Is AppleCare Plus Worth It? (Yes, Here is Why)

AppleCare+ is the brand name for Apple’s extended warranty and technical assistance programs. AppleCare+ extends the one-year limited warranty on the devices as well as the 90-day technical support period.

Every 12 months, it also covers two occurrences of unintentional damage repair at a subsidized rate. The question is “Why should you buy Applecare+ for your iPhone”.

As a result of AppleCare+, unintentional damage to your hardware might be considerably reduced and you will have priority access to technical help.

Additional benefits include having Apple professionals that know their products inside and out. Because of these additional payments, AppleCare+ isn’t exactly a bargain when compared to other insurance policies.

Is AppleCare+ Worth It?

Whether or not you should buy AppleCare is a personal decision based on your use habits and willingness to bear the associated risk and price.

For Apple laptops that you intend to keep for more than a year, AppleCare is widely considered a worthwhile investment because of the accidental damage coverage. We don’t see the need for it with Apple TVs and HomePods, and with desktop Macs and screens, it’s more of a matter of personal preference.

Arguments for adding AppleCare+ become more compelling for those who often lose or damage their devices. Your risk of losing or stealing your equipment will determine the amount of extra loss and theft coverage that you’ll need. AppleCare+ is worth it for folks who are just more negligent with their gadgets.

When it comes to accidental damage repairs or replacement gadgets, AppleCare is a great way to alleviate stress and save money, but it does come with hefty additional costs for coverage that still come with certain deductibles and restrictions on claims. The extra peace of mind that comes with AppleCare is not required, but it is a nice perk.

How Much is AppleCare+ for iPhone?

AppleCare+ cost $199 for iPhone 13 Pro and $149 for Mini. If you want to include loss or theft coverage, it is $269. You must purchase a new iPhone, either outright or via a contract, to be eligible for AppleCare+. Each iPhone model has a different price for AppleCare+.

Cheapest Model iPhoneStandard AppleCare+Incl Loss or Theft
iPhone 13 Pro or Max$199$269
iPhone 13 or Mini$149$219
iPhone 12 Pro or Max$199$269
iPhone 12 or Mini$149$219
iPhone 11 Pro or Max$199$269
iPhone 11$149$219
iPhone X, Xs, Xs Max$199$269
iPhone XR$149$219
iPhone 7 Pro or 8 Pro$149$219
iPhone 7 or 8$129$199
iPhone SE$79$149

For example; When you purchase your iPhone, or later if you know your serial number, you’ll be able to see the final price. Within the first 60 days of owning an iPhone, you must purchase AppleCare+ to protect your investment.

Advantages of Applecare+

AppleCare+ for iPhone offers the following advantages:

Batteries may be repaired via AppleCare+ if they lose more than 80 percent of their original capacity. Using iOS 11.3 or later, you may see information on the health of your iPhone’s battery. In contrast, if your iPhone is still under warranty, your battery is automatically covered, and third-party battery replacement services might cost less than $25.

If your iPhone needs urgent repair, Apple pledges to send you a new device swiftly so that you don’t have to be without an iPhone for long periods of time.

Accidental damage to your iPhone is covered by AppleCare+ for up to two times per year for repair or replacement. Liquid damage is included in this category. Damage to a screen or rear glass will set you back £25 and any other unintentional damage would set you back £79.

Access to Apple professionals 24 hours a day: Utilizing iOS and iCloud, connecting to the internet, and using Apple applications like FaceTime and Mail are all covered by this software support service. Apple promises to be able to assist you with the majority of your concerns in only one chat, which may be ideal if you’re still getting used to the technology. If you just require assistance during the first 90 days after obtaining your iPhone, you don’t need AppleCare+.

AppleCare+ Coverage

ProductCoverage Provided by AppleCare+
iPhoneTwo years of hardware repair and accidental damage coverage, including up to two incidents of accidental damage protection every 12 months. Coverage includes parts and labor.
iPadTwo years of hardware repair and accidental damage coverage, including up to two incidents of accidental damage protection every 12 months. Coverage includes parts and labor.
Apple WatchTwo years of hardware repair and accidental damage coverage, including up to two incidents of accidental damage protection every 12 months. Coverage includes parts and labor.
MacThree years of hardware repair coverage, including parts and labor. AppleCare+ for Mac also includes up to two incidents of accidental damage protection every 12 months, subject to a service fee.
HomePodTwo years of hardware repair coverage, including parts and labor. AppleCare+ for HomePod also includes up to two incidents of accidental damage protection every 12 months, subject to a service fee.
Apple TVTwo years of hardware repair coverage, including parts and labor. AppleCare+ for Apple TV also includes up to two incidents of accidental damage protection every 12 months, subject to a service fee.
  • Up to a year’s worth of limited warranty (two years for the Apple Watch Edition)
  • Theft or loss protection for an extra cost for up to two occurrences (available for the iPhone only)
  • Month-to-month or two-year extended warranty (Macs and Apple Displays are covered for three years).
  • Assumed Protection Plan
  • Up to two instances of unintentional damage per year are covered, subject to service charges.
  • First dibs on chatting or calling Apple customer service
  • Replacement service in a hurry
  • Only hardware malfunctions are covered
  • Support through chat or phone for 90 days from the date of purchase.

Most of us are concerned about the possibility of having our phones stolen or misplaced. These are not covered by AppleCare+. Pay a little extra and get the AppleCare+ with Lost and Stolen protection instead.

AppleCare+ Warranty

With AppleCare+, you get two years of phone and chat assistance for the iPhone. This extends your warranty coverage from one year to two, as well. For a reasonably reasonable service cost, you receive accidental damage coverage of up to two occurrences each year.

AppleCare vs AppleCare+ 

These are two types of service plans offered by Apple. In addition to the usual one-year warranty, Apple provides extra service and support options.

Many devices from Apple come with a two- or three-year extended warranty plan called AppleCare+, which covers hardware for up to three years (depending on the model). It also covers the equipment for up to two instances of unintentional damage every calendar year (subject to service fees).

Accidental damage was not previously covered by AppleCare, but the company has since made most items eligible for AppleCare+, which does. Only a few items, such as the Apple TV, are still eligible for ordinary AppleCare, which excludes accidental damage.

AppleCare+ Alternatives

Considering the cost of AppleCare on an already expensive phone, it’s worth considering alternative choices to see whether it’s worth it.

Insurance for Personal Effects in the Residence Before purchasing any form of gadget insurance, check to see whether your home insurance policy currently includes coverage for your gadgets, or if you can get additional coverage.

Theft or loss of electronics while in your house is often covered by standard home contents insurance. You may also be eligible to claim for goods that were damaged, stolen, or lost while you were away from home.

AppleCare+ will not cover a refurbished or second-hand phone, but most homeowners’ insurance policies would. There are several advantages that you don’t receive with AppleCare+, such as professional help and battery servicing.

AppleCare+ does not increase your rate if you make a claim on your home contents insurance. A claim may result in an increase in your insurance premium, in which case you have two options: shop around for a better price or try to work out a bargain with your present insurer.