You just dropped a pretty penny on a new iPhone, iPad, or Mac, and now the salesperson wants to sell you an extended warranty called AppleCare. Do you really need it? Before you shell out even more cash, here are some things you should know about AppleCare and whether it’s really worth the investment for you. As the proud new owner of an Apple device, you want to make sure you’ve got the coverage you need, but you also don’t want to pay for something you don’t actually need. AppleCare might give you peace of mind, but it may not be necessary for everyone. Read on to find out if AppleCare is essential for you or if you can save some money by passing on it.
What Is AppleCare?
AppleCare is Apple’s extended warranty and tech support plan for your devices like the iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, AirPods, and more. For a one-time fee or monthly charge, you get additional hardware coverage and software support beyond the standard 1-year limited warranty.
- Hardware coverage: AppleCare+ extends your coverage to 2-3 years (depending on the device) and includes repair or replacement coverage if there are any manufacturing defects or issues with the battery, screen, logic board, etc. You also get accidental damage coverage for up to 2 incidents of accidental damage from handling, like cracked screens or water damage, for an additional service fee per incident.
- Software support: AppleCare provides priority access to Apple technical support via phone or chat for questions on using your devices, connectivity issues, software troubleshooting, and more. Support representatives can walk you through solutions for common problems.
- Repair discounts: If your device needs any out-of-warranty service during your AppleCare coverage period, you’ll receive a discount on the repair costs. Screen or battery replacements are often significantly cheaper with an active AppleCare plan.
The cost of AppleCare varies based on which product you want to cover, but it typically ranges from $79 to $199 upfront or $3 to $10 per month. While the additional coverage and support can provide peace of mind, for low-risk individuals or those on a budget, the standard 1-year warranty may suffice. However, if you want the most comprehensive coverage and support for your Apple devices, AppleCare is worth considering.
How Much Does AppleCare Cost?
So how much will AppleCare+ actually cost you? That depends on which device you want to cover.
- For an iPhone, expect to pay $149 for 2 years of coverage or $219 for 3 years.
- Apple Watch coverage starts at $49 for 2 years or $69 for 3 years.
- iPads are $69 for 2 years or $119 for 3 years.
- MacBooks will run between $249 to $379 for 3 years of coverage.
The exact price will depend on your specific model, but you can check on Apple’s website by entering your serial number or IMEI/ESN. In most cases, the earlier you purchase AppleCare+, the lower the upfront cost will be.
While the initial outlay may seem steep, AppleCare+ can save you hundreds if not thousands of dollars down the road if your device encounters issues. Things like cracked screens, battery replacements, hardware defects and software troubleshooting add up fast without a protection plan.
For many customers, the peace of mind alone that comes with AppleCare+ is worth the investment. Know that for the duration of your coverage, Apple’s support team has your back if anything goes wrong with your product. They’ll get your device back up and running as quickly as possible through either repair, replacement or technical support.
The bottom line? If you want comprehensive coverage and the very best support for your Apple devices, AppleCare+ is really the only choice. The nominal upfront fee will pay off hugely if and when you need to use it. For such well-designed but not indestructible technology, it’s worth budgeting in the cost of AppleCare+ from the get-go.
What Does AppleCare Cover?
AppleCare is Apple’s extended warranty and technical support plan for your devices. It covers parts and labor costs for hardware repairs for up to 3 years from when you buy your device. But is it really worth the investment? Here’s what you need to know about what AppleCare covers to help you decide.
Hardware repairs and replacements
If anything goes wrong with your iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch or Mac – like a cracked screen, liquid damage or battery issues – AppleCare will cover the repair or replacement parts. They’ll fix or swap the affected components to get your device back up and running.
Software support
AppleCare also provides technical support for iOS, iPadOS, watchOS, macOS, and any pre-installed Apple apps. So if you have questions about how to use your device or are running into software problems, AppleCare gives you access to Apple Support representatives to walk you through solutions over the phone.
Express Replacement Service
For some devices, AppleCare offers Express Replacement Service. This means if your device experiences a hardware issue that requires a repair taking longer than an onsite visit, Apple will send you a replacement device overnight so you’re up and running again as quickly as possible. You’ll have 10 days to return your original device to them.
What’s not covered?
AppleCare does not cover loss, theft, or damage caused by misuse or unauthorized modifications. It also does not cover additional accessories like AirPods, the Apple Pencil or smart keyboards. And while software support is included, issues with third-party software or services would not be covered under an AppleCare plan.
Overall, AppleCare can save you hundreds of dollars if you do run into problems with your device. But if you rarely need hardware or software support, the upfront cost may not outweigh the benefits for you. Consider your device usage and needs to determine if AppleCare would provide good value and peace of mind.
Is AppleCare Worth It for iPhones?
Is AppleCare worth it for iPhones? That depends on your needs and how long you plan to keep your iPhone. AppleCare+ extends your iPhone’s warranty coverage and provides accidental damage protection, but it does come at a cost.
AppleCare+ for iPhones is Apple’s extended warranty program. It provides an additional year of hardware repair coverage and up to two years of accidental damage coverage from purchase.### Dropping your iPhone and cracking the screen or water damage are common issues covered under the accidental damage protection. With AppleCare+, Apple will repair or replace your iPhone for a service fee – $29 for screen damage or $99 for other damage.
Without AppleCare+, if you crack your screen or have other damage to your iPhone, repairs and replacement costs are generally higher. Screen repair alone can cost $150-$350 depending on your iPhone model. Battery replacement is $50-$70. More serious issues may require full replacement at $450 or more.
So if you’re someone who’s tough on tech or you have a habit of dropping your iPhone, AppleCare+ can absolutely save you money and give you peace of mind. However, if you rarely drop or damage your iPhone and are generally careful with your devices, the additional AppleCare+ cost may not be worth it for you.
For most iPhone owners, a good rule of thumb is:
•Buy AppleCare+ if you plan to keep your iPhone 3 years or more. Over time, the likelihood of accidental damage or battery issues increases, so coverage is worthwhile for the long run.
•Skip AppleCare+ if you upgrade iPhones frequently, like every 1-2 years. Your iPhone will still have basic 1-year limited warranty, and you can avoid the added AppleCare+ cost.
•Consider your iPhone usage and history. If you’ve damaged previous iPhones or other tech devices before, it may be worth the investment in AppleCare+ for your new iPhone. Better safe than sorry!
In the end, you have to weigh the pros and cons for your own situation. But knowing what types of coverage and repair costs AppleCare+ provides can help you make the right choice.
Is AppleCare Worth It for MacBooks and iPads?
AppleCare is Apple’s extended warranty and service plan for MacBooks, iPads, iPhones, and other devices. It provides an additional year or two of hardware coverage, as well as software support. Many people wonder if the cost of AppleCare is worth it for their new MacBook or iPad. Here are some things to consider:
Coverage and Cost
For MacBooks and iPads, you can purchase either two or three years of additional coverage. Prices vary depending on the device, but you’re typically looking at between $100 to $350. This may seem steep up front, but can save you money down the road if you need repairs. Out-of-warranty service for a single incident can easily cost $500 or more.
Repair and Replacement
With AppleCare, Apple will repair or replace your device for issues like hardware defects, battery failures, and accidental damage (like a cracked screen or liquid spill). Without a plan, you’d pay full price for any repairs or device replacements needed after the standard one-year warranty expires. For expensive devices, the coverage alone may be worth the cost of AppleCare.
Software Support
In addition to hardware coverage, AppleCare provides software support for your Mac or iPad. You get unlimited phone calls to Apple’s support team to help troubleshoot any software issues. They can walk you through fixing problems, recovering data, learning new features, and more. For new Mac users, having this dedicated software support can be invaluable.
Reselling Value
If you plan to sell or trade in your MacBook or iPad down the road, having an active AppleCare plan may increase its resale value. Buyers often prefer devices still under warranty and support, so you may be able to get a higher price for it. In some cases, the additional resale value you gain could even offset the total cost of your AppleCare plan.
While the decision comes down to your needs and budget, for many people the coverage, support, and potential resale benefits of AppleCare make it well worth the investment, especially for an expensive MacBook or iPad that you rely on. The peace of mind alone in knowing your device is protected may be worth the cost of the plan.
Conclusion
So at the end of the day, only you can decide if AppleCare is worth it for your needs and budget. But now you’ve got the facts to make an informed choice. Think about how tech-savvy you are, how often you upgrade your devices, and your risk tolerance if something were to break. While the upfront cost of AppleCare can seem high, for many the peace of mind and coverage it provides is priceless. And if you do end up using it for a repair, it’ll likely pay for itself. But if you’re careful with your gear and comfortable fixing small issues yourself, you may feel comfortable skipping it. Either way, enjoy your new Apple product – may it serve you well for years to come, with or without AppleCare!