iPad + free iPods

1. Exactly when did you buy it? The Promo started on June 17. It was not available before that date.
2. The promo is for free AirPods, not iPods. Those are 2 very different things.
3. The Promo applies to verified college students, or teachers, faculty and parents of students of all levels in verified schools.
4. The 10.2" 8th generation iPad and iPad mini are excluded from the Promotion.

See the terms here: link-> Back to School - Terms and Conditions - Apple

Can’t recall when the offer started but if you purchased before the promo began that would be why. Also, it’s only valid for Apple online purchase from the education store or in Apple Stores with verified eligibility. You can always contact Apple directly and ask if you can still get the offer. No guarantees that they will allow it if you purchased before it began and are past the exchange/return period (which you are) but won’t hurt to ask. Also, it sounds like you bought a model that was not eligible for the promotion

pina64 wrote:

never got the option for free iPods

Apple has not offered any option for a free iPod (much less several of them) for as many years as I can remember.