Is applecare worth It? we break it all down for you

When buying a new Apple device, we are given the option to purchase additional protection with AppleCare+. The option leaves most buyers wondering: is AppleCare worth it?

The worth of AppleCare matters because it is not a cheap add-on. Paying additional money over the purchase price of your Apple device is not an easy opt-in for buyers. This guide will answer — is AppleCare worth it? 

This guide will walk you through the advantages of AppleCare, how much AppleCare costs, what services are on offer, and whether or not it’s a good deal or not.

Is AppleCare Worth it?

While your standard AppleCare comes with limited benefits and coverage, AppleCare+ and AppleCare+ Theft and Loss cover you universally for additional damages, including accidental slips, and even against theft. The advantages of Apple Care remain considerable. 

AppleCare
AppleCare

Keep an eye out for the word “accidental” in the previous paragraph. If someone throws their iPhone deliberately and Apple can prove it, good luck getting discounted or free repair. So, while we are at it, let us explain the benefits you get with AppleCare.

Reduced Fees For Repairs

If you damage your Apple device inadvertently, be prepared to pay a hefty sum to have it repaired by Apple. However, if you have AppleCare or AppleCare+, Apple will considerably reduce your repair costs and may even waive it in some scenarios. 

Extended Warranty

All Apple products come with a limited warranty for an entire year, which protects you in the event of a manufacturing problem. AppleCare+ is additional protection for accidental damage, an extension of the original warranty, and free technical support. AppleCare+ Theft and Lost is another additional protection that protects your device against theft or accidental loss. 

Savings on Screen Repair

The screen damage on your Apple device may cost a hefty amount in repairs without AppleCare+ protection. However, if you have AppleCare+, you will have to pay just $29 for the screen replacement of your iPhone. The plan offers users up to 2 repairs annually. 

Savings on Other Repairs

Aside from screen repairs, AppleCare+ characterizes the majority of other fixes simply as “any other unintentional damage.” Since it’s such a broad area, both the expenses and savings are substantial. Unintentional damage repair cost around $99 under AppleCare+. ‍

If you don’t have AppleCare+, you’ll have to fork over more money to get accidental damage repaired. For example, the cost of repairing an iPhone SE falls around $269 without AppleCare+. 

Battery Replacement

Apple will replace your battery free of charge if it runs out within two years of coverage under AppleCare+. If you don’t have coverage, you’ll have to pay between $50 and $70 to get it replaced.

What is AppleCare?

AppleCare is the company’s basic warranty for all of its products. All Apple products come with one-year limited warranty coverage, and your device is protected in the event of a manufacturing issue. AppleCare+ is additional protection against accidental damage, as well as an extension of the existing warranty and free technical assistance. 

Additional Coverage

On average, AppleCare offers 90 days of free product assistance (by phone, online chat, or at the Apple Store) and a one-year warranty. AppleCare+, on the other hand, provides an insurance program along with an extension of the warranty and service coverage for your Apple devices. 

Extended Coverage

AppleCare+ extends your warranty coverage based on the device you’re protecting instead of the standard one-year warranty. A Mac AppleCare+ plan, for example, provides three additional years of regular coverage. 

Service and Support

AppleCare+ also offers accidental coverage protection, which means that if you drop your iPhone and shatter the screen, or if you accidentally pour water all over your MacBook, you can get it fixed for a lower cost with AppleCare+. The service and support remain readily available for AppleCare+ users via live chat, in-store, and other avenues. 

Let’s take a closer look at how much money you may save. If you shatter the screen on your iPhone 12 and it’s out of warranty, Apple will charge you $279 to fix it. With AppleCare+, that repair price is lowered to only $29. Is your iPhone battery dying, and do you need a new one? It costs $69 to replace if it’s out of warranty, but AppleCare+ costs you nothing. 

While a basic AppleCare+ plan doesn’t cover a lost or stolen iPhone, Apple offers AppleCare+ Theft and Loss for the iPhone, which provides considerably more protection. Even though the Theft and Loss edition costs a bit more, replacing a stolen iPhone will only cost you $149 instead of the full retail price. 

To be eligible for AppleCare+ or AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss, you must purchase the service within 60 days of the date of purchase of your device.

Difference Between AppleCare and AppleCare+

Most store-bought products come with a manufacturer’s warranty, which promises that the product will perform as claimed for a specified period. If that’s not the case, the manufacturer will cover any issues that arise at no additional cost to you. The warranty period and the specifics of what it covers or leaves depends on the brand. 

Apple’s warranty program is referred to as AppleCare. For example, a broken power button, a black screen, or anything else that breaks due to a manufacturing fault or an act of God is covered by the one-year warranty. You’ll also receive free phone assistance for the next ninety days. All of this is included for free, regardless of the place or time of your purchase. 

AppleCare+ is an optional service that you can purchase in addition to standard AppleCare, which is included with all new Apple products. 

Additionally, you receive one year extended warranty (an additional two years for Macs), as well as two years of free call assistance (an additional year for Macs) and accidental damage protection with AppleCare+. 

Accidental damage is not covered by standard AppleCare. However, there are certain restrictions to what AppleCare+ provides. Based on the kind of damage and product, you may be responsible for a deductible on all Apple devices. You are only covered for “up to two occurrences of accidental damage.” We outline the charges below.

  • iPhone: $29 for the screen repair, $99 for any other repair
  • iPad: $49 for any damage
  • Mac: $99 for screen accident, $299 for other damage
  • Apple Watch: $69 for any damage
  • HomePod: $39 for any damage
  • iPod Touch: $29 for any damage

Although you end up paying a deductible, It’s still cheaper than the cost for damage repair at regular price. Therefore, purchasing AppleCare+ just for accidental damage coverage is beneficial.

How to Find Out if You Have AppleCare

It is simple to check the AppleCare status of your device. We have outlined different steps below for Mac, iPad, iPhone, and Apple Watch. 

How to check if I have AppleCare on Mac

Here’s how you can find if your Mac has AppleCare:

  1. Click the Apple logo in the top left corner
  2. Click About This Mac > Service
  3. Now, click Check my service and support coverage status
  4. Choose Allow
  5. Apple’s service and support verification page will open in your browser. On the webpage, enter the serial number of your Mac (you can find the serial number by clicking the Apple logo > About This Mac > Overview
  6. Copy/paste the serial number on the webpage 
  7. Click Continue

The webpage shows the status of your AppleCare, whether it is active or expired. 

How to check if I have AppleCare on iPhone and iPad

Follow the instructions below to find AppleCare status on your Apple iPhone and iPad:

  1. Open Settings on your Apple device
  2. Tap General > About
  3. Copy the serial number of your device
  4. Open Apple’s service and support verification page in your browser
  5. Enter the serial number of your iPhone/iPad
  6. Enter the captcha shown on the page
  7. Click Continue

You will now be shown the status of AppleCare on your device. 

How to check if I have AppleCare on Apple Watch

Follow the instructions below to find AppleCare status on your Apple Watch. You can also follow the same steps on your Apple Watch if you don’t have your iPhone with you. 

  1. Open Watch app on your Apple iPhone
  2. Tap General > About
  3. Copy the serial number of your device
  4. Open Apple’s service and support verification page in your browser
  5. Enter the serial number of your Apple Watch
  6. Enter the captcha shown on the page
  7. Click Continue

You will now be shown the status of AppleCare on your device. 

AppleCare+ for Mac

Apple’s MacBooks and iMacs are the priciest products that you can buy from the Cupertino, California giant. Like their purchase price, the repair cost of these products is also high, and it makes sense to get extended coverage for damages and repairs. Is AppleCare worth it for MacBook Pro, or is AppleCare worth it for MacBook Air? Let’s find out in the next section. 

is applecare worth it for macbook

For Macs, AppleCare+ offers three years of service protection and phone support, and the price varies by model.

  • MacBook Air: $199
  • 13-inch MacBook Pro (Intel): $269
  • 13-inch MacBook Pro (M1): $249
  • 15-inch MacBook Pro: $379
  • Mac mini: $99
  • iMac: $169
  • iMac Pro: $169

AppleCare+ can also be purchased annually for a lower yearly fee, but it will cost you more in the long run (between $10 and $40, depending on the Mac) spanned over three years. The Pro Display XDR costs $499 and comes with a separate AppleCare+ package from Apple.

What AppleCare+ for Macs Covers and Doesn’t Cover?

The plan extends the basic warranty from one year to three years, protecting you against defects that aren’t the result of your negligence. In addition, phone and chat assistance also extends from 90 days to three years. 

If your battery capacity is at 80% or below, AppleCare and AppleCare+ cover the battery as well as the accessories that came with your Mac. 

Using AppleCare or AppleCare+ can save you money on repairs because the repair prices are lower than if you didn’t have the coverage. MacBook screen or external closure only costs $99 per incident. $299 will be charged for all other screen damages. Per year, you’re permitted two instances.

Can I extend AppleCare+ coverage for Mac?

After your original three years of coverage expires, Apple enables users to continually extend their AppleCare+ coverage for Mac in one-year increments. Choosing to prolong your coverage will result in automatic yearly billing for any subsequent one-year extensions.

AppleCare For Macbook

It’s wise to get AppleCare+ for Macs if you’re purchasing a laptop and are concerned about the display or if you’re someone who is a heavy user. On the contrary, the probability of something happening to iMacs, such as dropping one, is much lower. However, because Macs have a longer life expectancy, you may feel that the extra expense of 3 years of (transferable) insurance is worthwhile. 

AppleCare+ for iPhone

The iPhone is made entirely of glass, is quite fragile, and is carried everywhere with you. It’s no surprise that damaging an iPhone is very common! Here’s everything you need to know about purchasing additional protection and figuring out — Is AppleCare+ worth it for iPhone? 

is applecare worth it for iphone

How much does AppleCare+ cost for iPhone?

AppleCare+ cost for the iPhone depends on the model. Check out the pricing below.

Apple iPhone ModelStandard AppleCare+ Pricing With Additional Loss & Theft Coverage
iPhone 13 Pro & iPhone 13 Pro Max Starts at $169$249
iPhone 13 mini & iPhone 13Starts at $239$319
iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max, iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XStarts at $199 $269
iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Mini, iPhone 11, iPhone XR, and iPhone 8 PlusStarts at $149$219
iPhone 8Starts at $129$199
iPhone SEStarts at $79$149

The latest iPhone 13 Pro Max costs a staggering $1,599 (excluding taxes), and if you add two years of AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss, the total reaches a whopping $1,868.

What AppleCare+ for iPhone Covers and Doesn’t Cover?

With AppleCare+, you get two years of warranty on your iPhone, along with two years of call and chat assistance, instead of just 90 days. 

For a modest annual service charge, you’ll also get coverage for up to two occurrences of accidental damage. A screen replacement costs just $29 if the damage is limited to only the screen. However, if the iPhone is damaged in any other way, the cost rises to $99 per occurrence. Before shipping your damaged iPhone for repair, you can request a substitute device under Apple’s Express Replacement Service. 

So, if your iPhone’s screen cracks but the casing is dented enough that Apple can’t replace only the screen, you’ll be looking at a $99 repair bill. If the screen is shattered but the body is intact, the repair will only cost $29. 

The phone, battery, and any accessories that came with it are all covered by the company’s warranty. As long as there are just two incidents (or less) in the two-year term of coverage, accidental damage can cover practically anything, from water damage to falls and more.  

If you’re concerned about losing your iPhone to theft, you’ll need AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss coverage. Unexpected damage, theft, or loss is covered up to two times per year under this plan. 

AppleCare+ For iPhones Upgrade Program 

Even though it’s included, it’s not entirely free. You will pay 24 installments for the two-year AppleCare+ plan.  However, there is no interest to be paid. 

Once your two-year credit has run its course, you can update your iPhone and keep your AppleCare+ coverage for one more year. Again, because the iPhone Upgrade Program is a loan, make sure you read carefully before signing up.

AppleCare For iPhone

Most iPhone users choose AppleCare+ because a smartphone is their most-used gadget and is more prone to accidental damages. Even so, it’s not always an easy decision to pay extra for coverage. For buyers of older iPhone models, they may end up paying more for AppleCare+ with a standard repair than simply a direct repair fee.

What decides the value of Apple Care is how cautious you are with your iPhone. Make a legitimate assessment of your abilities, and then act on that assessment. If you plan to buy the latest iPhone that costs a lot, you must consider getting AppleCare+ for it because an expensive iPhone comes with expensive repairs. 

AppleCare+ for iPad

AppleCare+ for iPad is undoubtedly less expensive than AppleCare+ for a Mac— and it also qualifies for Apple’s speedy Express Replacement Service. 

is applecare worth it for ipad

Here’s how much AppleCare+ costs for iPad:

  • For iPad Pro: $129
  • For iPad, iPad Air, and iPad mini: $69

What AppleCare+ for iPad Covers and Doesn’t Cover?

The hardware warranty on an iPad doubles with AppleCare+ (2 years). You can contact an Apple representative for assistance with iOS, iCloud, and apps for two years instead of just standard 90 days support. 

Additionally, you’re covered for unintentional damage twice a year for a service cost of $49 plus tax for most damages. When you buy an AppleCare+, it includes everything from the iPad to the battery.

Only iPhones are eligible for AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss. You can’t get it for your iPad. 

AppleCare For iPad

Simply realizing that a screen replacement for an iPad costs $49 plus the cost of your AppleCare+ coverage makes it extremely tempting —the standard repair costs between $299 to $649 without AppleCare+ coverage. 

The combined cost of AppleCare+ and the $49 service fee is much lower than the standard cost of replacing the screen.  

If you require iPad repair services, AppleCare+ is the way to go. But you never know when you’ll need it, so that presents a challenge. In our opinion, AppleCare+ is worth it for an iPad. 

AppleCare+ for Apple Watch

There are two tiers of AppleCare+ for the Apple Watch. Their premium, limited edition watches like the Edition, Hermès, and Ceramic have a two-year warranty that can extend to three years with AppleCare+. 

is applecare worth it for apple watch

AppleCare+ starts at $49 and goes up with more expensive models. Luxury Apple Watch editions like Hermes, Titanium, and Ceramic have variable AppleCare+ pricing. Check out the pricing below:

  • Apple Watch SE: $79, or $3.99/month
  • Apple Watch Series 6: $79, or $3.99/month
  • Apple Watch Series 3: $49, or $2.49/month
  • Apple Watch Nike: $79, or $3.99/month
  • Apple Watch Edition: $149, or $4.99/month
  • Apple Watch Hermes: $149, or $4.99/month

What AppleCare+ for Apple Watch Covers and Doesn’t Cover?

Apple Watches come bundled with a one-year limited warranty, including up to 90 days of technical assistance. AppleCare+ coverage at $49 per year extends the warranty period with technical assistance. The more expensive Apple Watches include two years of limited warranty and support. However, if you want the third year with AppleCare+, you will pay $99.  

Since Express Replacement Service is available for all Apple Watch models, you will get a substitute watch while yours is being repaired. The bundle includes the watch, a battery, a magnetic charging cord, and a wall outlet adaptor, all at no additional fee. A snazzy magnetic charging dock is already included with the fancy Apple Watch Editions.  

All Apple Watches are covered by AppleCare+ for accidental damage up to two times annually. Regular and Nike+ versions have a service cost of $69; Edition and Hermès variants have a service fee of $79 plus tax. AppleCare+ Loss and Theft is not available for Apple Watches.

AppleCare For Apple Watch

Repairing an Apple Watch outside of an Apple shop is challenging and expensive. A single screen or battery replacement on a Series 4 or 5 Apple Watch will recover the cost of AppleCare+, even with the service charge included. 

The extended warranty and coverage make even more sense if you own a high-end Apple Watch that costs more than $1,000. If you require just one replacement under AppleCare+, it will cover the cost of coverage. Just make sure you don’t lose your Apple Watch because AppleCare+ Loss and Theft is not available for Apple Watch. 

The AppleCare+ coverage makes a good case for those who want to use their Apple Watch without being overly cautious. It gives you the freedom to use it without worry. 

AppleCare+ With Theft and Loss

If you’re worried about losing your iPhone, you’ll need AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss coverage. It covers accidental damage, theft, or loss up to two times per year. Apple keeps this tier of AppleCare+ limited to iPhones. You won’t get this service for other Apple products. 

Pricing 

A 24-month subscription to AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss for your new iPhone 11 will set you back by $299 (or $14.99/month), while the new iPhone SE will set you back $179 (or $7.99 a month). It offers the same protection as AppleCare+, but in addition to covering damages, it also makes up for your lost or stolen device. You are eligible to claim loss or theft up to two times for a deductible of $229 or $269. After that, you’ll have to shell out the cash for a new iPhone at the original price. 

Benefits & Restrictions 

As good as it sounds to get a replacement for your stolen iPhone, it is worth noting that Apple has got some prerequisites hidden under the fine print. You must have “Find My iPhone” enabled on your iPhone all the time, including when it goes missing or stolen. Check out Apple’s official statement below:

“Theft and loss coverage requires you to have Find My iPhone enabled on your device at the time it is lost or stolen. During the theft or loss claims process, you will be asked to erase your missing device, disable it, and transfer ownership before you can be issued a new device.”

The most glaring benefit of getting AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss for your iPhone is that you will not panic when your iPhone goes missing. Imagine pouring in all your savings to get the new iPhone, and then it gets stolen. This service will save you from getting into the panic zone. Just make sure you have the “Find My iPhone” always turned on. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Let’s get you answers for the most searched questions about – Is AppleCare worth it? 

Is it OK not to buy AppleCare?

AppleCare services are essentially extended warranties for your Apple devices. It’s an optional service that you can choose to buy when purchasing an Apple product. It’s similar to getting insurance, and you are not obligated to buy insurance, right? But having it makes you feel more secure.

What are the pros and cons of AppleCare?

The pros of AppleCare are that you get peace of mind, protection against loss and theft for the iPhone, priority Apple service and technical support, and you end up saving a lot on repairs. The cons are that it can be expensive for some Apple products like the latest iPhone 13 series, you need to opt for it within two months of buying your device, and sometimes getting third-party repairs comes cheaper than getting it under AppleCare. 

Conclusion 

After reviewing AppleCare+ in detail, we believe it is worth the additional money. It’s valuable for devices you frequently use, like iPhones and Macs, for anything with a price tag above $1,000. Yes, you may devote each day to being extremely cautious with your Apple devices, and yes, there’s a probability of never needing the service, but harm to your device can happen in a split second. And when it happens, you’ll be glad you’re covered.  

Considering that you’ll likely retain your Apple devices for several years, consider them an asset rather than a liability. It’s like buying insurance; you can also opt for monthly premium plans. So, yeah, our verdict for — Is AppleCare worth it – is YES. It is worth the price for Apple devices that cost more than $800. 

We hope this guide helps you understand the worth of AppleCare! Let us know in the comments.

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About Melissa

Hey! I'm Mel, I write the occasional article for Spacehop, amongst other things. I love meeting new people and chatting, so if you have any questions don't hesitate to ask.

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