AppleCare+ vs AppleCare: Which Plan Fits Your Devices?

AppleCare+ is the extended warranty and accidental damage coverage you pay for, while AppleCare is the basic one-year limited warranty that comes free with every new Apple product. The right choice depends on how accident-prone you are, the device you own, and whether you want coverage beyond the first year.

What AppleCare Actually Covers

Every new iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, and Apple TV includes a one-year limited warranty and 90 days of complimentary technical support. This is the base “AppleCare” that you get automatically. It covers manufacturing defects and hardware failures that occur under normal use, but it does not cover accidental damage like a cracked screen, liquid spills, or drops. If your device fails due to a defect within the first year, Apple repairs or replaces it for free. After that year, you’re on your own unless you buy AppleCare+.

What AppleCare+ Adds

AppleCare+ is a paid service contract that extends your coverage to two or three years (depending on the device and region). It includes the same defect coverage as the basic warranty but adds up to two incidents of accidental damage every 12 months. You pay a service fee per incident, which is much lower than the out-of-warranty repair cost. For example, an iPhone screen repair under AppleCare+ costs $29, while a rear glass or other damage costs $99. Without coverage, a screen replacement can run $200–$350 depending on the model. AppleCare+ also extends technical support to the full coverage period, so you can call or chat with Apple support for the entire term.

How Much Does AppleCare+ Cost?

Pricing varies by device and whether you pay upfront or monthly. As of 2024, typical prices are:

• iPhone: $79–$199 for two years, or $3.99–$9.99 per month (depending on model)
• iPad: $69–$149 for two years
• Mac: $99–$299 for three years
• Apple Watch: $49–$99 for two years
• Apple TV and HomePod: $15–$39 for two years

Monthly plans are available in the US and many other countries, and they renew until you cancel. Upfront plans are a single payment. You can also add AppleCare+ within 60 days of purchase (or up to a year in some regions, with an additional fee for a device inspection).

How to Choose: AppleCare+ vs Basic Warranty

Ask yourself these questions:

• How accident-prone are you? If you’ve cracked a screen before or often use your phone without a case, AppleCare+ pays for itself after one incident.
• What’s the device’s repair cost? A $200 screen repair on a $799 phone makes the $99–$199 plan worthwhile. A $99 Apple TV that costs $15 to cover may not be.
• Do you keep devices for 2–3 years? If you upgrade every year, the basic warranty may be enough.
• Do you need tech support? AppleCare+ gives you direct access to Apple support for the full term, which can be valuable for Macs and complex setups.

For iPhones, the math is simple: one cracked screen without coverage costs roughly the same as the entire AppleCare+ plan. For Macs, a single logic board failure (which can cost $500–$1,000) makes the plan a no-brainer if you rely on the machine for work. For accessories like the Apple TV or HomePod, the low repair cost usually doesn’t justify the premium.

Common Misconceptions and Gotchas

One big misconception is that AppleCare+ covers theft or loss. It does not—unless you buy the special “Theft and Loss” version available for iPhones in select countries (US, UK, Australia). That plan costs more and requires Find My to be enabled at all times. Another gotcha: the service fee applies per incident, so if you crack your screen twice in a year, you pay $29 twice. Also, AppleCare+ does not cover cosmetic damage that doesn’t affect function, or damage caused by unauthorized modifications. Finally, you must have the coverage active at the time of the incident—if your plan lapses, you can’t retroactively add it.

Alternatives to AppleCare+

If you don’t want Apple’s plan, consider:

• Credit card benefits: Many premium cards extend the manufacturer’s warranty by one year and offer purchase protection for 90–120 days against theft or damage. Check your card’s terms.
• Third-party insurance: Companies like SquareTrade (now Allstate) offer similar coverage, often at lower prices, but read the fine print about deductibles and repair turnaround.
• Self-insurance: Put the monthly premium into a savings account. After two years, you’ll have enough to cover most repairs—but you won’t get the discounted service fees.

For Macs, some users rely on the EU’s mandatory two-year warranty (in Europe) or consumer protection laws in their state. But these don’t cover accidental damage.

How to Buy and Manage AppleCare+

You can buy AppleCare+ at the time of purchase, in the Apple Store app (within 60 days), or at an Apple Store with a device inspection. If you choose monthly, it’s billed to your Apple ID and can be canceled anytime. To check your coverage, go to Settings > General > About on iOS, or visit apple.com/coverage and enter your serial number. If you sell the device, you can cancel the plan and get a prorated refund, or transfer it to the new owner (in most regions).

Frequently Asked Questions

Is AppleCare+ worth it for an iPhone?

For most people, yes—especially if you don’t use a case and screen protector. The plan costs $99–$199, and a single screen repair without it is $229–$329. If you’re careful and have a good case, you might skip it, but one accident makes it worthwhile.

Does AppleCare+ cover battery replacement?

Yes, if your battery holds less than 80% of its original capacity during the coverage period, Apple will replace it for free. If you just want a new battery for longevity, you’ll pay the standard out-of-warranty fee (around $89–$129) even with AppleCare+.

Can I buy AppleCare+ after 60 days?

In the US, no—the window is 60 days from purchase. In some countries (like Germany and Japan), you can buy it up to a year later, but only after a device inspection and with a higher price. Check Apple’s support page for your region.

Does AppleCare+ cover lost or stolen devices?

Only the special “Theft and Loss” plan for iPhone, which is available in select countries. It costs more than standard AppleCare+ and requires Find My to be enabled. It covers up to two incidents of theft or loss per year, each with a deductible.

Can I use AppleCare+ at any Apple Store?

Yes, AppleCare+ is honored at all Apple Stores and authorized service providers worldwide. However, service fees and coverage terms may vary slightly by country, and some repairs may require shipping if parts aren’t available locally.

What happens if I cancel AppleCare+?

If you cancel within 30 days of purchase, you get a full refund. After that, you receive a prorated refund based on the unused portion of the plan. Monthly plans can be canceled anytime, and you stop being billed immediately.

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