Apple Gives Back-to-School Promotion a Mac App Store Twist

Apple launched its back-to-school promotion Thursday, offering students a $100 gift card for the Mac App Store when they purchase a new Mac.

The promotion runs from June 16 through September 20. International Apple Stores are also taking part in the promotion, offering users gift cards in local currency (75 Euros, £65, etc.).

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Apple does a back-to-school promotion every year, usually giving students a free iPod (or in recent years, an iPod touch) after mail-in-rebate, with the purchase of a new Mac.

College students, students accepted to college, their parents and faculty and staff members at any grade level qualify for the promotion. Apple also offers educational discounts ranging from $50 to $200 off the retail price on Mac products. The promotion is good at Apple Stores, the Apple Online Store for Education and authorized Apple campus stores. A full list of terms and conditions can be found at this page [PDF].

Apple isn’t the only company with a back-to-school promotion. Microsoft is giving college students a free Xbox 360 with the purchase of a Windows PC priced $699 or higher.

It’s telling that Apple is switching its promotional tactics to the Mac App Store. The store soft-launched in January and is already proving successful for software developers. When Mac OS X Lion comes out next month, it will be available exclusively through the Mac App Store. All customers who purchase a Mac before Lion’s release will be able to download the latest OS for free.