Do you have an issue with your Apple device? If your iPhone's screen cracks, your iPad stops charging, or your MacBook's hard drive fails, AppleCare can come in handy. The base plan can help with manufacturing defects, but you'll need an AppleCare+ plan if you want Apple to repair any accidental damage.
Unfortunately, it's not always clear what you're getting with AppleCare and how much it will cost to insure your devices. Here's everything you need to know about basic AppleCare coverage, what you get with AppleCare+, and how much it costs.
AppleCare vs. AppleCare+: What's the Difference?
(Credit: Apple)Let's first understand the distinction between AppleCare and AppleCare+ coverage. AppleCare—what we'll call Basic AppleCare for clarity—comes with your purchase. It includes a one-year limited warranty and up to 90 days of complimentary technical support.
This essentially covers you if there is a manufacturing defect, such as a faulty battery or something else that doesn't work out of the box. It also includes free setup support. But if you want coverage against damage, you will have to invest in an AppleCare+ plan.
AppleCare+ is the equivalent of an extended warranty. You can cover your iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, Apple Display, Apple TV, HomePod, and even AirPods or Beats headphones. It gives you access to certain repairs (for a fee), 24/7 technical support, and more.
Apple allows you to purchase an additional two or three years of coverage. Since 2019, you have also had the option to pay a monthly fee to continue coverage indefinitely.
Do I Have AppleCare?
(Credit: Apple)Basic AppleCare coverage is included with your device. When you buy a brand new iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, Apple TV, HomePod, AirPods, or Beats headphones directly from Apple, or an official retailer, it comes with one year of AppleCare included at no extra charge.
If you're unsure if the device is still covered, head to checkcoverage.apple.com and enter the serial number of the device in question. You can also check the My Support page behind your Apple account to view devices connected to your Apple ID. Select the device in question to see if you still have technical support or repairs coverage available under AppleCare. If you do, an expiration date will be listed; otherwise, it will say expired.
How to Extend Your AppleCare Coverage
(Credit: Apple)For extended coverage, you can buy AppleCare+ at checkout or within 60 days of purchase. For the latter, go to the My Support page, and choose which device you want to cover (you'll need the device's serial number). Coverage can also be added directly from some device's settings. Under General > About, look for an Add AppleCare+ Coverage button.
Customers from certain countries (including the US, Canada, UK, and many others) can add coverage to an AppleCare+ plan within 30 days of its expiration. Check your My Support page to see when coverage ends for your device.
Don't know your device's serial number? Here's how to find it:
iPhone or iPad: Open Settings > General > About.
Mac: Click the Apple icon in the top left of the screen and choose About This Mac.
Apple Watch: Open the Watch app and tap My Watch > General > About.
Apple TV: From the Apple TV Home screen, open Settings > General > About.
HomePod: Open the Home app, select the HomePod, and choose Settings.
AirPods: Open Settings > Bluetooth and select your AirPods, then tap More Info.
Apple Display: With your display plugged into your Mac, open the Apple menu and go to About This Mac > System Report > Graphics/Displays. It can also be found on the back of your display or on the bottom of the stand.
What Does AppleCare+ Cover?
(Credit: Apple)AppleCare+ covers damage to your device's screen, its external enclosure, and the internal components. If you cover your iPhone with AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss, Apple allows you to replace a lost or stolen phone up to two times in a 12-month period (for a fee). For specific information regarding what is and isn't covered under your AppleCare+ policy, reference Apple's Terms and Conditions for your device.
Apple provides AppleCare+ customers with 24/7 priority access to technical support; in-store, on-site (for desktops), and mail-in repairs; unlimited accidental damage protection; and battery service if it falls below 80% of the original capacity. If you need to send in your device, Apple will send you a new one through its Express Replacement Service.
Coverage also extends to any power cords and charging cables included with the covered device. Certain Apple-made accessories you might use with the covered device are also covered. These include an Apple Pencil and Apple-branded keyboard when you cover an iPad, an Apple USB SuperDrive when you cover a Mac, and the Apple-branded stand or mount you purchased with your Apple Display.
How Much Does AppleCare+ Cost?
(Credit: Apple)Nailing down the cost for AppleCare+ is harder than you might expect because it doesn't have a singular price. Instead, Apple charges you based on the device and model you're covering, the plan you are buying, and the length of coverage. Apple's coverage rates can be found on individual AppleCare+ product pages.
Essentially, you can choose to pay more upfront for two or three years of coverage, or a smaller amount each month for continuous coverage. For instance, covering a 15-inch MacBook Air (M2) costs $229 for three years or $79.99 per month continuously. Meanwhile, covering your Apple Watch Series 9 would run you $79 for two years of coverage or $3.99 per month for continuous coverage.
Covering your iPhone is slightly different because you can only pay for two years upfront instead of three and AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss is priced higher than the vanilla coverage plan. Covering an iPhone 15 Pro or Pro Max under regular AppleCare+ would cost $199 for two years or $9.99 per month; adding theft protection would up the cost to $269 and $13.49, respectively.
However, keep in mind that these rates don't include the service fees that Apple charges to actually fix your device. These fees are lower than the price of a new device, but can vary greatly based on the product and type of damage:
iPhone service fees: It will cost $29 to replace the screen or back glass, $99 for any other damage, and $149 to replace a lost or stolen phone (only if you have theft protection).
iPad service fees: It's $49 to fix an iPad. You can also pay $29 to have your Apple Pencil or Apple-branded iPad keyboard repaired.
Mac and Display service fees: If you need to get your Mac or Apple Display fixed, it will cost $99 to repair the screen or $299 for any other accidental damage.
Apple Watch service fees: You must pay $69 to fix an Apple Watch and $79 to fix an Apple Watch Ultra.
Apple TV and HomePod service fees: If you cover your Apple TV or HomePod mini, repairs will only cost $15. It costs $39 to fix your HomePod.
Headphones fees: It will cost $29 to have your AirPods, AirPods Pro, AirPods Max, or Beats repaired.
Check the terms and conditions for your AppleCare+ coverage for more information.
How to Cancel AppleCare Coverage
If you ever want to cancel an AppleCare+ plan, note that you will not be able to renew it in the future. If you wish to proceed, you will have to use Apple's support page by selecting Hardware Coverage > Cancel an AppleCare Plan. If you pay for a monthly plan, you should be able to cancel from the web page (or unsubscribe from your device's settings).
Those who paid upfront will need to contact Apple Support. Make sure to have the original receipt, the serial number of your device, and your AppleCare agreement number, which you can find on your My Support page.
Is AppleCare+ Worth it?
While we generally don't recommend paying for an extended warranty to cover your tech, AppleCare+ is different because it comes directly from Apple. In some cases, the cost of coverage and the repair fee is less than it would be to buy a new device. And now that there's no limit to the amount of times you can pay to have a device repaired, the value of your plan has gone way up.
The exact matter of worth probably comes down to how careful you are with your devices. If you're someone who always buys a case for your new phone and tends to keep the same one for several years, you might not need coverage. However, if you drop your phone a lot or have ever had to pay out of pocket for a phone repair, AppleCare+ could be cost effective in the long run. Plus, if you have theft protection, you can just pay $149 for a brand new phone if you lose it.
It should also be noted that only certain devices are worth covering. For instance, you probably don't need to cover your Apple TV or HomePod, but devices you plan to take into the world, such as a phone, tablet, or laptop, may be worth protecting. If you're a professional who relies on these devices to make a living, it makes sense to cover expensive items like a Mac Pro or Studio Display just to be safe.
