Is AppleCare+ Worth It?

Updated: Feb 14, 2024 10:51 AM
is applecare worth it guide

Apple offers a number of extended warranty and insurance plans to consumers who have recently purchased one of their devices. If you have recently bought an iPhone, iPad, or Macbook, you may be wondering if AppleCare+ is worth it. AppleCare+ can cover everything you need for your phone, but you need to know what plan to choose. We will break the two options down below.

Key Takeaways_

  • Apple offers a number of insurance and warranty services that all fall under the AppleCare+ umbrella.
  • AppleCare+ is basically an extended warranty that covers accidental damage and general wear and tear.
  • AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss offers coverage for everything, including lost or stolen items.

Additionally, you’re probably asking yourself if phone insurance is worth it at all, especially if you’re considering the worth of Asurion insurance.

Is AppleCare+ Worth the Price?

Generally speaking, AppleCare+ and its variants are worth the price, as iPhones and such are extremely expensive pieces of technology. Of course, this will vary depending on which type of AppleCare+ plan you select, your budget, and the device that is being covered.

Everything You Need to Know About AppleCare+

There are two types of AppleCare+ coverage available for Apple gadgets, such as iPads, Apple Watches, Air Pods, Macbooks, and more. These coverage plans are in addition to the manufacturer’s warranty, which usually lasts 90 days.

AppleCare+

AppleCare+ plans are essentially an extended manufacturer’s warranty. In other words, these plans will cover manufacturing errors and faulty parts and also offer benefits for general wear and tear, and even cover issues related to accidental damage.

AppleCare+ also offers consumers 24/7 access to a live customer service representative and replacement services for items that have been damaged beyond repair. The cost of the individual plan varies depending on the gadget being covered, but a repair deductible will cost anywhere from $29 to $99.

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It is worth noting that Apple used to have a standard AppleCare, but it has been phased out in the US. Some regions may still offer it, however.

AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss

As the name suggests, AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss provides additional coverage to the aforementioned AppleCare+ plans.

These plans will cover just about any issue that arises, including theft, loss, damage related to manufacturing errors, faulty parts, and accidental damage.

Of course, any repairs will be subject to the fees mentioned above. There will also be a fee accrued for an item replacement in the event of theft or loss. These fees vary depending on the device, but an iPhone replacement will cost $149.

STAT: Most AppleCare+ plans extend the original warranty from one year to three years, which covers you for defects that aren’t your fault. Phone and chat support is extended from 90 days to three years as well. (Source)

If these prices are too much for your budget, you might want to learn how to repair your phone instead.

Pricing for AppleCare+

Pricing for AppleCare+ can either be paid on a fixed-term plan (2 years of coverage) or by paying monthly. Below is a breakdown of prices for common devices.

AppleCare+ for iPhone
AppleCare+ for iPhone
  • iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max: $199 or $9.99 per month
    • With Theft and Loss Protection: $269 or $13.49 per month
  • iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 14 Plus: $179 or $8.99 per month
    • With Theft and Loss Protection: $249 or $12.49 per month
  • iPhone 15, iPhone 14, iPhone 13: $149 or $7.99 per month
    • With Theft and Loss Protection: $219 or $11.49 per month
  • iPhone SE (3rd generation): $79 or $3.99 per month
    • With Theft and Loss Protection: $149 or $7.49 per month
AppleCare+ for iPad
AppleCare+ for iPad
  • iPad Pro 12.9-inch: $149 or $7.99 per month
  • iPad Pro 11-inch: $129 or $5.99 per month
  • iPad Air (5th generation): $79 or $3.99 per month
  • iPad, iPad mini: $69 or $3.49 per month
AppleCare+ for Mac
AppleCare+ for Mac

AppleCare+ for Mac has a little different pricing breakdown. The coverage is paid on either a fixed-term plan (3 years of coverage) or annually.

  • MacBook Air 13-inch (M1): $179 or $64.99 per year
  • MacBook Air 13-inch (M2): $199 or $69.99 per year
  • MacBook Air 15-inch (M2): $229 or $79.99 per year
  • MacBook Pro 14-inch: $279 or $99.99 per year
  • MacBook Pro 16-inch: $399 or $149.99 per year
  • iMac: $169 or $59.99 per year
  • Mac Mini: $99 or $34.99 per year
  • Mac Studio: $169 or $59.99 per year
  • Mac Pro: $499 or $179.99 per year
AppleCare+ for Apple Watch
AppleCare+ for Apple Watch
  • Apple Watch Ultra 2: $99 or $4.99 per month
  • Apple Watch Series 9: $79 or $3.99 per month
  • Apple Watch SE: $49 or $2.49 per month
  • Apple Watch Hermès: $149 (for 3 years) or $4.99 per month
AppleCare+ for Headphones

For headphones, you can only buy a fixed-term plan that covers the devices for 2 years.

  • AirPods, AirPods Pro, Beats: $29
  • AirPods Max: $59
AppleCare+ for HomePod

For HomePod, you can only buy a fixed-term plan that covers the devices for 2 years.

  • HomePod: $39
  • HomePod mini: $15
AppleCare+ for Apple TV

For Apple TV, you can only buy a fixed-term plan that covers the devices for 3 years.

  • Apple TV: $29

Is AppleCare+ Worth It? Questions (FAQ)

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