Apple is running a simple holiday promo in the United States, and if you enjoy mobile games or you have kids at home, it is worth knowing about. As first reported by MacRumors, anyone who buys and redeems an Apple Gift Card before January 6, 2026 can get up to three free months of Apple Arcade.

How the Offer Works

The rules are easy. You must buy the gift card directly from Apple, either in an Apple Store or online. Gift cards sold by third-party retailers do not qualify and adding money to an existing Apple Account balance does not qualify either.

The length of the free trial depends on your account status.

  • New Apple Arcade subscribers get three free months
  • Eligible returning subscribers get two free months
  • Current subscribers are not eligible

There is no minimum amount required for the gift card. After you redeem it, Apple sends the bonus code to your account right away. An Apple ID with a payment method on file is needed, and the plan renews automatically at $6.99 per month unless you cancel.

What Apple Arcade Offers

Apple Arcade now includes more than 200 games that work across the iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV. There are no ads or in-app purchases. A single subscription covers up to six family members, which makes the service easier to justify for households with kids.

Related: Apple Arcade Kicks Off 2026 With Four Cozy New iPhone Games

Games range from relaxing exploration titles to premium versions of popular App Store hits. Apple has slowly built a stronger library over the past few years, and some of its exclusives easily match the quality of paid mobile games.

Should You Claim It

If you were already planning to give someone an Apple Gift Card, this offer is a free upgrade. Even the two month trial for returning subscribers makes sense if you have been waiting to check out some of the newer Arcade titles. Apple runs similar promos through the year, but the holiday window is usually the most generous.

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Last Update: December 9, 2025

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