.

• Student & teacher discount. If you're studying at university, or if you work in education at any level (lecturers, school teachers, office staff etc), you can save as much as 15% on Apple products such as iMas, MacBooks and iPads. See our Deals Hunters blog about the Apple Education Discount.
   
• Check for deals elsewhere. If you're not committed to buying direct from Apple, look for discounts at other places where Apple products are sold such as Amazon, Argos, Currys and John Lewis (John Lewis also offers a two-year guarantee, compared to the standard 12-month warranty).
   
• Time it right. If you're not fussed about having the very latest model, you can save money on Apple products by grabbing an older product as a new one's announced. This tends to happen in September, when Apple normally unveils a new iPhone and prices on previous models suddenly go down.
   
• Buying an iPad? See our Cheap iPads guide for tips on getting the best deal, including how to save money with refurbished iPads and cheap 4G data plans.


• Had a problem with Apple? There’s a free online tool you can use to complain – it helps draft, manage and if necessary escalate your complaint. It’s offered by a firm called Resolver, which we like so much we work with it to help people get complaints justice – you can use it to complain to Apple*.

If you spot any hot deals out there we have missed (we are human after all!), please let us know in the MSE forum, email us at msedeals@moneysavingexpert.com or via MSE Facebook and Twitter @MSE_Deals.