We live in the era of laptops. We rely on them for work, education, socialization, entertainment, fun, and much more. In the world of laptops, only a few are as popular as Apple’s MacBooks. There are two MacBook lineups – MacBook Air and MacBook Pro. Both offer advanced technology and features, powerful processors and chips, vibrant Retina displays, ample storage space, HD cameras, high-quality speakers, great security features, long battery life, etc.
An Apple MacBook would surely meet anybody’s laptop requirements. However, unfortunately, not everyone can afford this amazing yet expensive device. Luckily, there are certain ways to get a free MacBook and that is exactly what we will explore in this article.
Legitimate Ways to Get a Free MacBook
You will be happy to learn that nowadays there are several ways to receive a free MacBook. You can get a used, refurbished, or even new MacBook completely free of charge. If you are worried about the legitimacy of these ways, don’t be, as there are completely legitimate and safe.
Apple Giveaways and Contests/Promotions
While Apple itself does not offer promotional giveaways and contests for free MacBooks, there are some other companies or websites that offer free MacBook giveaways.
First, you must find a company that offers legitimate giveaways, as on the internet you can also bump into all sorts of scams, as such, it’s important to be cautious and to do thorough research.
Once you find a free MacBook giveaway, you can visit the website and read the participation requirements. Usually, you will simply have to provide your name and email address or potentially some other information to enter the contest.
Your chances of winning the contest and actually receiving the free MacBook depend on how many people apply. If you are the only applicant (and the giveaway is legit), you would surely win. If there are 100 participants, it would give you a 1% chance of winning.
Apple Trade-in Program
Apple may not offer promotional giveaways, but it does offer a legitimate trade-in program. At Apple, you can trade in your eligible old computer in good working condition and get credit toward a new Mac laptop.
You can find your device’s trade-in value at apple.com/shop/trade-in. Keep in mind that these values vary based on the condition, year, and configuration of your eligible trade-in device and that not all devices are eligible for credit. Trade-in value may be applied toward qualifying new device purchase or added to an Apple gift card.
Free MacBook With a Subscription
Carriers, retailers, and other service providers often offer free cell phones, tablets, or even laptops (including MacBooks) for new customers who decide to subscribe to their services. However, all such offers are temporary, as such, your best bet is to research the option on the internet whenever you decide to actually go through with it. Again, when you find such a deal, make sure that it is offered by a legitimate and trustworthy company.
Participating in Surveys and Contests
Nowadays, participating in online surveys is a legitimate way to earn some money or other attractive prizes. All you have to do is to find a legit website, sign up, complete the survey, and receive an award – perhaps a free MacBook.
Becoming a Reviewer or Product Tester
You are likely to receive a free MacBook as a reviewer or product tester. For example, you can apply for Product Testing USA or another product testing company. In order for you to test the device and write your honest review, the company will have to send you a product free of charge. Often, you will get to keep the device after you have tested it and written a helpful review that will help other potential customers. You can sign up for a free MacBook via product testing at producttestingusa.com/383/macbook-pro-with-touch-bar.
Getting a MacBook Through a Sponsorship
Apple doesn’t often offer sponsorships, however, it is still possible. If you can offer Apple great exposure or another type of benefit, you should contact the company and ask if you can get a free MacBook through a sponsorship.
Utilizing Social Media Platforms
Becoming a successful influencer with a huge social media following is likely to get you free products, services, or paid collaborations. However, to partner with a huge company, such as Apple, you will probably need over a million engaged followers. If you think that you’re up for it, you can contact Apple.
Getting a Mac MacBook book Through Affiliate Programs
If you have a website with many visitors that are interested in Apple computers, you should consider becoming an affiliate for Apple or another company that offers Apple products. In return, you will either get paid or receive a free Apple product.
Getting a Mac MacBook book Through Referral Programs
Certain websites will award you if you invite your friends to try the company’s products or services. Again, make sure that the company/website is legit.
Getting a Free MacBook From a Donor
There are certain non-profit organizations that collect laptops and other electronic devices from donors. They then distribute the devices to eligible low-income people who can prove that they need a computer but are unable to pay for it themselves. You can look these companies up online and contact them to ask if you can get a free MacBook.
Getting a Free MacBook or iPad via Local Charities
Local charities often offer free electronic devices, including laptops to help low-income people work, get an online education, stay in touch with loved ones, and more. They are more likely to offer entry-level to mid-range computers instead of MacBooks, it’s worth checking it out.
Use the Help of Your School to Get a Free MacBook
If you are a student or if another member of your household is a student, you should consider contacting the school you or they are attending and asking if there is any way that they can offer you a free MacBook or another laptop, as you need the device for your studies.
Use Grants to Get a Free MacBook
The Apple Scholars program offers tuition grants to high school seniors with outstanding academic skills. The company awards great students with grants and free devices that may help them in their future academic endeavors.
Does Apple Offer Free MacBook Pro or MacBook Air?
As you can see from the previous chapter, Apple is not particularly quick in offering free MacBooks or any other devices. After all, the company is large and popular enough that it doesn’t really need any additional promotional maneuvers.
Nevertheless, there are certain ways to receive a free MacBook Pro or Air through Apple. For instance, you can join the Apple trade-in program, get an apple sponsorship, become Apple’s affiliate partner, or apply for the Apple Scholars program.
Does the Government Offer a Free MacBook?
The government does offer an assistance program that offers discounts on internet services and connected devices, such as tablets, laptops, and desktop computers. The program is called the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). However, most ACP providers offer free tablets instead of laptops, and the few providers that offer laptops tend to offer more basic devices.
As such, receiving a free MacBook from the government is a long shot.
If the Government Does Not Offer a Free MacBook, What Alternative to a MacBook Can I Get From the Government?
If you are eligible to apply for the Affordable Connectivity Program, you should definitely do it, even though you will probably not receive a free MacBook through it. You can, however, get another type of a free laptop (Chromebook), a free tablet (Samsung Galaxy Tab S, Alcatel Joy Tab, KonnectONE Moxee Tablet), or even a free iPad (Air, Air 2, 3, Mini, Mini 2, or Mini 3).
See how to apply for the ACP and which providers offer these alternative devices in the following sections.
Note: The ‘free government’ laptops, tablets, and iPads are not completely free of charge, as according to government rules, you must pay a mandatory co-pay of $10 to $50 to receive the one-time ACP discount of up to $100 on the device.
What is the Process of Getting a MacBook Alternative From the Government?
To receive a free laptop, tablet, or iPad from the government, you must carefully follow the ACP application process:
- First, you must make sure that you qualify for the ACP program. According to the government, you are eligible if your annual household income is at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines, if your household received a Federal Pell Grant in the current award year, or if a household member participates in a qualifying assistance program, such as Lifeline, Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, WIC, FPHA, Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit, Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program, or certain Tribal programs.
- Secondly, you must be able to prove your eligibility by providing clear copies of valid official documents that verify your requirements.
- Next, you must apply for the ACP. You can first do so through the National Verifier at nv.fcc.gov/lifeline/?id=nv_flow&ebbp=true&awsl=link-from-how-to-apply or via mail and then through the provider.
- Finally, find an ACP provider that offers free government laptops, tablets, or iPads and apply for their benefits. You will likely receive both the discount on the device and free monthly broadband services.
Which Providers Offer MacBook Alternative
ACP providers that offer free laptops include:
- Human I-T
- PCs for People
ACP providers that offer free tablets include:
- AirTalk Wireless
- Cintex Wireless
- Easy Wireless
- Excess Telecom
- Go Technology Management
- Maxsip Telecom
- Moolah Wireless
- My Tablet ACP
- NewPhone Wireless
- Q Link Wireless
- StandUp Wireless
- Stimulus
- TruConnect
ACP providers that offer free iPads include:
- AirTalk Wireless
- Cintex Wireless
- NewPhone Wireless
Beware of Free MacBook Online Scams
The internet is a great place that offers countless amazing benefits. Unfortunately, though, it also comes with certain downsides. For instance, the World Wide Web is an excellent place for bad people to commit all kinds of fraud.
While certain online giveaways are legitimate, others are complete scams. They pretend to offer free MacBooks online and in reality, they just want to get your personal information to steal your identity, hack your computer, pass on a computer virus, or even get your bank information to commit credit card fraud.
How to Avoid Free MacBook Scams
To avoid free MacBook scams, make sure to read the fine print on offers. Do not believe all testimonials, as they can be fake. Consider checking the legitimacy of the website on other trustworthy websites. Also, make sure to always use secure sites that have ‘https’ in the web address, don’t provide your password or debit card information, don’t use public Wi-Fi connections, print a copy of your order, don’t pay anything, and do not provide any sensitive information.
FAQ
Do Apple Employees Get a Free MacBook?
According to employee testimonies, they don’t get anything completely free of charge from Apple. Instead, the best they can hope for is to receive a discount on an Apple computer, tablet, or phone.
Can Students Get a Free iPad?
Students have a good chance of receiving a free iPad if they are unable to afford one. For instance, they can apply for a free device from their school, apply for an Apple grant, or apply for the Affordable Connectivity Program if they meet the eligibility criteria.
Is a Free Macbook Offer With a Subscription Worth It?
If the offer is legitimate, it can absolutely be worth it!
How Do I Know if a Free MacBook Offer is Legitimate?
The best way to know is to check whether or not the website or company that offers it is legitimate. If so, you can probably trust the offer.
How Do I Increase My Chances of Winning a Free MacBook Giveaway Contest?
You can apply multiple times or join multiple giveaways.
What Should I Do if I Suspect a Free MacBook Offer is a Scam?
You can report the webpage or contact local authorities.
Can I Get a Free MacBook Through Trade-ins or Upgrades?
Yes, Apple itself offers a trade-in program. Upgrades, however, are not usually free of charge.
What Should I Keep in Mind While Participating in a Referral Program for a Free MacBook?
Make sure that the company that offers the referral program is legit. If so, the referral program can be trusted as well.
