Apple started a new holiday offer for U.S. customers who buy and redeem an Apple Gift Card. You get three months of free Apple Arcade when you redeem the card before January 13, 2026. Apple made this offer available for all gift cards purchased through January 6, 2026.
Now you can take advantage of the deal even with the smallest gift card amount. Apple accepts gift cards bought from its retail stores or its online store. The company limits the offer to new or qualified returning subscribers. New users get three months. Qualified returning users get two months.
Here is an important detail. Apple does not extend this offer to current Apple Arcade subscribers. Gift cards from third-party retailers also do not qualify. Apple only allows one trial per Apple Account.
How the trial works
Apple sends the bonus code right after you redeem the gift card to your Apple Account balance. You must have a valid payment method on file, and the plan renews at $6.99 per month unless you cancel the subscription.
Apple Arcade gives you access to more than two hundred games with no ads or in-app purchases. You can share the subscription with up to six family members.
