No matter how careful we are, our devices can sometimes lose the battle against gravity or run into an unexpected bug. And while it is advised that we trust only Apple experts for service and repair, this can be an expensive affair, especially if you don’t have AppleCare or AppleCare+ by your side. Show
However, chipping in for an AppleCare+ is not so cheap either. There’s a lot to consider between the initial cost, deductibles, and varying prices across products. Which pushes many users to question if AppleCare+ is really worth it? And if you’re wondering whether you should buy AppleCare+ for your device or not, this in-depth, cohesive guide can help you out. So let’s dive in without further ado.
What is AppleCare and AppleCare+?AppleCare is the standard warranty that comes free with the device and covers hardware failures and manufacturing defects. Apple usually offers a one-year limited warranty and up to 90 days of complimentary technical support. This guarantees that you’ll get free repair or replacement if the product does not work as intended. Notably, it doesn’t cover accidental damage or offers a reduced service fee. Difference-between-AppleCare-and-AppleCareAppleCare+ or AppleCare Protection Plan is the additional service and support plan you can purchase to protect your device. This extended warranty offers up to three years of hardware coverage (depending on the device). There are several more perks included with AppleCare+ :
What is AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss?As the name suggests, it has all benefits of AppleCare+ and additional coverage of up to two incidents of theft or loss every 12 months. However, this feature is only available for iPhone in the U.S, the U.K, Australia, Germany, Japan, France, Italy, and Spain. Note: The coverage requires that Find My be enabled on the iPhone at the time of loss or theft and throughout the claims process. Can we extended AppleCare+ coverage?If you want to extend AppleCare+ coverage beyond the initial 2-year, you can purchase an extended coverage plan within 30 days after the original coverage ends. The offer is limited to selective countries and regions: the U.S, the U.K, Australia, Canada, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, and Japan. This plan will extend AppleCare+ coverage up to:
Furthermore, you can either pay upfront for the 24/36 months or set up a monthly payment plan for iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch and an annual payment plan for Mac. And even though the monthly/annual recurring payment plan works out to be more expensive, it gives you the flexibility to cancel at any time. The cost and benefits included in the AppleCare+ package vary from product to product. So, let’s assess the value of AppleCare+ according to individual categories. AppleCare+ for iPhoneAn AppleCare+ plan for iPhone extends the coverage to 2 years from the AppleCare+ purchase date. Plus, an expensive Theft and Loss plan that lets you have a replacement phone for a considerably lower price ($149) in case of theft. Before we move on to discuss more, let’s check out how much each plan costs. AppleCare+ cost for iPhone
What does AppleCare+ for iPhone cover?
Should you buy or pass?Let’s do some math – Imagine you accidentally dropped an iPhone 12 Pro, and now a screen repair/replacement is in order.
What if you have lost your iPhone 12 Pro
Yes! Even after factoring in the initial cost of AppleCare+, you’re saving money. Factor in the plan’s four-screen repairs (2/year), four battery replacements, and other perks, and it’s a no-brainer. So, it seems like a money-saving deal. On the other hand, the money is wasted if you have no incidence within the years of coverage. Final take – Funny enough, accidents happen accidentally. It may not even be your fault; a friend, parent, or child might drop your phone. Overall, AppleCare+ is a smart investment if you are accident-prone, have kids, or like to prep for a rainy day. However, if you’re on a tight budget or own an affordable device like the iPhone 12 or SE 2020, it’s totally skippable. Just be extra careful with your iPhone and invest in a good case and screen guard. AppleCare+ for iPad, iPad Pro and iPad AirThe AppleCare+ plan for iPad offers up to 2-years of extended coverage. Plus, it includes coverage for Apple Pencil, Apple‑branded iPad keyboards, and AirPort devices if purchased within two years of the iPad. AppleCare+ cost for iPad
What does AppleCare+ for iPad cover?
Should you buy or pass?Let’s do some math – If you need a screen replacement for your iPad, it’ll cost you between $299 and $649, depending on the model. However, with AppleCare+ insurance, you pay just $49 + taxes. Final take – So, AppleCare+ would definitely come in handy, especially if you have the full setup complete with iPadPro, Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard. Whether the plan is worth it ultimately depends on your handling and usage, however. AppleCare+ for Macs and Apple DisplayThe AppleCare+ insurance plan for Mac and Apple Display offers three years of extended coverage. Notably, the insurance plan for the Display includes service for one Apple-branded Display stand and one Apple-branded mount. AppleCare+ cost for Macs and Apple Display
What does AppleCare+ cover?
Should you buy or pass?Let’s do some math – The math to figure out the value of owning AppleCare+ for Mac is slightly more complex. On one hand, it does save you good money. For instance, battery replacement typically costs around $199 for the MacBook Pro, while it’s free with AppleCare+. Plus, issues like drive failure or replacement can cost between $159 and $459. On the other hand, Macs are quite robust, and typically no major problems are observed in the first four-plus years of use. Now add your usage into that equation. If it’s 4-5 hours a day, a stationary desk’s risk level is low. But if it’s around 9-12 hours or more and traveling is involved, chances of damage are higher. Final take – Let me simplify. If you are clumsy, an extensive user, an avid traveler, or the device changes hands often, it’s wise to opt for AppleCare+. In any other case, you’ll have to measure the pros, cons, and costs to make a decision accordingly. AppleCare+ for Apple Watch
The Apple Watch and Apple Watch Nike series come with one year of hardware repair coverage under the limited warranty and up to 90 days of complimentary support. As for every Apple Watch Edition and Apple Watch Hermès, the limited warranty and complimentary support offer two years of hardware repair coverage. Apple Watch AppleCare+ plans favor more expensive devices. While the rest of the models get two years of coverage, the expensive ones get three years of extended coverage. AppleCare+ cost for Apple Watch
What does AppleCare+ cover?
Should you buy or pass?Let’s do some math – The repair cost for a GPS-only Apple Watch Series 6 is $299, and a titanium Apple Watch Edition Series 6 is $499. Factoring in the cost and benefits of AppleCare+, you’re definitely getting a bargain. But again, I have a three-year-old Apple Watch that is worn regularly and doesn’t even have a scratch, all thanks to a dependable screen guard. You may not need AppleCare+ depending on your usage habits. Final take – If you are an adventure junkie and regularly wear the watch during activities like rock climbing, hiking, dirt biking, or someone prone to accidents and often runs into walls, insuring Apple Watch with AppleCare is worth it. Otherwise, skip it and hope that the odds always remain in your favor! AppleCare+ for Apple TVThe Cupertino giant offers a special AppleCare Protection Plan for the Apple TV that extends to two years from the Apple TV purchase date. How much does it cost and what does it cover?The AppleCare Protection Plan is available for Apple TV 4 and Apple TV 4K and costs $39. Notably, this isn’t an insurance plan and simply a warranty extension with better support options. This means there is no associated fee attached for repairs.
Should you buy or pass?Unless you enjoy playing hockey with the TV box, pass! Once set up, you will hardly move your Apple TV, and the lack of features offered shows that even Apple doesn’t expect accidental damage to the product. The only benefit I see for this AppleCare Protection Plan is the global repair coverage. If you are buying the device overseas, this feature can be of great use. AppleCare+ for HomePod, AirPods, AirPods Max and iPod touchThe plan for all music accessories by Apple, whether the HomePod, HomePod Mini, all AirPods, Beat earphones/headphones, AirPods Max, and iPod Touch, offers two years of extended coverage from the AppleCare+ purchase date. The list of all included AirPods and Beats devices
AppleCare+ cost for Music Accessories
What does AppleCare+ cover?
Should you buy or pass?Do you need an insurance plan for music accessories? Well, if you’re talking $549, AirPods Max, you might not mind spending $59 for some peace of mind. But investing $15 or $29 for a $99 HomePod Mini or $159 AirPods, respectively, may not be in your best interests. For one, Apple doesn’t make cheap quality products. If there is a defect in the device by some bad luck, the one-year AppleCare easily covers the situation. Though I would have loved a Theft and lost feature added into this category, that would definitely be worth picking up. It all comes down to this question: how many speakers or earphones/headphones have you broken in the last 2-3 years? If the number is embarrassingly high, buy AppleCare+; if not, you can get away without it. FAQs about buying AppleCare+Q: When can I buy AppleCare+? You can buy an AppleCare+ plan
when purchasing the product or within 60 days (30 days in Japan) of the purchase. This can be done via: Q: How to buy AppleCare+ for products not bought directly from Apple? Whether you buy from Apple or any third-party seller, you can use the methods mentioned above to purchase AppleCare+. All you need is proof of purchase, and after a remote or onsite diagnostic test, you can buy a plan. Q: Can I get AppleCare+ after the 60-day period ends? Only if you live in the U.S. and Canada. Apple extended the AppleCare+ plan window up to a year after purchase, but you’ll have to take the device into an Apple Store for inspection. You’ll be able to purchase a plan after the technician gives you the green light. Q: How to check the time left on
my AppleCare plan? Just visit Apple’s Check Your Service and Support Coverage page and use your device’s serial number to review the current warranty status & AppleCare+ eligibility. Q: Do I need to live near an Apple Store or service center to get the benefits of
AppleCare+? Absolutely not; the tech giant understands such limitations and offers great options for users who don’t have access to a retail store or authorized service center. Depending on the device and country or region, you can make use of: Q: Is AppleCare+ available for refurbished products? Yes, but only the refurbished products that Apple sells on its website. Like any new product, all refurbished ones come with a one-year warranty. And you can purchase AppleCare+ to extend the warranty further and rack in the additional perks. Q: What happens to my AppleCare+ plan when I sell the product? The great news is that AppleCare and AppleCare+ are transferable; the new owner gets the remaining protection period. In fact, that can even fetch you some extra bugs! Q: Can I cancel an AppleCare+ plan? Yes, if you cancel the plan: In most cases: yes, AppleCare+ can actually save you more money than you spend on the plan. However, if you’re heavily involved in the Apple ecosystem with products like the iPhone, iPad, MacBook, AirPods, and HomePod mini, the expense of AppleCare+ alone can break your wallet. I would advise you to tread lightly, see which products are at more risk and select a plan accordingly. Furthermore, the terms and conditions for the standard warranty may vary based on country, so read the offer document carefully before purchasing! If you want to explore more options, here’s a neat little list of the best insurance plans for iPhone. And remember, our comment section is open to anyone and everyone, so feel free to share your views, reviews, questions, queries, suggestions, and critiques about the article. Read more:
How much is AppleCare for a new iPhone 12?AppleCare+ for iPhone 12 and 12 Mini Priced at $149, AppleCare+ for Pro Models Priced at $199. AppleCare+ for the new iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 mini models is priced at $149 in the U.S. for two years of coverage, or $7.99 per month for ongoing subscription coverage.
Is it necessary to buy AppleCare?Most Apple devices come with a limited warranty and up to 90 days of complimentary support. If your device is eligible, you can buy an AppleCare+ plan or an AppleCare Protection Plan for additional coverage.
Is it better to pay for AppleCare in full?If you keep your phone for exactly two years, buying outright is the cheapest option! If you upgrade every year, monthly AppleCare is cheaper*, and if you keep your phone longer than two years, paying monthly is the only way to extend your coverage AFAIK.
What are the benefits of getting AppleCare?Enjoy peace of mind when you buy AppleCare+ for iPhone.. Apple-certified service and support coverage.. 24/7 priority access to technical support2. Get unlimited incidents of accidental damage protection1. Battery service coverage1. |