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pw1981

macrumors member
Original poster
Jul 8, 2008
44
0
Tampa Bay
When pre-ordering the iPhone 5 from AT&T today, there was no option to add AppleCare+ to the purchase.

Will I have to visit an Apple Store to buy it later? The Apple site says you can add it within 30 days with your Apple, Inc. proof of purchase but will an at&t-purchased unit have the same requirements?
 
When pre-ordering the iPhone 5 from AT&T today, there was no option to add AppleCare+ to the purchase.

Will I have to visit an Apple Store to buy it later? The Apple site says you can add it within 30 days with your Apple, Inc. proof of purchase but will an at&t-purchased unit have the same requirements?

You actually have to have your device inspected by a Genius in order to purchase AppleCare+ if you didn't order through Apple and add it in your cart.
 
You actually have to have your device inspected by a Genius in order to purchase AppleCare+ if you didn't order through Apple and add it in your cart.

I actually forgot to add the apple care, so is it cool if I just come in a couple days after I receive my phone and grab the apple care+?
 
I actually forgot to add the apple care, so is it cool if I just come in a couple days after I receive my phone and grab the apple care+?

According to the website, if its not added during the original purchase of the iPhone, you have to have your device inspected by a Genius when you purchase AppleCare+.
 
i called apple and was informed it can not be added to an iphone preorder once the order has been placed. they would have to cancel the order and redo the whole thing. that would mean you would lose your place in line for shipping. they did however inform me that i can call them as soon as i receive the phone and they will make an exception and apply the protection to my phone over the phone. the only reason they are willing to do this over the phone is because i live more then 50 miles from an apple store
 
i called apple and was informed it can not be added to an iphone preorder once the order has been placed. they would have to cancel the order and redo the whole thing. that would mean you would lose your place in line for shipping. they did however inform me that i can call them as soon as i receive the phone and they will make an exception and apply the protection to my phone over the phone. the only reason they are willing to do this over the phone is because i live more then 50 miles from an apple store

I just got off the phone with apple and was told almost the same thing.

I do live near an apple store but the store will be jam packed with people and don't really want to experience that. He told me as soon as I get my phone in my hands call them and order the applecare+ as they'll make an exception.
 
From Apple's Site:

How to get AppleCare+

Add it to your shopping cart during the checkout process when you purchase your new iPhone.
Buy it within 30 days of your iPhone purchase at Apple Retail (requires a Genius Bar appointment, inspection of the iPhone & proof of purchase). Your iPhone purchase date is the date we ship and charge you for your order.
 
I think I'm just going to get Squaretrade instead. Same price and no $50 replacement fee. (They even let you do a same day swap at an Apple store and reimburse you any cost you had to pay).
 
I'm pretty sure SquareTrade charges you a fee for accidental damage, just like AppleCare+.
 
I had a similar situation with the new iPad earlier this year. I purchased it through BestBuy due to reward points and gift cards. I just called Apple over the phone when I got home and purchased AppleCare+ through there. Not sure if I will be going this route with the iPhone 5 since I would like to have lost/theft protection on it. But they usually make exceptions for new release products, just say you don't want to deal with the madness of actually going into a store on that day/weekend.
 
I am in this boat as well. maybe something has changed, but when I ordered the 4s I called apple the day I received my phone and they added apple care plus over the phone. I didn't have to go to the apple store.

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Also on the squaretrade vs AppleCare I have had to make a claim under both. I had squaretrade on my 4 and AppleCare plus on my 4 s. AppleCare is much easier. I just swapped my iPhone 4s today at the apple store $51 and I was out the door, no paperwork no waiting. On the squaretrade you have to pay out of pocket, submit the receipt and they will mail you a check. They are good about it, but it's a hassle compared to apple care.

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i called apple and was informed it can not be added to an iphone preorder once the order has been placed. they would have to cancel the order and redo the whole thing. that would mean you would lose your place in line for shipping. they did however inform me that i can call them as soon as i receive the phone and they will make an exception and apply the protection to my phone over the phone. the only reason they are willing to do this over the phone is because i live more then 50 miles from an apple store

I just finished added it over the phone. No need for my order to be canceled/redone.

- VDubb
 
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