8 states offer tax-free Apple purchases this summer—check dates and limits

Looking to buy a new iPhone, iPad, or Mac but put off by Apple's premium pricing? Residents of eight states can take advantage of upcoming tax-free holidays that include Apple products. The states are Alabama, Arkansas, Massachusetts, Missouri, New Mexico, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. Dates range from mid-July to early August 2026, with most events concentrated on a single weekend. Each state sets its own rules on qualifying items and price limits. For example, Alabama caps computer purchases at $1,173 and includes accessories only if bought with a computer. Arkansas allows all Macs, iPads, iPhones, Vision Pro, and related accessories without a per-item limit. Massachusetts exempts any item priced at $2,500 or less, so even a fully loaded MacBook Pro could qualify if it stays under that threshold. Missouri limits computers to $1,500 and software to $350. New Mexico caps computers at $1,000 and accessories at $500. Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia have similar structures with $1,500 computer caps. The tax-free breaks come at a time when Apple has raised prices 15-25% across iPads, MacBooks, and other devices due to memory chip shortages and rising component costs. Shoppers should verify their state's specific list of qualifying products—iPhones, for instance, are included only in Arkansas, Massachusetts, and a few others—along with price thresholds and any bundling requirements.

Beyond the core Apple devices, many states also let you buy accessories tax-free when purchased with a computer. These include keyboards, mice, Apple Pencil, displays, speakers, HomePods, and even software (both Apple and third-party). However, rules vary: in Alabama, accessories must be part of a computer purchase under $1,173 total; in Missouri, they can be bought separately but must be $1,500 or less. Some states explicitly exclude items like Apple Watch, AirPods, and Apple TV unless bundled with a computer. Shoppers should plan their purchases carefully to maximize savings—especially on higher-end Macs or iPads that might bump against price limits. For example, Massachusetts offers the simplest rule: any item up to $2,500 is tax-free, no bundling needed. Meanwhile, New Mexico requires accessories to be $500 or less and purchased on the same transaction. The tax-free weekend is a rare chance to offset Apple's recent price hikes, which have added $100 to $300 to many popular models. But with limited windows—most last only 2-3 days—timing is everything. Check your state's Department of Revenue or tax authority website for the official list of qualifying products before heading to an Apple Store or online retailer.