Apple Care is a service offered by Apple that provides customers with additional support and protection for their Apple products. It includes technical support, hardware coverage, and software support for a variety of Apple products, including iPhones, iPads, Macs, and Apple Watches.
Some of the specific benefits of AppleCare include access to Apple’s technical support team, repair or replacement coverage for hardware issues, and protection against accidental damage. Many people wonder if AppleCare is worth the cost, as it can be quite expensive.
In this article, we will take a closer look at AppleCare and explore whether or not it is a worthwhile investment for Apple product owners.
Apple Standard Warranty
When you purchase an Apple product, you can have peace of mind knowing that it comes with a standard one-year limited warranty. This warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship when the product is used normally in accordance with Apple’s published guidelines.
This means that if your product stops working properly due to a manufacturing defect, Apple will repair or replace it free of charge.
In addition to the standard warranty, Apple also provides 90 days of complimentary technical support for all its products. This means that if you have any questions or need help setting up or troubleshooting your product, you can contact Apple’s technical support team for assistance. They will be happy to help you get the most out of your new product.
What is Apple Care?
AppleCare is a line of extended warranty and technical support plans offered by Apple for its products, such as iPhones, iPads, Macs, and Apple Watches.
These plans provide additional coverage and support beyond the standard manufacturer’s warranty and can include things like accidental damage protection, telephone and email support, and hardware repairs.
There are several different types of AppleCare plans available, each tailored to specific products and needs. For example, AppleCare+ is a plan that is available for iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch, and provides coverage for two incidents of accidental damage, as well as technical support.
AppleCare Protection Plan is a plan that is available for Macs and provides technical support, as well as coverage for hardware repairs.
The AppleCare+ plan for iPhone and iPad includes coverage for up to two incidents of accidental damage, such as a cracked screen or water damage, each subject to a service fee. Additionally, it also includes coverage for battery service and express replacement service.
AppleCare+ for Apple Watch provides coverage for up to two incidents of accidental damage, each subject to a service fee. It also includes coverage for battery service, and express replacement service.
AppleCare Protection Plan for Mac provides coverage for hardware repairs, as well as technical support. It also includes coverage for battery service, and express replacement service.
The AppleCare plans can be purchased at the time of buying the device or within 60 days of purchase. It is worth noting that AppleCare plans can only be purchased for devices that are still covered by the standard one-year limited warranty, and only one plan can be purchased per device.
Applecare Pricing for Products
After the standard warranty plan, Apple gives users the option to go for Applecare. The price of Applecare depends on the product. The more costly the device, the higher the fee for Applecare.
- Applecare+ for iPhone: $3.99 monthly ($79 for 2 years).
- Applecare+ for Mac: $34.99 annually ($99 for 3 years).
- Applecare+ for Homepod: from $15 for 2 years.
- Applecare+ for Apple watch: $2.49 monthly ($49 for 2 years).
- Applecare+ for iPad: $3.49 monthly ($69 for 2 years).
- Applecare+ for Apple display: $49.99 annually ($149 for three years)
- Applecare+ for headphones: $29 for two years.
- Applecare protection plan for Apple TV: $29 for three years.
Apple offers two options for purchasing AppleCare+ for iPhones, iPads, and Apple Watches in certain countries. The standard option is a one-time purchase, while the other is a monthly recurring payment plan.
The pricing for the monthly plan varies based on the device and starts at $9.99 per month for a $199 plan. We recommend that you go for the full plan payment instead of monthly.
The good thing about Applecare is its flexibility. It gives you the option to cancel before time and it can also extend beyond the time frame for the standard plan.
Applecare alternative coverage options
There are several third-party warranty and insurance providers that offer coverage options for Apple products at cheaper rates than AppleCare. Some examples include SquareTrade, Gadget Guard, and Upsie.
These providers typically offer a range of coverage options, including accidental damage protection and extended warranty plans, at lower prices than AppleCare. It’s important to compare the coverage and costs of different providers to find the option that best fits your needs and budget.
Additionally, some credit card companies also offer extended warranty protection for items purchased with the card. It’s always a good idea to check with your credit card company to see if this is an option for you.
Is Applecare worth it?
When it comes to purchasing AppleCare, it’s important to consider your individual needs and usage of the device. AppleCare is an extended warranty program that provides additional coverage for repairs and technical support for your Apple products.
This can include protection against accidental damage, as well as coverage for technical issues that may arise with your device.
One of the biggest benefits of purchasing AppleCare is the added peace of mind that comes with knowing that you’re covered in case something happens to your device. If you’re someone who is prone to accidentally damaging your devices or has had to repair them frequently in the past, then AppleCare can be a worthwhile investment.
It’s also worth considering if you rely heavily on your device for work or other important tasks, as the added coverage can help you avoid costly repairs or replacements.
On the other hand, if you’re someone who has never had issues with your devices and is confident in your ability to take care of them, then purchasing AppleCare may not be necessary. Additionally, if you’re someone who plans to upgrade to a new device within the coverage period, it might not be worth the cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I buy AppleCare+ for products I didn’t buy directly from Apple?
You can purchase AppleCare+ for products that you did not purchase directly from Apple by visiting the Apple website or by contacting Apple support.
On the website, you can enter the serial number of your device to see if it is eligible for AppleCare+ coverage. If it is, you can add the coverage to your cart and complete the purchase. If you contact Apple support, they can assist you in purchasing AppleCare+ for your device.
Do I have to pay for AppleCare+ upfront?
No, you do not have to pay for AppleCare+ up front. You can pay for it when you purchase your Apple device or within 60 days of purchasing your device. However, it is important to note that once you purchase AppleCare+, it will be immediately activated and any accidental damage claims must be made within the first 24 hours of purchasing the plan.
How do I check how much time is left on my AppleCare plan?
To check how much time is left on your AppleCare plan, you can use the following steps:
1. Open the “Settings” app on your iOS device.
2. Tap on “General” and then tap on “About.”
3. Scroll down to the “AppleCare+ Coverage” section and you will see the expiration date of your AppleCare plan.
Alternatively, you can check the status of your AppleCare plan by visiting the Apple Support website, signing in with your Apple ID, and viewing the details of your plan.
You can also contact the Apple Support hotline and provide them with your device’s serial number to verify the remaining coverage of your AppleCare plan.
Is AppleCare+ only for U.S. customers?
No, AppleCare+ is not only for U.S. customers. It is available for customers in many countries and regions around the world. However, the specific coverage and service options may vary by country. It is best to check with the Apple website for more information on the availability and coverage of AppleCare+ in your specific location.
Does Applecare cover loss and theft?
AppleCare+ for iPhone does cover loss and theft, but only as an added option. The standard AppleCare+ for iPhone covers accidental damage and technical support but does not cover loss or theft. You can add the loss and theft coverage for an additional fee when you purchase AppleCare+ for iPhone.
