U.S. customers who purchase and redeem an Apple Gift Card can score up to three months of free access to Apple Arcade, reports MacRumors. Holiday gift card purchases made before January 6, 2026 are eligible for the deal, and the card must be redeemed by January 13, 2026 to get the freebie.
The offer is available to new or qualified returning Apple Arcade subscribers, but it is not an option for existing Apple Arcade subscribers. New subscribers will be able to try Apple Arcade for three months, while returning subscribers will get two months of free access.
The gift card can be purchased from an Apple retail store or the Apple online store. Apple gift cards purchased from third-party retailers or adding to an Apple Account balance are not eligible for the Apple Arcade trial. There is no minimum denomination required for the gift card purchase. Only one trial per Apple Account is allowed.
Apple will deliver the bonus code as soon as an eligible gift card is redeemed to an Apple Account balance. An Apple Account with a payment method on file is a requirement, and be aware that the plan will automatically renew at $6.99 per month unless it is canceled.
Apple Arcade is a subscription service that provides access to hundreds of games across the iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, and Apple Vision Pro. Apple Arcade is available for $6.99 (U.S.) per month with a one-month free trial. Customers who purchase a new iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple TV receive three months of Apple Arcade for free. Apple Arcade is also part of Apple One’s Individual ($19.95 U.S.), Family ($25.95 U.S.), and Premier ($37.95 U.S.) monthly plans, with a one-month free trial.