As Apple’s lineup of products matures, the number of options you have to choose from does as well. Gone are the straightforward days of the iPhone, the iPad, the MacBook, and the MacBook Pro.
Today, it’s more important than ever to not only understand Apple’s line of products, but also the costs associated with them. That’s why you should consider AppleCare vs AppleCare+ when you purchase a new or used Apple device.
We will discuss both of these options in detail in the following article.
Why Do You Need to Protect Your Apple Device?
The iPhone is costlier than ever. You’d be hard-pressed to get your hands on the newest iteration of it without spending anything less than $1,000.
This expensive device travels with you. At any time, it can be threatened by rain, snow, sleet, and other dangers.
When not in use, you might cram it into your pocket. If you put it on your lap and stand up without realizing it’s there, it might fall to the ground.
It goes without saying that you need some form of protection for your iPhone. It could be as simple as a protective case. You could also invest in one of Apple’s extended warranties.
If you’re worried about possible iPhone damage, then an extended warranty is a great way to get peace of mind after you spend upwards of $1,000 on your newest device. Which Apple warranty should you get, though?
Explaining AppleCare
If someone references “AppleCare”, then they’re probably referring to the standard limited warranty provided by Apple after purchasing any of their products.
This warranty is the usual manufacturer’s warranty. It covers the bare minimum during the one-year window following your purchase of the device.
Apple’s website describes its limited warranty in plain language:
The Apple Limited Warranty covers your iPhone and Apple-branded accessories against manufacturing defects for one year from the date you bought your product. The Apple Limited Warranty is in addition to rights provided by consumer law.
Our warranty doesn’t cover damage caused by accidents or unauthorized modifications.
What is Accidental Damage?
Accidental damage can mean a lot of things. It could mean liquid damage or damage the phone sustains when you drop it.
To put it simply, the Apple limited warranty will only cover damage to your iPhone that occurs due to a manufacturer defect within one year of purchase.
Are There Any Other Limitations?
Beyond Apple’s limited repair and replacement coverage, the company will also limit your phone support to 90 days after purchase. Beyond 90 days, Apple will charge you for phone support.
If you’re near an Apple Retail Store or an Apple Authorized Service Provider, then you can probably talk to an in-store support person, and they might not charge you for that conversation. However, if you need phone support beyond those first 90 days, that isn’t covered by the standard AppleCare warranty.
Understanding AppleCare+
Think of AppleCare+ as Apple’s version of an extended warranty. Many consumers have been trained to avoid any kind of retail extended warranty thanks to big box outlets like Best Buy.
However, Apple’s extended warranty is a robust and substantial one. It’s worth the investment for many reasons, under the right circumstances.
The biggest draw with AppleCare+ is that your liability protection is extended from one year after purchase to a full two years. For many people, this is about as long as they keep an iPhone before they’re itching for an upgrade.
Is AppleCare+ Just for My iPhone?
Your iPhone isn’t the only thing covered by AppleCare+. The company will also extend its warranty to your Apple accessories. They explain their accessory coverage in-depth on their website:
Apple-branded accessories, including the power adapter, are covered by our warranty and consumer law. The Apple-branded accessories that come in the box with your product are also covered by your AppleCare+ plan.
If it’s in the iPhone box, then it’s covered for two years by AppleCare+.
What Else Does AppleCare+ Do?
Beyond mere coverage, Apple also offers something they call “express replacement.” The company will send you a brand-new device if your old one needs a repair.
Your old iPhone is taken by Apple and refurbished. At the same time, you get to enjoy a straightforward, complete replacement for your troubles.
You also receive 24/7 technical support over the phone with priority access. That means you can get help at any time of the day, and you’ll skip the long queue and go right to the shorter AppleCare+ line.
Unlike Apple’s limited warranty, AppleCare+ will also cover up to 2 incidents of accidental damage. The company will also service your battery if it retains less than 80% of its original capacity during the two-year window of your AppleCare+ coverage.
While battery replacements are free, accidental damage coverage comes at a price, which we’ll explain below.
Breaking Down the Costs of Both Warranties
No one ever made the argument that Apple wasn’t a shrewd company. It stands to reason that, even with AppleCare+ coverage, you’d still be charged for replacing your iPhone due to accidental damage.
However, Apple is fairly generous in how they subsidize their pricing, which they refer to as deductibles, for AppleCare+ users. The same pricing for those consumers who have opted out of AppleCare+ is much higher.
The Cost of Screen Repair & Replacement
AppleCare+: screen repairs cost a flat fee of $29 across the board, regardless of the model of iPhone you own. This counts for owners of the iPhone 5c and any newer model than that.
Limited Warranty: the screen repair price when under Apple’s limited warranty functions as if the phone was out-of-warranty due to the lack of accidental coverage. You can expect to pay anywhere from $129 to $379, depending on your model of iPhone.
The Cost of Battery Replacement
AppleCare+: the cost of battery service on an iPhone with AppleCare+ coverage will cost you nothing, provided there’s an actual issue with the battery.
Limited Warranty: the price of a battery replacement while under Apple’s limited warranty is also free, as long as you’re servicing the battery within the one-year window of your limited warranty.
After 1 Year: after your limited warranty of one year is up, battery replacements will cost $49 for the iPhone SE through the iPhone 8. The cost increases to $69 for the iPhone X through the iPhone 13. The cost for a battery replacement for an out-of-warranty iPhone 14 can be as much as $99, depending on which model you have.
The Cost of Other Repairs
Apple classifies any repair beyond a screen or battery replacement as an “other repair”. Today, that typically means that Apple will simply replace your iPhone and worry about repairing it as a refurbished device at a later date.
It’s an innocuous and vague category to lump so many iPhone problems into, and “other repairs” are where your extended warranty shines.
AppleCare+: you pay a flat rate of $99 for “other” repairs, which essentially means you get a replacement iPhone for $99.
Limited Warranty: technically, the same $99 price point applies here, but there may be less wiggle room. Some problems with your iPhone may be considered “accidental damage”, which Apple might not explicitly mention if you’ve purchased the extended warranty.
After 1 Year: after your limited warranty expires, expect to pay an exorbitant fee for something as simple as a malfunctioning camera. Prices start at $149 and increase to $599, depending on the model. It’s important to note that there’s no repair pricing scheme. These repairs all assume complete replacement of the iPhone. It’s a straightforward process, though some consumers find Apple’s policy a bit disingenuous in this area.
Loss & Theft
Unfortunately, neither Apple’s limited warranty or AppleCare+ cover replacement of an iPhone due to loss or theft. However, Apple has recently released a third warranty option, which they call AppleCare+ Theft & Loss. With this plan, you can replace a lost or stolen device for $149.
How Much Does AppleCare+ Cost?
AppleCare+ used to be based on an upfront, flat-rate pricing model. However, recently, Apple has switched to a monthly subscription model. You can cancel any time for a prorated refund on the coverage you haven’t used.
It’s a clever strategy. Many consumers will pay more in the long run, while also having the option to back out of the coverage at any time. It’s a gamble that is tipped in Apple’s favor.
Apple’s pricing is somewhat elusive when you visit their AppleCare+ page. You’re urged to sign in or enter your device’s serial number.
There’s no simple pricing table provided. Depending on your iPhone, you can expect to pay anywhere from $3.99 to $9.99 for AppleCare+. The newer and more expensive your iPhone is, the more money you can expect to pay for this service.
Is AppleCare+ Worth it?
If you’re a savvy consumer, you may have noticed that replacing your iPhone screen once it’s out-of-warranty could theoretically be cheaper than paying for a full year of AppleCare+, depending on your device.
However, AppleCare+ is really about the convenience it affords. It’s also for those moments when you damage your phone that could either be a financial tragedy or a slight inconvenience, depending on if you’re covered by AppleCare+.
AppleCare+ can also add peace of mind if you plan to sell your iPhone or sell your iPad at some point. Your device will be worth much more if it’s in pristine condition.
At the end of the day, an extended warranty is a luxury, just like the device you have in your hands. How much you’re willing to pay to protect it is entirely up to you. With the information we’ve provided, though, you can at least make an informed decision.
