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Apple to Update AppleCare with Subscription Service and In-Store Repair Options
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So little is happening in the world of apple these days it's frustrating. If all we are going to see in the end of this year is a 5s with the same features, then it would seem apple has slept through this entire year.
I guess this video wasn't as far from reality as it seemed:
http://www.collegehumor.com/video/6823327/apple-coasting-keynote-with-christopher-mcdonald
with all the cool new features the HTC and Samsung phones are getting. some features that are jawdroppingly cool and actually useful. If Apple doen't step up the game soon I might consider a android phone next time. And belive me, Im not saying this to start a flame, and it really would be a huge step from a apple fanboy like myself.
I love my iphone but there's just nothing happening there, its like they completely stopped evolving since iphone 4. iphone 5 is hardly anything new, except a hardly noticable bigger screen. have apple used up all of steve jobs 5 year plan all ready? Even rumor sites have nothing to talk about these days, and it's not because its all double down secrets, its simply because there nothing going on, not a single new product or announcement in nearly 6 months.
I guess this video wasn't as far from reality as it seemed:
http://www.collegehumor.com/video/6823327/apple-coasting-keynote-with-christopher-mcdonald
with all the cool new features the HTC and Samsung phones are getting. some features that are jawdroppingly cool and actually useful. If Apple doen't step up the game soon I might consider a android phone next time. And belive me, Im not saying this to start a flame, and it really would be a huge step from a apple fanboy like myself.
I love my iphone but there's just nothing happening there, its like they completely stopped evolving since iphone 4. iphone 5 is hardly anything new, except a hardly noticable bigger screen. have apple used up all of steve jobs 5 year plan all ready? Even rumor sites have nothing to talk about these days, and it's not because its all double down secrets, its simply because there nothing going on, not a single new product or announcement in nearly 6 months.
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I can see the major problem here is how do you transfer an extended warranty from one person to another. I envision Apple requiring adding of a Mac Device at the time of NEW purchase from Apple in order to get on extended warranty account and that is a money grab.
Then you have the questions:
- How do I transfer the warranty? If I can't, that SUCKS and is a money grab as it encourages all customers to think about buying new, rather than used.
- Why would I pay a monthly fees for the first year when it has a warranty by default. Double Pay?
- Can I add a device that I buy used within the 1st year of its life? How does that work?
Apple really needs to turn back to customer focused. Usually companies resolve to these tactics when they are bleeding cash and trying to find a way to survive. Apple seems to have a volcano of extra cash, which again makes this very insulting.
I guess their spaceship campus needs some fundraising....
Then you have the questions:
- How do I transfer the warranty? If I can't, that SUCKS and is a money grab as it encourages all customers to think about buying new, rather than used.
- Why would I pay a monthly fees for the first year when it has a warranty by default. Double Pay?
- Can I add a device that I buy used within the 1st year of its life? How does that work?
Apple really needs to turn back to customer focused. Usually companies resolve to these tactics when they are bleeding cash and trying to find a way to survive. Apple seems to have a volcano of extra cash, which again makes this very insulting.
I guess their spaceship campus needs some fundraising....
Ok, so if I break my screen with AC+, Apple will still replace the phone and not just replace the screen?
This.
The only new ideas here are:
- AppleCare moving to a subscription model
- iPhone 5 will have more component repairs made possible in store (this has been rumored within days of its release anyway)
Repairs to Macs have been performed in store (with option of mailing to depot for quicker service or due to parts constraint) for what, 12 years now? iPhone component repairs have been occurring in store since 2009, starting with 3G & 3GS display repairs and moving into more components (cameras, batteries, vibrate motors, etc) with the newer models. The iPhone repairs have (and likely always will be) all been considered a maximum of 0-30 repairs, meaning they should absolutely not take longer than 30 minutes to repair, since day one. Realistically, with the tools & repair procedures in Apple stores, they should take an average of 5-10 minutes to repair for the vast majority of employees, be them a Genius or Family Room Specialist.
So what's different? More of an emphasis on actual repair rather than full device swaps? This has been the idea for years but full device swaps have dominated due to ease of getting someone & and out the door quickly thanks to high customer volume and wonky customer expectations of "This here device is a lemon, it's glitching on me, gimme a new one!" So now we may see a stronger push to tilt the scales, with the results being less waste, better customer education (your device isn't just a big chunk of magic, it actually has replaceable parts!), much less hassle with having to restore information, etc. Assuming (which can be dangerous) that Apple is matching staffing, queueing, etc to make the new push towards more repairs then the appointment times shouldn't take a noticeable hit. The majority of the time you'll still be able to walk in to one of close to 400 Apple stores, meet with your Genius / FRS and leave within 10-30 minutes with your device repaired. Seriously, who else out there has a repair model that can match this?
The only thing I'm nervous about is how the subscription model will work out. Having AppleCare attached to serial numbers has been absolutely phenomenal for the used market. At work (Mac Admin for 100+ Macs) it will be great as I'm sure there will be some sort of corporate plan to cover us. At home though I may have to start buying only new Macs / devices, which could be costly.
They've had onsite service for years. I don't know exactly how long but I recall eMacs and CRT iMacs being repaired onsite, so it's been a while.
AppleCare for iMac overview
With that said, I don't know of any actual onsite technicians being Apple employees however the strict requirement of being an Apple authorized onsite technician (meaning, in order for Apple to call you with the repair) is that you are currently certified by Apple to perform hardware / software repairs. The level of service you receive onsite should be at the same level or higher than you would in a retail store.
Paying lot of money to buy a idevice or mac computers REQUIRES HIGH QUALITY REPLACEMENT. I didn't pay 600-3k to get my computers and idevices to get replaced with junk quality parts.
true yes
I understand what you're saying, it makes sense if the repairs are done correctly. I suppose when it comes time to upgrade this 2010 iMac I'll see where AppleCare stands as far as Macs.
I don't like the subscription angle, but if they could indeed fix my iPhone rather than swap out for refurb, that's fine.
I understand what you're saying, it makes sense if the repairs are done correctly. I suppose when it comes time to upgrade this 2010 iMac I'll see where AppleCare stands as far as Macs.
I don't like the subscription angle, but if they could indeed fix my iPhone rather than swap out for refurb, that's fine.
I agree with you. I also cannot get past this idea that its going to cost a lot over time to subscribe. Even at $15 a month, you're looking at $180 a year. I'd rather just pay up front and get service.
yes but it is not done by the local "genius" staff who sometimes have no idea what the heck they are doing
I'd love to have a phone with resoldered parts. Not.
Believe me both phones I had sent to the warranty and had the main board replaced none of them worked properly afterwards.
I doubt that it was related to the resolder though, more due to the fact that the boards were previously owned and they had some issue and they were either returned or sent to warranty and then reworked (or not).
Front end Genius staff may not be the same person doing the technical work in the back room.
You didn't read this too well I suppose. It is a Macrumor not an Apple fact. Your AppleCare is safe for now. Lets see what Apple really says about the new policy before we get our panties in a bunch.
Apple also charged us more for this swap out no? Originally there was apple care then now apple care + hence extra charges etc? $50 repair on top of apple care +? I was told by Apple reps that since they did swaps instead of repairs thats why there would be higher costs! I feels like the Apple reps lied to me.
Jobless Era is really about to begin. Cook should work for Microsoft. He would fit right in.
Jobless Era is really about to begin. Cook should work for Microsoft. He would fit right in.
this policy is in full effect in ohio now.. tried to get phone exchanged tuesday and was shot down, instead they wanted to repair it. i didnt have time to wait around but they insisted on repairing, they repaired it but not to my liking, went to another store and got a new one.
I am ok with that...especially if they can replace the logic board. It also helps Apple too. If for example your iPhone has some scuffs around the side or whatever they probably can't do much with it any ways. However, I am sure if the same problem occurs a few times they will replace the device.