Everything You Need to Know

Quick Summary
- Extended coverage: AppleCare+ offers 2–3 years of protection, including accidental damage and battery service.
- Lower repair costs: Expensive fixes like cracked screens or liquid damage will be charged less.
- Addons: Adds security, support, and resale value for costly Apple devices.
Walking into an Apple Store has always felt special to me. But one thing I noticed during my visits was how often people asked about extended warranty and AppleCare+. And it’s because most people buy such expensive devices and often think about – what if something goes wrong? Phones are expensive, and even a small crack or issue can cost a lot to fix. No matter what you are purchasing, such as an iPhone, Mac, or iPad, you definitely want to know how well it’s protected.
At first, I thought the regular warranty was enough. Apple does give a one-year limited warranty with every device, and that covers problems caused by manufacturing defects. But when I learned about AppleCare+, I realized it’s a lot more than just an extension of that warranty. Today, in this guide, I will tell all about what I have learnt about AppleCare+ and whether you should opt for it or not.
Apple Store Warranty and AppleCare+: Everything You Need to Know
My circle is majorly Apple fans, and every one of us has some sort of Apple device. Be it an iPhone, a MacBook, or an iPad. But when my friend accidentally spilled water on his MacBook. Without AppleCare+, the repair cost was shocking. On the other hand, another friend with AppleCare+ only had to pay a small service fee and got the issue fixed quickly. That’s when I understood why so many people consider it a must-have.
AppleCare+ is like having an insurance plan for your Apple products. It covers accidental damage, battery issues, and even offers 24/7 technical support. If you’ve ever been unsure about protecting your Apple device, this guide will help you make the right choice.
The Difference – Apple Store Warranty and AppleCare+
AppleCare+ is an extended coverage plan that not only increases the warranty period (usually up to two or three years, depending on the device) but also covers accidental damage. It adds a layer of security that the standard warranty does not provide.
Here’s a simple comparison of Apple’s standard warranty versus AppleCare+:
Feature | Standard Apple Warranty | AppleCare+ Coverage |
Duration of coverage | 1 year | 2–3 years (varies by device) |
Technical support | 90 days | Full duration of AppleCare+ |
Manufacturing defects | ✔ | ✔ |
Hardware failures | ✔ | ✔ |
Accidental screen damage | ✘ | ✔ (service fee applies) |
Accidental liquid damage | ✘ | ✔ (service fee applies) |
Battery replacement (if faulty) | ✔ | ✔ |
Battery service (wear & tear) | ✘ | ✔ |
Priority technical support | ✘ | ✔ |
The table makes it clear that AppleCare+ goes far beyond the basic warranty. With the standard warranty, you only get 90 days of phone support. But with AppleCare+, you can call or chat with Apple experts for the full duration of your plan. This can be very handy for troubleshooting issues, setting up devices, or even learning new features. But to truly understand the difference, let’s talk about the costs.
Cost of Apple Store Warranty and AppleCare+
Repairing an iPhone screen without AppleCare+ can cost anywhere between $200 $350, depending on the model. With AppleCare+, the repair might only cost $29 as a service fee. Similarly, liquid damage to a MacBook without coverage can run into hundreds of dollars. Sometimes over $1,000, but with AppleCare+, it comes down to a much smaller fee.
Device | AppleCare+ Cost | Coverage Duration | Key Benefits |
iPhone | $199 (or $9.99/month) | 2 years | Screen/Back glass repairs for $29, battery service, and accidental damage protection |
AirPods | $29 | 2 years | Covers battery replacement, accidental damage |
iPad | $69 (or $3.49/month) | 2 years | Accidental damage coverage, battery service, priority support |
MacBook (Air/Pro) | $249–$349 (varies by model) | 3 years | Accidental damage protection, battery replacement, priority service |
This difference in cost is what makes AppleCare+ feel like an insurance policy. You’re paying upfront for peace of mind, knowing that if accidents happen, you won’t be paying the full repair cost out of pocket.
Should I buy the AppleCare+ Plan?
If you’re considering whether to add AppleCare+ to your next Apple purchase, think about how you use your device, your history with accidents, and how much you value stress-free ownership. AppleCare+ is a comprehensive protection plan that extends coverage, lowers repair costs, and provides priority support.
AppleCare+ Benefit | Why It Matters |
Extended Warranty | Longer protection beyond the standard 1 year |
Accidental Damage Coverage | Huge savings on screen, liquid, and drop-related repairs |
Battery Replacement | Free replacement if capacity drops below 80% |
Priority Technical Support | Faster solutions with Apple experts |
Peace of Mind | Less stress about high repair bills |
From my personal experience, I see AppleCare+ as buying security for an expensive device. It’s not just about saving money on repairs – it’s about reducing worry. When you’re carrying a $1,000+ iPhone in your pocket or using a high-end MacBook, knowing that a small accident won’t turn into a financial disaster makes a huge difference.
AppleCare+ Frequently Asked Questions
Que: Can I buy AppleCare+ after I purchase my device?
Ans: Yes, Apple allows you to add AppleCare+ within 60 days of purchasing your device. In some regions, you may need to bring your device in for inspection if adding it later.
Que: Is AppleCare+ transferable if I sell my device?
Ans: Yes, AppleCare+ coverage can be transferred to the new owner if you sell or gift your Apple device, which can increase resale value.
Que: How do I claim AppleCare+ service?
Ans: You can visit any Apple Store, Apple Authorized Service Provider, or contact Apple Support online to start a claim. Repairs are usually quick and often completed the same day for common issues.
Que: Does AppleCare+ cover accidental damage?
Ans: Yes. It covers accidental screen damage, back glass damage, liquid damage, and drops. However, you’ll still need to pay a small service fee for each repair.
Conclusion
This brings us to the end of this guide for Apple Store Warranty and AppleCare+. You will notice that the standard warranty you get only covers defects and basic issues, but leaves you exposed to accidents and wear-and-tear problems. But with AppleCare+, you will get a comprehensive protection plan that extends coverage, lowers repair costs, and provides priority support.
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