How much does AppleCare+ cost? Should I use AppleCare+ service?

If you own or intend to use Apple products, you should consider the outside warranty service of this large technology company. In other words, this is a type of extension of the product's warranty period.

What is AppleCare+?

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AppleCare is Apple's first-party warranty plan for its devices. Most Apple products come with a 1-year warranty against defects and 3 months of technical support - this policy is called AppleCare.

AppleCare+ is Apple's extended warranty for devices for a longer period of time. Users can purchase AppleCare+ to protect their Mac, iPad, iPhone, Apple Watch, Apple display, Apple headphones, Apple TV, HomePod or Apple Vision Pro.

In general, it is not a good idea to purchase an extended warranty for electronic devices. They are often just a way for sellers to make more money, as users will often replace them before something goes wrong.

However, AppleCare+ is a special case because it covers accidental damage, which the article will discuss shortly. What makes it even more different from a regular warranty is Apple's tight control over the products. Since the company designs the hardware, operating systems, and many applications for its devices, having warranties from the same source is an attractive idea.

How do I get AppleCare+?

When you purchase an Apple product from the company's website or in an Apple Store, you have the opportunity to add an AppleCare+ plan.

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If you decide you want to use AppleCare+, you can do so within 60 days of purchase. On iPhone or iPad, you can purchase AppleCare+ right from your device. Go to Settings > General > About and tap Add AppleCare+ Coverage ; This also shows how many days you have left to purchase insurance.

Another option is to visit the AppleCare purchase page. Click Buy now , log in with your Apple account and select the Apple product you want to warranty. You will need to enter the device's serial number and run remote diagnostics to confirm the device is in good shape. If none of these options work, you can visit an Apple Store with proof of purchase (Apple will test the iPhone for problems).

If you're not sure if you have AppleCare+, go to Settings > General > AppleCare & Warranty on your iPhone/iPad or log in to Apple's My Support page. There, you can check the status of all your devices.

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What does AppleCare+ include?

As mentioned, AppleCare+ acts as a free warranty extension, while also providing coverage for accidental damage. It covers the entire device, including the battery - if the battery drops below 80% of its original capacity (in addition to normal battery wear and tear), Apple will replace it. AppleCare+ also covers any Apple-branded accessories you buy with your device, such as Apple Pencil for iPad.

All plans include unlimited repairs for accidental damage, although users must pay a deductible depending on the type of service. All repairs are performed by Apple-authorized technicians using genuine Apple parts. When you need service, you can take your device to an Apple Store or an Apple Authorized Service Provider.

Purchases also include 24/7 support via online chat or phone call. If you have questions about how to use an Apple device or app, you can get support from Apple experts.

Coverage begins on the date of purchase of AppleCare+. Depending on the device, you can opt for an ongoing subscription by paying monthly or annually, or purchase a prepaid plan for two or three years. The specifics of AppleCare+ vary slightly depending on the device covered.

Is AppleCare+ worth it?

If AppleCare+ is just a warranty measure, the article will recommend that you not use it. The likelihood of a defect affecting the device after the standard warranty period expires is not high, especially with Apple products known for their high quality. And support for questions isn't that important given how much information is available online.

This means that for most people, AppleCare+ providing unlimited fixes for accidental damage is the main attraction. Depending on how careful you are with your device, this could work in your favor as repairing most Apple devices yourself is nearly impossible.

Compare repair prices

Checking out Apple's iPhone repair page will give you a clear idea of ​​how much you'll pay for out-of-warranty fixes versus AppleCare+ coverage.

For example, iPhone screen repair costs $29 with AppleCare+ regardless of device. But without insurance, if the screen is cracked, you will have to pay from $129 for iPhone SE (3rd generation) to $379 for iPhone 15 Pro Max.

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"Other damage", which includes everything besides the battery, screen, back glass and camera, will be more expensive. They cost $99 for any device with AppleCare+, but can range in price from $299 for the iPhone SE (3rd generation) to a whopping $699 for the iPhone 15 Pro Max.

The value of AppleCare

Taking all of this into account, whether or not to buy AppleCare+ depends on how accident-prone you are and the device you're protecting.

Let's say you buy a new iPhone every two years and expect each phone to have a cracked screen once. AppleCare+ insurance for iPhone 15 costs $149 upfront, plus $29 for repair fees. Without this coverage, you will have to pay $279 for repairs.

Therefore, if you break your iPhone screen even once during its lifetime, AppleCare+ will provide good value. Cracked glass is more of a concern these days because modern iPhones have an all-glass front and back screen.

Consider what device you are buying and whether there is a possibility of accidentally damaging it. Instead of AppleCare, it may be more cost-effective to spend some money each month on repairs. Plus, if you don't damage your device, you can use that money for something else. You should also want to compare prices from other Apple device repair places. Just keep in mind that non-Apple certified sources may not use genuine parts, which could lead to more problems.

Typically, if you can afford to replace something, it's not worth insuring. But peace of mind can help you feel comfortable during use.

Marvin Fry

Update 18 June 2024