Do you have an issue with an Apple device? If your iPhone screen cracks, iPad stops charging, or MacBook’s hard drive fails, AppleCare can come in handy. Apple’s default limited warranty can help with manufacturing defects, but you’ll need an AppleCare+ subscription before Apple will repair or service your device.
Unfortunately, it’s not always clear what you’re getting with your plan or how much it will cost to insure each device. The new AppleCare One bundle also changes the economics quite a bit, so here’s everything you need to know about AppleCare coverage and its cost.
Do I Have AppleCare?
Let’s first understand the distinction between Apple’s limited warranty and AppleCare+ coverage. The limited warranty is what comes with your purchase, and was previously called AppleCare. When you buy a new phone, tablet, computer, or other Apple device directly from the company or an official retailer, it comes with a one-year limited warranty and up to 90 days of complimentary technical support. This essentially covers you if there is a manufacturing defect, such as a faulty battery. It also includes free setup support.
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If you’re unsure if the device is still covered, head to checkcoverage.apple.com and enter the serial number of the device in question. Or navigate to Settings > General > AppleCare & Warranty on iOS or iPadOS. Select the device in question to see if you still have technical support or repairs coverage available under AppleCare. If you do, an expiration date will be listed; otherwise, it will say expired.
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How to Extend Your AppleCare Coverage
If you want coverage against damage, you’ll have to invest in an AppleCare+ plan. Think of AppleCare+ as the equivalent of an extended warranty. You can cover an iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, Vision Pro, Apple Display, Apple TV, HomePod, and even AirPods or Beats headphones. It gives you access to certain repairs (for a fee), 24/7 technical support, and more.
Apple recently changed its AppleCare+ pricing model. Previously, you could purchase an additional two or three years of coverage, but that option has been removed. Instead, Apple prefers you to pay for a monthly subscription that will allow you to continue coverage indefinitely. For extended coverage, you can buy AppleCare+ at checkout or within 60 days of purchase.
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For the latter, go to the My Support page and choose which device you want to cover—you’ll need the device’s serial number—and the type of coverage you want. You can also add coverage directly from some devices’ settings. Under General > About, look for an Add AppleCare+ Coverage button.
You’ll have the option to sign up for AppleCare+ coverage (with Theft and Loss for certain devices) or add the device to any existing coverage through the AppleCare One plan. Customers from certain countries (including the US, Canada, UK, and many others) can add coverage to an AppleCare+ plan within 45 days of its expiration (up from the previous 30). Check your My Support page to see when coverage ends for your device.
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Don’t know your device’s serial number? Here’s how to find it:
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iPhone or iPad: Open Settings > General > About.
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Mac: Click the Apple icon in the top left of the screen and choose About This Mac.
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Apple Watch: Open the Watch app and tap My Watch > General > About.
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Apple TV: From the Apple TV Home screen, open Settings > General > About.
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HomePod: Open the Home app, select the HomePod, and choose Settings.
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AirPods: Open Settings > Bluetooth and select your AirPods, then tap More Info.
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Apple Display: With the display plugged into your Mac, open the Apple menu and go to About This Mac > System Report > Graphics/Displays. It can also be found on the back of the display or on the bottom of the stand.
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Vision Pro: Open Settings > General > About.
What Does AppleCare+ Cover?
AppleCare+ covers damage to your device’s screen, its external enclosure, and the internal components. If you cover an iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch, it will also include Theft and Loss protection, which allows you to replace a lost or stolen device up to two times in a 12-month period (for a fee). For specific information regarding what is and isn’t covered under your AppleCare+ policy, reference Apple’s Terms and Conditions for your device.
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Apple provides AppleCare+ customers with 24/7 priority access to technical support; in-store, on-site (for desktops), and mail-in repairs; unlimited accidental damage protection; and battery service if it falls below 80% of the original capacity. If you need to send in your device, Apple will send you a new one through its Express Replacement Service.
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Coverage also extends to any power cords and charging cables included with the covered device. Certain Apple-made accessories you might use with the covered device are also covered. These include an Apple Pencil and Apple-branded keyboard when you cover an iPad, and the Apple-branded stand or mount you purchased with your Apple Display.
How Much Does AppleCare+ Cost?
Nailing down the cost for AppleCare+ has been harder than you might expect, but Apple has done a lot of work to simplify things. If you have up to three Apple devices—they can be up to four years old—you can bundle them under the AppleCare One plan for just $19.99 per month. For every additional device, it’s $5.99 per month per device. If you cover an iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch, you’ll have Theft and Loss protection for all three devices at no extra cost.
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(Credit: Apple)
It’s only when you choose to cover a single device, without bundling, that the cost of AppleCare+ starts to vary. Apple’s coverage rates for individual devices can be found on specific AppleCare+ product pages. For instance, the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max cost $13.99 per month or $139.99 annually. It’s $12.99 or $129.99 for the iPhone 16 Plus or 15 Plus, and $11.99 or $119.99 for the iPhone 16 or iPhone 15. If you buy the iPhone 16e, it’ll be $9.99 per month or $99.99 charged annually.
(Credit: Apple)
However, keep in mind that these rates don’t include the service fees that Apple charges to actually fix the device. These fees are lower than the price of a replacement but can vary greatly based on the product and type of damage:
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iPhone service fees: It will cost $29 to replace the screen or back glass, $99 for any other damage, and $149 to replace a lost or stolen phone.
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iPad service fees: It’s $29 to fix the screen; $49 for other damage ($99 for certain models). You can also pay $29 to fix an Apple Pencil or Apple-branded iPad keyboard. It costs $129 to replace a lost or stolen device.
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Mac and Display service fees: If you need to get a Mac or Apple Display fixed, it’ll cost $99 to repair the screen or enclosure; $299 for other accidental damage.
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Apple Watch service fees: It costs $69 to fix an Apple Watch and $79 to fix an Apple Watch Ultra. To replace a lost or stolen watch, it will cost $119.
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Apple TV and HomePod service fees: If you cover an Apple TV or HomePod mini, repairs will only cost $15. It costs $39 to fix a HomePod.
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Headphones fees: It will cost $29 to have your AirPods, AirPods Pro, AirPods Max, or Beats repaired.
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Vision Pro service fees: It costs $29 to fix damages to the included accessories. Any other accidental damage will cost $299 to repair.
Check the terms and conditions for your AppleCare+ coverage for more information.
Is AppleCare+ Worth it?
While we generally don’t recommend paying for an extended warranty to cover your tech, AppleCare+ is different because it comes directly from Apple. In some cases, the cost of coverage and the repair fee are less than it would be to buy a new device. And now that there’s no limit to the number of times you can pay to have a device repaired, the value of a plan has gone way up. If you own multiple Apple devices, the AppleCare One bundle’s $20 price tag makes a lot of sense.
The exact matter of worth probably comes down to how careful you are with these devices. If you’re someone who always buys a case for your new phone and tends to keep the same one for several years, coverage might not be necessary. However, if you drop it a lot or have ever had to pay out of pocket for a repair, AppleCare+ could be cost-effective in the long run. Plus, with loss and theft protection, you can just pay a set price for a brand-new phone, iPad, or Apple Watch if it goes missing.
It should also be noted that only certain devices are worth covering. For instance, you probably don’t need to cover an Apple TV or HomePod, but devices you plan to take into the world, such as a phone, tablet, or laptop, may be worth protecting. If you’re a professional who relies on these devices to make a living, it makes sense to cover expensive items like a Mac Pro or Studio Display just to be safe.
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About Jason Cohen
Senior Editor, Help & How To
