Is AppleCare+ Worth It? Key Facts

AppleCare+ is worth it if you are accident-prone, use your device without a case, or want predictable repair costs for a device you plan to keep for two to three years. It is not worth it for most people who use a sturdy case and screen protector, because the upfront cost plus the service fee often exceeds the price of a single common repair. This guide covers how AppleCare+ works, what it costs in real terms, how to decide, and what your alternatives are.

What AppleCare+ Actually Covers

AppleCare+ is an extended warranty and accidental damage plan sold by Apple. The standard plan extends your hardware repair coverage to three years (on iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, and Mac) and includes unlimited accidental damage incidents, each subject to a service fee. It also covers battery service if your battery holds less than 80% of its original capacity, and it includes 24/7 priority tech support by chat or phone.

What it does not cover is just as important: theft or loss (that requires AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss, an extra fee), cosmetic damage that does not affect function, damage from unauthorized modifications, and accessories not included in the box. If your screen cracks but the touch still works, that is covered; if the back glass shatters, that is also covered under the accidental damage clause, but with a different service fee.

How Much It Costs and What Repairs Cost Without It

AppleCare+ pricing is a flat upfront fee or monthly subscription, depending on your device and region. As of 2025, typical U.S. prices are:

• iPhone: $199 for two years, or $9.99/month; screen repair service fee $29, other damage $99.
• iPad: $69–$149 for two years; service fee $49.
• Apple Watch: $79–$149 for two years; service fee $69–$99 depending on model.
• Mac: $299–$499 for three years; screen or enclosure damage $99, other damage $299.
• HomePod: $15 for two years; service fee $15.

Without AppleCare+, an iPhone screen replacement runs $129–$379 depending on model, and back glass damage can be $169–$599. A single iPhone screen crack often costs more than the AppleCare+ plan itself, which is why the math can work in your favor if you drop your phone regularly. But if you never damage your device, you are paying for peace of mind you did not use.

How to Decide If It Is Worth It for You

Ask yourself three questions before buying:

1. Do you use a case and screen protector? If yes, your risk of accidental damage drops significantly. A $20 case plus a $10 screen protector can replace the need for AppleCare+ for many people.
2. How long do you keep your phone? AppleCare+ lasts two years (or three on Mac). If you upgrade every year, you are paying for coverage you will not use past year one.
3. Can you afford a one-time repair? If a $300 screen repair would be a hardship, the $199 plan with a $29 fee is a budget-friendly safety net.

Also consider your device’s value. A $429 iPhone SE is cheaper to repair out of pocket than a $1,199 iPhone Pro Max. The more expensive the device, the more sense AppleCare+ makes.

Common Misconceptions and Gotchas

One widespread myth is that AppleCare+ covers everything. It does not cover loss or theft unless you pay extra for the Theft and Loss tier, which adds a $149–$299 fee per incident. Another misconception is that you can buy AppleCare+ anytime; you generally have 60 days from purchase to add it, and you must pass a diagnostic check if you buy it after 30 days.

Also note that the service fee is per incident, not per year. If you crack your screen twice, you pay the $29 fee twice. And if you file a claim, Apple may send you a replacement device rather than repairing yours—that is standard practice, but some users are surprised when they get a refurbished unit instead of their original phone back.

Alternatives to AppleCare+

You have several other options:

• Credit card extended warranty: Many premium credit cards double the manufacturer warranty up to one extra year, but they do not cover accidental damage.
• Third-party insurance: Carriers like Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile sell their own protection plans, often with lower monthly fees but higher deductibles and more exclusions. Read the fine print on claim limits.
• Homeowners or renters insurance: Some policies cover portable electronics, but the deductible may be higher than a phone repair and filing a claim can raise your premium.
• Self-insure: Put the $199 you would have spent on AppleCare+ into a savings account. If you do not break your phone, you keep the money. If you do, you have a repair fund.

How to Buy and Use AppleCare+

You can buy AppleCare+ at the time of device purchase, in the Apple Store app within 60 days, or at an Apple Store (with a diagnostic check). After purchase, you can manage your plan in the Settings app under General > AppleCare & Warranty. To file a claim, you can start a service request online, call Apple, or walk into an Apple Store. You will need your device serial number and, if you bought it within 30 days, you may need to run a remote diagnostic to prove the device is in good working order.

If you sell your device, AppleCare+ is transferable to the new owner, which can increase resale value. You can also cancel anytime and receive a prorated refund, minus any service fees already used.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is AppleCare+ worth it for an iPhone?

It depends on your risk tolerance. For a $1,000+ iPhone, the $199 plan plus $29 screen fee is cheaper than a single out-of-warranty screen repair on most Pro models, so it is worth it if you tend to drop your phone. For a budget iPhone with a case, it is probably not worth it.

Does AppleCare+ cover cracked screens?

Yes, cracked screens are covered under accidental damage, with a service fee of $29 for iPhone and iPad, and $99 for Mac laptops. You are limited to two incidents per 12 months, but the plan covers unlimited incidents total over its term.

Can I buy AppleCare+ after I already bought my iPhone?

Yes, you have 60 days from the purchase date to add AppleCare+. If you buy it after 30 days, Apple requires a diagnostic check to ensure there is no existing damage. After 60 days, you cannot add it.

Does AppleCare+ cover battery replacement?

It covers battery service if your battery holds less than 80% of its original capacity. If your battery is healthy but you just want a new one, you pay the out-of-warranty battery fee, which is $89–$129 depending on the device.

Is AppleCare+ the same as a warranty?

No. The standard one-year limited warranty covers manufacturing defects, not accidental damage. AppleCare+ extends the warranty to three years and adds accidental damage coverage, so it is a combined extended warranty and insurance plan.

What happens if I never use AppleCare+?

You lose the money you paid, but you gained peace of mind. Some users find that the resale value of a device with transferable AppleCare+ is higher, which can offset part of the cost when you sell.

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