Is AppleCare Worth It? Pros and Cons of Apple’s Service Plan

AppleCare is a service plan offered by Apple that provides customers with technical support and repair coverage for their Apple products. So, is it worth it?

AppleCare provides extended coverage for things like accidental damage and technical support. While is not cheap, it can save you much money in the long run if you have any problems with your Apple device. So, if you are considering purchasing an Apple device, it is also worth considering purchasing.

In this blog post, I will picture the pros and cons of Apple’s service plan to help you make an informed decision before choosing it.

What is AppleCare and AppleCare+?

AC is Apple’s extended warranty program for its products. It provides coverage beyond the standard one-year warranty and includes customer support, software updates, and hardware repairs.

AC+ is an extension of AppleCare that also covers accidental damage.

With it, you’re covered for up to two years from the date of purchase for hardware repairs and up to three years for technical support.

AC+ extends your coverage to two years from your purchase date and adds coverage for up to two incidents of accidental damage, each subject to a service fee of $99 for screen damage or external enclosure damage or $299 for other repairable damage.

How does AppleCare work?

AppleCare is an extended warranty program offered by Apple that provides additional technical support and hardware coverage for your Mac, iPhone, iPad, or iPod.

For a fee, you can extend your AppleCare coverage to three years from your Mac’s purchase date or two years from your iPhone, iPad, or iPod’s purchase date.

Here’s what it includes:

• Extended telephone and email support from Apple experts
• Hardware coverage, including up to two incidents of accidental damage protection
• 24/7 priority access to technical support by phone or online
• Express Replacement Service, which delivers a replacement device in just 1-3 business days
• To purchase AC, you must do so within 60 days of buying your Mac, iPhone, iPad, or iPod. Once you have AC, you can’t add it later.

Here’s what does not include:

• Coverage for issues caused by normal wear and tear or cosmetic damage
• Loss or theft of your device
• Damage caused by abuse or misuse of your device
• Issues covered by your manufacturer’s warranty, such as the battery on your iPhone

AC is a great way to get extended support and coverage for your Apple products, but it’s important to know what it does and doesn’t cover before purchasing it.

What Are The Key Benefits Of AC?

It is an extended warranty plan that provides additional coverage for your Apple device.

• It includes up to two incidents of accidental damage coverage, each subject to a service fee of $99 for screen damage or $299 for any other damage.
• AC+ also provides 24/7 technical support from Apple and access to express replacement services.
• It can be purchased either when you buy your device or within 60 days of purchasing your device.
• If you purchase an AppleCare plan within 60 days of buying your device, Apple will extend the standard one-year warranty and coverage to two years from your original purchase date.
• Purchasing an AC plan can provide peace of mind and protection for your Apple device.
• By signing up for an AppleCare plan, you are investing in extended coverage in case your device is lost, stolen, or damaged.

How long does It last?

AppleCare+ for iPhone and AC+ for iPad extend your coverage to two years from your AC+ purchase date and add up to two incidents of accidental damage coverage, each subject to a service fee of $99 for screen damage or external enclosure damage, or $299 for other repairable damage, plus applicable tax.

In addition, you’ll get 24/7 priority access to Apple experts by chat or phone. coverage includes the following:

• Your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch
• Battery
• Included earphones and accessories
• Software support for iOS and built-in apps
• One-stop for technical support

What’s The Difference Between Them?

There are a few critical differences between AC and AC+.

• Perhaps the most notable difference is that AppleCare+ provides insurance for accidental damage, whereas AC does not.
• If you drop your iPhone and crack the screen, you could be covered with AC+, but you would not be covered with AC.
• Other differences include the length of coverage and the number of incidents covered. AppleCare+ provides two years of coverage, as opposed to the one year offered by AppleCare.
• And it covers up to two incidents of accidental damage, whereas AC does not cover any incidents of accidental damage.
•  Finally, AppleCare+ also provides 24/7 technical support, whereas regular does not.

Which Products Does AppleCare+ Cover?

It is an extended warranty offered by Apple that provides additional coverage for your Apple product. It covers eligible iPhones, iPads, iPods, and Macs.

Under AppleCare+, you are entitled to:

• Get two years of hardware coverage and 24/7 priority access to technical support from Apple
• Receive coverage for up to two incidents of accidental damage, each subject to a service fee
• Get Express Replacement Service

So, what does AppleCare+ cover? Here is a breakdown of the coverage for each Apple product:

iPhone:

With AppleCare+, your iPhone is covered for up to two incidents of accidental damage, each subject to a service fee of $29 for screen damage or $99 for any other damage.

In addition, you’ll get 24/7 priority access to technical support from Apple.

iPad:

A service cost of $49 for screen damage and $99 for all other damage is the price of AppleCare+.

It also covers up to two incidences of accidental iPad damage. Moreover, you’ll have access to Apple’s tech support.

iPod:

With it, you may get your iPod insured for unintentional damage up to two times with a service cost of $29 for screen damage or $199 if the damage is more extensive. Also, you’ll have access to Apple’s tech support team 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Mac:

With AppleCare+, your Mac is covered for up to three years from the date of your Mac purchase and includes up to two incidents of accidental damage, each subject to a service fee of $99 for screen damage or external enclosure damage or $299 for other damage. Lastly, you’ll get 24/7 priority access to technical support from Apple.

If you have an iPhone, iPad, iPod, or Mac, consider purchasing AppleCare+ to extend the life of your device and get peace of mind knowing that you’re covered in case of accidental damage.

How Much Does It Cost?

The price of AppleCare depends on the type of product you have. For example, the cost of AC for an iPhone is $149, while the cost of AC for an iPad is $99.

 

AppleCare+ pricing for iPhone

It is now available for iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus users.

AppleCare+ for iPhone extends your coverage to two years from your iPhone purchase date and adds up to two incidents of accidental damage coverage, each subject to a service fee of $29 for screen damage or $99 for any other damage, plus applicable tax. In addition, you’ll get 24/7 priority access to experts by chat or phone.

Coverage includes:

• Your iPhone
• Battery1
• EarPods with Lightning Connector1
• Lightning to USB Cable1
• USB Power Adapter1
• One-stop for technical support
• Direct access to Apple experts by chat or phone
• Email support from Apple

Pricing For iPad

AppleCare+ for iPad Pro extends your coverage to two years from your AC+ purchase date and adds up to two incidents of accidental damage coverage, each subject to a service fee of $49 for iPad and $29 for Apple Pencil, plus applicable tax.

• iPad Pro 11-inch and 12.9-inch: $129
• iPad Air (3rd generation): $79
• iPad mini (5th generation): $79
• iPad Pro 10.5-inch: $99
• iPad (6th generation): $49
• iPad Pro 9.7-inch: $99
• iPad mini 4: $69
• iPad mini 3: $59
• iPad mini 2: $49
• iPad Air 2: $99
• iPad mini: $39
• iPad (4th generation): $49
• iPad 3: $39
• iPad 2: $39

Pricing For Apple Watch

If you have an Apple Watch with Cellular, the monthly cost for AppleCare+ is $79. If you have an Apple Watch without Cellular, the monthly cost for AppleCare+ is $49.

• Apple Watch Edition (GPS + Cellular)- $79
• Apple Watch Series 4 (GPS + Cellular)- $79
• Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS + Cellular)- $69
• Apple Watch Nike+- $69
• Apple Watch Hermès- $79
• Apple Watch Series 4 (GPS)- $49
• Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS)- $39

AppleCare+ for Apple Watch extends your coverage to two years from your purchase date and adds up to two incidents of accidental damage coverage, each subject to a service fee of $69 for Apple Watch Series 4 (GPS + Cellular) and $39 for Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS) and earlier.

How To Check If I Have AppleCare Coverage Or Not?

You can check whether or not you have AppleCare Coverage by following these steps:

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Tap on the General tab.
3. Scroll down to the bottom of the page and tap on About.
4. Tap on the AC+ Coverage Status button.
5. If you have AC+ Coverage, it will say Active under the coverage status.
6. If you do not have AppleCare+ Coverage, it will say Inactive.

You can also check the coverage status of your device by visiting the AppleCare website and entering your device’s serial number.

Why Is So Expensive?

There are a few reasons why AppleCare+ might be more expensive than you expected.

First, Apple is a premium brand, and its products are typically more expensive than their competition.

Second, AC+ is an extended warranty that covers accidental damage and provides additional benefits that a standard warranty might not.

Even with that said, I still think it is a bit pricy. It may give you peace of mind knowing that your investment is protected and access to Apple’s world-class customer support.

Finally, AppleCare+ is only available through Apple, so you can’t shop around for a lower price.

AC Vs. Standard Apple Warranty: Which One Is Better?

When you buy a new Apple product, you have the option to purchase AC+ along with it. But is AC+ worth the extra money? Let’s compare the two warranties to see which one is the better value.

Standard Apple Warranty

Apple’s standard warranty covers your product for one year from the date of purchase. This warranty covers defects in materials and craft but does not cover damage caused by accidents or misuse. If your product needs service during the warranty period, you can take it to an Apple Store or an authorized service provider.

AppleCare+

AppleCare+ extends your coverage to two years from the date of purchase and adds coverage for up to two incidents of accidental damage. So, if you drop your iPhone and crack the screen, you can get it fixed for a $29 service fee.

Which Warranty is Better?

The standard Apple warranty is an excellent option if you’re careful with your devices and don’t need extra protection. But, if you’re prone to accidents or want the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’re covered, AppleCare+ is the way to go.

Is It Really Worth Its Value?

When you purchase a new Apple product, you’re often given the option to buy it. AC+ is an insurance policy for your device, and it can save you much money in the long run if something goes wrong. But is it worth its price tag?

Here’s a breakdown of what AppleCare+ covers and how much it costs:

Functionalities

AppleCare+ covers two incidents of accidental damage, each subject to a service fee of $99 for screen damage, external enclosure damage, or $299 for other damage. In addition, it provides 24/7 priority access to Apple experts via chat or phone.

Coverage

AC+ costs $149 for two years of coverage on an iPhone or $49 for two years on an iPad. So, if you were to drop and crack your iPhone screen accidentally, you would pay a total of $248 ($99 service fee + $149 AC+ price).

Main Benefits

Compared to the cost of replacing a damaged iPhone outright, AC+ can end up being quite a bargain. A new iPhone XS Max, for example, costs $1,099. If you were to damage that phone and didn’t have AppleCare+, you would have to pay the total price to replace it.

Our Expert Opinion: Is AC worth it?

So, is AppleCare+ worth its price tag? It depends on how often you think you’ll need to use it.

• If you’re the type of person who constantly drops their phone or runs into other issues, it could be a wise investment.
• But if you’re more careful with your devices, you might not need them.

Within 60 days of acquiring your Apple device, you need to purchase AppleCare or AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss to avail of its benefits, according to CNN.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can we have extended AC+ coverage?

You can extend your AppleCare+ coverage by purchasing an additional AppleCare+ plan. You can add up to two years of extended coverage to your original AppleCare+ plan.

Is it better to pay for AC monthly or yearly?

Purchasing outright is the most cost-effective alternative if you want to retain your phone for precisely two years. Monthly AppleCare is less expensive if you update every year, but if you want to keep your phone for more than two years, you’ll only be able to prolong your coverage by paying monthly. AFAIK.

Is AppleCare only suitable for two years?

For most Apple devices, like iPhones, iPads, Macs, and Apple Watches, you can purchase the AppleCare+ extended warranty plan. This plan typically covers your device for two years from the original purchase date, offering additional benefits like accidental damage protection and priority tech support.

However, for Mac computers, there’s also the option of AppleCare+ for Mac, which extends your coverage to three years instead of two. Neat, huh?

So, while AppleCare is generally suitable for two years on most Apple devices, you can actually get an extra year of coverage for Mac computers if you opt for AppleCare+ for Mac. Just make sure to check the specifics for your particular device to get the coverage that’s best for you. Happy Apple-ing!

Does AC cover screen damage?

Good news for ya – AppleCare+ does indeed cover screen damage! When you’ve got AppleCare+ for your iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch, it includes coverage for up to two incidents of accidental damage every 12 months (subject to a service fee, of course).

So, if your screen takes a tumble and ends up cracked or shattered, don’t sweat it too much. Just make sure you’re within that two-incident limit, and you’ll only need to pay the service fee to get your screen fixed.

Can I buy AppleCare+ after the damage?

Understandably, damaged gadgets are not eligible for AppleCare+ coverage, at least not until they are fixed at the standard non-AppleCare+ costs. The accidental damage cover included in AppleCare+ is an insurance plan; you can’t get auto insurance after a car accident.

Does AppleCare cover water damage?

Every one of them. AppleCare+ does not cover water damage under either the original one-year warranty or the two-year extended warranty.

Except for water damage being covered by AppleCare+ for up to two incidents of hardware damage, there is no deductible for this coverage. Even if you have one or another, water damage will not be covered.

Are Apple products really overpriced?

Ah, the age-old debate: Are Apple products really overpriced? Well, my friend, that’s a bit of a subjective question, but let me try to give you some food for thought.

Apple products are known for their premium build quality, sleek design, and seamless integration within their ecosystem. When you buy an Apple device, you’re not just paying for the hardware; you’re also paying for the user experience, the brand prestige, and the after-sales support.

Now, some folks argue that Apple’s pricing is totally justified, given the top-notch quality, design, and software experience they offer. Others, however, believe that the Apple tax is just too high and that there are plenty of alternatives out there with similar specs and performance for a lower price.

At the end of the day, whether or not you think Apple products are overpriced really depends on what you value most in a device. If you’re all about that Apple lifestyle, with its polished aesthetics and smooth user experience, you might be more than willing to fork over the extra cash. But if you’re more budget-conscious or you don’t mind exploring other brands, you might find Apple’s price tags a bit hard to swallow.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, whether or not AppleCare is worth it depends on your individual needs and budget. AC+ offers a range of coverage and additional benefits that can be incredibly valuable for those who use their devices heavily or suffer from significant damage or breakdowns. It also provides peace of mind knowing that your device is protected in case something goes wrong. Ultimately, taking the time to consider all the benefits it offers may well be worth it in the long run.

If you’re considering an AppleCare plan for your device, take some time to thoughtfully weigh all of its features, pros, and cons so you can make an informed decision about what’s best for you.

Sign up for Apple Care today and enjoy peace of mind with your favorite devices!