In general, the editors at MacRumors feel that AppleCare is worth getting for Apple laptops that you plan on keeping for longer than one year, and iPhone, iPads, and Apple Watches due to the accidental damage coverage. AppleCare is certainly not essential, and can be worth the additional peace of mind.
For up to 60 days after the date of purchase of a device, AppleCare+ can be purchased using the Settings section of the iPad, iPhone, or iPod, via the Apple Support app, the Apple Support site, or Checkcoverage.Apple.Com for Apple Watch, HomePod, iPhone, iPad, iPod, and Mac.
If you have an AppleCare+ plan, you can use it to cover screen repair. AppleCare+ gives you expert technical support and hardware coverage from Apple, including accidental damage protection. Each incident of accidental damage is subject to a service fee or deductible, depending on your plan.
AppleCare+ includes regular AppleCare, but on top of that, you get an extra year of warranty coverage (an extra two years for Macs), two years of free phone support (one year extra for Macs), and accidental damage coverage (except for the Apple TV). Regular AppleCare provides no accidental damage coverage.
AppleCare coverage is offered when buying an iPhone from Apple on its website and in stores, but you can also add it after the fact. If you opt to add AppleCare online or by phone, be sure to have your serial number handy (Settings → General → About). Keep reading below for details on AppleCare pricing and more.
Register Your Apple Product Via Apple WebsiteYou can register your new branded Apple product online for warranty via Apple Official website. Click here to register your Apple product for warranty. You'll get a page something like this. Enter your product serial number to get started.
If you paid upfront, you can purchase coverage on a monthly basis after the 24 or 36 months is over. To purchase the new coverage, go to mysupport.apple.com. Or on your iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > General > About, then tap AppleCare+ Coverage Available and follow the onscreen instructions.
The good news is that if you previously bought AppleCare+ for your device, you can now extend that coverage indefinitely on a monthly basis when the plan ends. You cannot extend your coverage until your existing AppleCare coverage ends. Once it ends, you have 60 days to renew your coverage.
Thankfully, checking AppleCare coverage is fairly simple, and you can check all of your devices in one place. Update: You can now head to Settings > General > About to see warranty information. If you don't have AppleCare, it will show you the status of your iPhone or iPad's limited warranty.
One Step Further: Associating Devices With an Account
- Open Apple's My Support Profile page.
- Sign in with your Apple ID.
- Click the + Register & Add Products button.
- Enter the serial number and click Continue just as you did when looking up the warranty status.
A mobile insurance policy financially protects your device or its accessories against damages. So, purchasing an insurance plan for your mobile phone after the damage is not possible. So, purchasing an insurance plan for your mobile phone after the damage is not possible.
Cell phone insurance can be worth it if you're prone to damaging or losing your phone. If cracking your screen or dropping your phone in water is a rare occurrence for you, however, cell phone insurance may be a waste of money.
AppleCare+ gives you two incidents where, for a $29 deductible per screen or $99 deductible for other damage, you can exchange your broken iPhone for a replacement on the spot. The only thing AppleCare+ does not protect you against is theft or loss unless you decide to upgrade to AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss.
Including loss and theft protection: $150 or $8 per month. If you're prone to breaking or losing your phone, AppleCare+ could save you money. A broken iPhone 12 Pro screen, for instance, will cost you $230 ($30 plus the $200 lump-sum plan fee) to repair with coverage instead of the $280 everyone else pays.
The Best Cell Phone Insurance Companies
- SquareTrade. SquareTrade. Get Coverage. SquareTrade.
- AppleCare+AppleCare+ Get Coverage.
- Samsung Premium Care. Samsung Premium Care. Get Coverage.
- AT&T Device Protection. AT&T Device Protection. Get Coverage.
- Verizon Total Mobile Protection. Verizon Total Mobile Protection. Get Coverage.
Budget Direct Contents Insurance covers mobile phones, laptops and other gadgets lost or damaged inside your home by an insured event. This includes events like theft and storms but excludes accidental damage (e.g. due to you dropping your phone on the floor at home).
However, for most consumers, AppleCare is a better option. You not only have the freedom of choosing whatever career you like and having an unlocked phone, but you get repairs direct from Apple. And it's cheaper monthly than Verizon. So when you purchase your next iPhone, make sure to get AppleCare along with it.
I agree with the fact that Asurion gives you a replacement phone but the deductible are so high. Apple care is a higher upfront cost but way lower cost per repair. Screen repairs with apple care are only $30 but you do only get 2 incidents.
The verdict: Not worth it.It sounds smart to purchase AppleCare+, but lost devices aren't covered. So unless you think you'll drop your Beats or AirPods into water or run them over as frequently as you might, say, your iPhone—skip this.
Express Replacement Service is a benefit of your AppleCare+ coverage. We can send you a replacement iPhone before you return your product to us. We'll include packaging to return your damaged or non-working product. Contact Apple to make an Express Replacement Service request.
Contact Apple Support
- U.S. technical support: (800) APL–CARE (800–275–2273)
- See all worldwide support telephone numbers.
- Contact a mobile carrier.
- Make a reservation at an Apple Retail Store Genius Bar.
- Beats support: (800) 442–4000 (U.S.) or see all worldwide support telephone numbers.
You can get Apple-certified repairs and service at the Apple Store or with one of our Apple Authorized Service Providers. You can also send your iPhone to an Apple Repair Center. The technicians at all these locations receive Apple training. They deliver the same high-quality service with genuine Apple parts.
How to check if your iPhone has AppleCare+
- Open your iPhone's Settings app.
- On the main Settings page, tap "General."
- Tap "About."
- On this page, there may be a tab that reads "AppleCare Services." Tap that, and you'll be told if you have AppleCare+ coverage, and when it'll expire.
Most people should consider getting AppleCare+ with their purchase of an iPad Pro. For $129, you get peace of mind in knowing that you're covered against defects for two years, and if you do break your iPad, you only have to pay $49 for an Apple-certified replacement.
