Alyssa Lane
AppleCare is an insurance plan for Apple devices that extends the standard warranty to cover other items, such as device breakage and battery deterioration. It also provides access to priority technical support and extras, such as a replacement device if repairs take longer than expected. AppleCare+ covers unlimited incidents of accidental damage, battery services, and theft or loss coverage. The cost of AppleCare varies depending on the device and region, and it may be worth exploring insurance plans offered by other companies or checking if your credit card provides extended warranty benefits. While some users find peace of mind in having AppleCare, others may consider it unnecessary, especially if they are careful with their devices or if their devices are approaching the end of their refresh cycles.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Peace of mind | Reduced stress and cost of accidental damage repairs or replacement devices |
| Cost | Notable extra expense for coverage that still has some deductibles and limitations on claims |
| Warranty | Extends the standard warranty to cover other items, such as device breakage and battery deterioration |
| Third-party insurance | Likely to be cheaper |
| Return on AC | Higher than typical insurance margins of 0% - 3% |
| Risk | If you can't afford to fix the worst-case scenario repair out of warranty, get it. If you can and are ok with the risk, don't. |
| Usage | If you're prone to dropping or damaging your device, AppleCare+ is worth it |
| Claims | The process might not be smooth |
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What You'll Learn
AppleCare+ vs third-party insurance
When it comes to protecting your Apple devices, you may want to consider AppleCare+ or a third-party insurance option. AppleCare+ is Apple's official extended warranty and accident protection plan. It covers repairs for accidental damage, including screen repairs, for a deductible fee. It also covers battery failure if the battery retains less than 80% of its original capacity. Theft and loss coverage is available at an additional cost.
Third-party insurance options often provide competitive alternatives to AppleCare+ in terms of pricing and coverage. These alternatives include SquareTrade, Asurion, Upsie, Progressive, Lori, AKKO, Protect Your Bubble, Gadget Cover, and Simple Insurance. Many of these companies offer plans that cover various types of damage, including accidental damage, liquid damage, and screen breaks, as well as loss and theft. Some third-party providers may offer lower prices or more extensive coverage than AppleCare+.
When choosing between AppleCare+ and a third-party insurance option, it is important to compare the specific protections offered, monthly fees, deductibles, and reviews. For example, if you have a habit of breaking your screen, Verizon's $17 per month plan with a $0 screen repair policy might be appealing. On the other hand, AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss for an iPhone 14 Pro Max is only $13.49 per month, although it has a higher deductible fee for screen repairs.
Additionally, consider your specific needs and budget. Third-party insurance plans can vary in price and coverage, so it is worth researching and comparing different options to find the best fit. You may also want to consider including your device under home contents insurance or adding personal possessions cover to your policy.
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Cost of AppleCare
The cost of AppleCare depends on the device and the territory. Apple offers a one-year limited warranty that covers hardware failures and manufacturing defects, and up to 90 days of complimentary technical support. Beyond this, Apple offers AppleCare+ or the AppleCare Protection Plan, which extends coverage and includes additional features such as accidental damage protection and theft and loss coverage.
For iPhones, AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss provides repair or replacement hardware service, unlimited incidents of accidental damage protection, and up to two incidents of theft or loss coverage every 12 months, each subject to a service fee or deductible. The cost of AppleCare+ for the iPhone 15 PM 1TB is $29 for a cracked screen repair and $699 for a replacement unit without AC+.
For Macs, AppleCare+ provides global repair coverage, including parts and labour, from Apple-authorized technicians worldwide. It includes unlimited incidents of accidental damage protection, each subject to a service fee of $99 for screen damage or external enclosure damage, or $299 for other accidental damage, plus applicable tax.
AppleCare+ for the Apple Watch provides up to two or three years of hardware coverage, depending on the product.
AppleCare+ coverage can be purchased as a monthly or annual subscription and can be added within a certain timeframe after purchasing the device. For iPhones, iPad, and Apple Watches, customers typically have 60 days to upgrade to AppleCare+, while for Macs, AppleCare+ can be added up to one year after purchase, but only in some countries and regions.
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Apple's standard warranty
Apple provides a standard one-year limited warranty on its iPhones, MacBooks, iPads, Apple Watches, and AirPods. This warranty covers manufacturing defects and hardware issues, including flaws in quality and materials. It does not cover non-Apple hardware or software, even if purchased with Apple hardware. The standard warranty is also transferable to a new owner if the item is passed on within a year.
The standard warranty guarantees that the product will work as expected for up to a year, or two years for the Apple Watch Edition. If something breaks within that timeframe through no fault of the user, Apple will fix it free of charge. This warranty is automatically applied no matter where you buy the product, but you must provide a receipt or proof of purchase to claim it.
The standard warranty does not cover accidental damage, theft, or loss. For this reason, some users may want to purchase additional coverage through AppleCare+ or third-party insurance plans. AppleCare+ extends the warranty period and provides coverage for accidental damage, theft, and loss, giving users peace of mind beyond the initial year.
It is worth noting that some credit cards and banks may also offer extended warranties or insurance plans for Apple devices, so it is recommended to explore all options before deciding whether to purchase AppleCare+. Ultimately, the decision to purchase additional coverage depends on how the user intends to use their Apple device and their risk tolerance.
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AppleCare for Mac vs iOS
AppleCare+ extends the limited warranty of Apple products beyond the 12 months that come with a new Apple device. This means that, depending on the product, you'll either get two or three years of warranty coverage instead of the regular one-year coverage. AppleCare+ also gives you free battery replacements if the battery capacity drops below 80% while still covered by the plan.
AppleCare+ covers damage to your device's screen, its external enclosure, and the internal components. It also provides 24/7 priority access to technical support, in-store, on-site (for desktops), and mail-in repairs, as well as unlimited accidental damage protection.
For iOS devices, AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss provides one-stop service and support from Apple experts, so most issues can be resolved in a single call. It also includes 24/7 priority access to Apple experts via chat or phone, same-day service in most major metropolitan areas, express replacement service, mail-in repair, carry-in repair, and theft and loss coverage.
For Mac, the extended general warranty is particularly important as most people keep their Macs far longer than other Apple products. Not only does your AppleCare+ cover your Mac, but it also covers accessories like your power brick, which can be very expensive to replace. AppleCare+ for Mac can be paid annually or upfront for three years, and you get unlimited accidental damage claims throughout that period.
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AppleCare for iPhone
AppleCare+ for iPhone is an extended warranty that provides additional cover on top of the standard one-year limited warranty that comes free with Apple devices. This standard warranty guarantees that the product will work as expected for up to a year, or two years for the Apple Watch Edition, and if something breaks within that timeframe through no fault of the user, Apple will fix it free of charge.
AppleCare+ lasts for two years from the day you purchase your iPhone and provides 24/7 priority access to technical support via phone and online. It also covers unlimited incidents of accidental damage to your phone, battery, or included cable (subject to a service fee). For example, a cracked screen repair is $379 without AC+, but $29 with it. If your phone has complete accidental damage that cannot be effectively repaired, a replacement unit without AC+ runs $699. AppleCare+ also covers battery services if your phone can no longer retain more than 80% of its original capacity.
In the US, you can also purchase AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss, which covers up to two incidents of theft or loss every 12 months (if you have Find My iPhone enabled). This comes with an excess fee of $149 for each incident.
AppleCare+ is available in most countries and regions, and customers have 60 days after an initial iPhone purchase to upgrade. You can choose to pay monthly, or for one, two, or three years upfront. AppleCare+ coverage varies slightly depending on your territory.
Whether or not you should purchase AppleCare+ depends on how you use your Apple device and how much risk and expense you are willing to take. If you are prone to dropping or damaging your device, the argument moves towards adding AppleCare+. It is also worth exploring insurance plans offered by other companies for your device, such as banks, cell phone service providers, and renter's and homeowner's insurance policies.
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Frequently asked questions
AppleCare is an insurance plan for Apple devices that extends the standard warranty to cover other items, such as device breakage and battery deterioration.
AppleCare provides peace of mind and significantly reduces the stress and cost of accidental damage repairs or replacement devices. It also eliminates the cost of repairing hardware failures.
AppleCare is a notable extra expense for coverage that still has some deductibles and limitations on claims. It doesn't cover the full cost of repairs, as there is an excess fee, and there are limits to how often you can claim.
The cost of AppleCare varies depending on the device and region. For example, in the US, the Mac mini starts at $3.49/month or $34.99/year, while the Mac Pro is the most expensive at $17.99/month or $179.99/year.
The decision to purchase AppleCare depends on individual factors such as how you use your Apple device, how prone you are to breaking phones, and how much risk and expense you are willing to take. AppleCare may be worth it if you want the peace of mind that comes with insurance and if you want to reduce potential repair costs.
