Apple is preparing a new promotion that will give customers free AirPods Pro 3 when they sign up for an Apple Card at retail stores. The offer could start as early as next week, providing $249 in cash back to new cardholders who purchase the premium earbuds.
The promotion was reported by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, though Apple has not officially announced the details yet. Since AirPods Pro 3 cost exactly $249 in the U.S., the cash back offer essentially makes the earbuds free for new Apple Card customers.
This promotion represents Apple’s continued push to expand its financial services ecosystem while driving sales of its popular audio products. The timing makes sense as Apple looks to boost Apple Card adoption, which has faced some challenges in recent years including regulatory scrutiny of its partnership with Goldman Sachs.
The cash back would come through Apple’s Daily Cash program, meaning customers would receive the $249 credit on the same day they sign up for the card. This immediate reward structure makes the offer particularly attractive compared to traditional credit card promotions that might require waiting for statement credits.
Apple Card launched in 2019 and remains exclusive to U.S. customers. The credit card integrates directly with the iPhone’s Wallet app and provides color-coded spending summaries to help users track their purchases. Key features include:
- No annual fee
- 2% to 3% cash back on Apple Pay purchases
- 1% back on physical card transactions
- Access to a high-yield savings account
The card is currently issued by Goldman Sachs, but Apple previously announced that Chase will take over the credit card operations by early 2028. This transition comes after Goldman Sachs decided to exit the consumer credit card business, citing regulatory pressures and the challenges of serving retail customers.
For Apple, promotions like this serve multiple strategic purposes. They help drive adoption of Apple Card while also boosting sales of high-margin accessories like AirPods. The company has increasingly focused on services and accessories as iPhone sales growth has slowed in mature markets.
The promotion also highlights how Apple continues to use its ecosystem of products and services to create customer lock-in. Users who sign up for Apple Card are more likely to make future purchases through Apple Pay and potentially use other Apple financial services.