Apple tightens student discount checks — refurbished MacBook saves 15% and matches education price

This year's back-to-school laptop deals are a letdown: prices are up and inventory is running short. Apple Stores rarely run traditional sales, but a few offers are live right now for students and educators, on top of the usual education discount.

In this week's episode of One More Thing, host Bridget Carey walks through the fine print of Apple's Back to School gift card promotion, which has been extended through Sept. 24. Anyone hoping to use it should know that Apple now requires verification through the Unidays portal to confirm eligibility for the student and educator discount. The old honor system for online shoppers is gone.

Finding meaningful discounts on MacBooks outside Apple's own stores has also become a challenge. Costco members, for instance, get just $10 off a MacBook Neo. That's why Carey suggests turning to a lesser-known part of the Apple Store: Certified Refurbished Products.

Refurbished devices can save you up to 15% off the list price. Each unit is cleaned and tested, comes with a one-year warranty, and includes accessories and cables repackaged in a brand-new box. The MacBook Neo is available refurbished for $599, which happens to match the price you would pay with the education discount.

Of course, there is another option: join the PTA at your kid's school to qualify for the educator discount. But buying refurbished seems like the smarter move.

For more One More Thing, subscribe to the YouTube page to catch Bridget Carey breaking down the latest Apple news and issues every Friday.