Apple offers a year of limited warranty for hardware failures of its products and up to 90 days of complimentary tech support. The AppleCare & AppleCare+ is like an insurance that extends the warranty and allows you to get repairs at a highly reduced cost, but is it really worth it?
Accidents can happen anytime, and getting an Apple product repaired is very expensive. If you think of getting it fixed at a local repair shop, then you’ll be voiding the warranty even in the slightest repairs. Also, there are very high chances of getting duped.
AppleCare is a protection plan by Apple that offers an extended warranty for hardware failures, manufacturing defects, and other such mishaps. AppleCare+ is an additive to the former with additional benefits.
Let’s take a look at what AppleCare exactly is, what are its benefits, price, and if you should pay for it.
AppleCare vs AppleCare+
AppleCare is a protection plan introduced by Apple to aid the buyers in easy and affordable after-sales service. It is a complementary plan that buyers can purchase while buying Apple hardware.
You can also activate it within 60 days of your purchase. In the US and Canada, this window has been extended to a year now. This plan provides 90 days of phone support for your device with a year of warranty for it.
On the other side, AppleCare+ is extra-secure protection for your Apple device that initially covers two years. But, you can keep extending it month by month until Apple is servicing the device.
This plan provides bot phone support and extends the hardware warranty to three years. It also offers a lower-cost option for certain routine repairs. AppleCare+ also has a version that covers theft or loss of the device. However, it is only limited to the US and Japan.
There is a very fine difference between both the plans, and people often confuse them for each other.
What are the Benefits of AppleCare & AppleCare+?
AppleCare and AppleCare+ cover different things for different Apple devices. You might find it more precious for your MacBook as its repairs aren’t very economical. However, it is mostly purchased alongside iPhones and iPads.
What does AppleCare covers for MacBook?
AppleCare & AppleCare+ covers all parts of your Mac, including the battery when its capacity has gone lower than 80%. It also offers repairs at a very affordable cost which is the highlight.
For example, regular Mac screen damages cost around $300-500 depending on the variant and size. But with AppleCare+, you can get it repaired for $99.
The plan allows up to two incidents in a year. This is the real catch of the plan. After two incidents (or accidents), you’ll be charged the regular cost for repairs.
What does AppleCare covers for iPhones & iPads?
AppleCare & AppleCare+ cover all parts of your iPhone and the battery when its health is lower than 80%. The plan also covers the accessories included in the box.
You can also get very economical repairs with AppleCare+ but the catch remains the same. You are only allowed two incidents in a year.
How much does AppleCare+ Cost?
Here is the pricing for AppleCare+ for MacBook variants:
- MacBook: $249
- MacBook Air: $249
- 13-inch MacBook Pro: $269
- 15-inch MacBook Pro: $379
- 16-inch MacBook Pro: $379
- Mac mini: $99
- iMac: $169
- iMac Pro: $169
- Mac Pro: $299
Here is the pricing for AppleCare+ for iPhones:
- iPhone 13: $149
- iPhone 13 Mini: $149
- iPhone 13 Pro: $199
- iPhone 13 Pro Max: $269
- iPhone 12: $149
- iPhone 12 Mini: $149
- iPhone 12 Pro: $199
- iPhone SE: $79
- iPhone 11: $149
- iPhone 11 Pro: $199
- iPhone 11 Pro Max: $199
- iPhone XR: $149
Is it worth paying for AppleCare/AppleCare+?
AppleCare or AppleCare+ may seem a bit costly by looking at the price chart. However, it seems worthy when you accidentally drop down your Apple device and it shatters into pieces.
For someone who has a history of dropping or breaking their devices, it is absolutely worth it. However, the opinion should differ from person to person. People who use their devices with extra care and all safety measures would find them useless.
In my opinion, it is just like your car insurance. No matter how safely you drive, accidents can happen. I’d recommend purchasing it alongside your Apple device. You never know when you might need it.
