Apple Increases AppleCare+ Prices and Service Fees for iPhone 6s and 6s Plus

[MacRumors]

While Apple didn't discuss AppleCare+ pricing as it unveiled the new iPhone 6s and 6 Plus today at its "Hey Siri" event, the Cupertino company did unveil new pricing for the service on its website. AppleCare+ for both devices is $129.99 while its service fee is $99.99.

This is an increase from the pricing for iPhone 6 and earlier models, which are priced at $99.99 for AppleCare+ and $79.99 for the service fee. It's likely the increased prices are due to the new technology in the new devices, which includes a larger Taptic Engine and the brand new 3D Touch, which Apple is billing as the next generation of Multi-Touch display.

Earlier today, Apple also announced the iPhone Upgrade Program, which allows those who sign up to trade-in their current iPhone for a new model after 12 monthly installments are made. The program includes AppleCare+ with each iPhone, which might lure some away from carriers' contract-free pricing toward Apple's alternative. iPhone Upgrade Program pricing starts at $32.41 a month for the 16 GB iPhone 6s and goes up to $44.91 a month for the 128 GB iPhone 6s Plus.

Article Link: Apple Increases AppleCare+ Prices and Service Fees for iPhone 6s and 6s Plus

 

[kkluth]

It's still a great value if ever needed.

 

[roland.g]

Value is decreasing at those prices. $130 safety net is a little steep, especially when it comes with a $99 replacement fee. $230 for a replacement phone is not a good insurance policy value. It would make more sense to price the coverage at $79 and charge $129 or $149 for each replacement.

 

[realeric]

Another fail. Increased Applecare+ cost, 16GB iPhone, 5GB free iCloud space, Reduced battery size.

 

[MacManiac76]

Another reason to stay with Securranty. $99 for 2 years w/ $49 deductible.

 

[JohnApples]

Another fail. Increased Applecare+ cost, 16GB iPhone, 5GB free iCloud space, Reduced battery size.

Then you're not the target audience. They're clearly going after those who have too much money, don't use much storage, have no access to the cloud, and end each day with too much battery life.

/s if it needed to be said

 

[konqerror]

It's still a great value if ever needed.

Value is decreasing at those prices.

It all depends on the out of warranty charge. The old one was priced with a breakeven at 0.8 repairs. I suspect that it's still the same.

 

[ArmCortexA8]

AppleCare is not needed in Australia due to Consumer Law which guaranteed device repairs or replacement at no additional cost (as long as its no accidental damage), for at least 26 months. Consumer Law is in addition to your statutory rights, not a replacement for them.

However, if you want the cheaper repair options for screen etc which are not covered due to accidental damage, they you can get AppleCare +

 

[SR71]

Another reason to stay with Securranty. $99 for 2 years w/ $49 deductible.

How does Seccuranty compare with Squaretrade? Seems to be about the same service. I've always used Squaretrade and paid monthly ($5/month to protect my iPhone 6) and for a couple months now they've been doing a promotion where if the cost of repair is less than $125, the deductible (normally $75) is waived completely. They also offer same-day repairs with a reimbursement (bring it to Apple, get it repaired, send Squaretrade the receipt and get reimbursed within 24 hours). Have you only used Seccuranty?

 

[macduke]

Anyone else considering the new iPhone Upgrade Program? It looks more appealing given this increase in price. I'm getting the 128GB 6S, so 12 × $40.75 = $489/yr to have the newest iPhone with AppleCare+. If I bought it outright it would be $849 + $130 (2 yr min) = $979, minus the ~$400 max trade-in hassle = $579/yr. Less hassle, don't have to worry about trade-in and trade-in values, and I'll always have Apple Care. If I go the Verizon route I first of all have to extend my contract, and then I have to pay an extra $15/mo for two years plus $399 + $40 upgrade fee + $130 AppleCare+ and if have to wait two years between iPhone upgrades. Then after two years I might get a $200 trade-in. So Verizon comes out to $364.50/yr with the same iPhone and a contract lock-in. For me it's worth the extra $124.50/yr to always have the newest iPhone. Let me know if my math is off because it's late and I had a rough day at work and feel kinda sick lol.

 

[shareef777]

Value is decreasing at those prices. $130 safety net is a little steep, especially when it comes with a $99 replacement fee. $230 for a replacement phone is not a good insurance policy value. It would make more sense to price the coverage at $79 and charge $129 or $149 for each replacement.

Yep, this will be the first iPhone I'll get without AppleCare.

 

[FieldingMellish]

It's a price increase of the phone without increasing the price of the phone.

 

[perkedel]

AppleCare Plus not needed in Australia due to Consumer Law which guaranteed device repairs or replacement at no additional cost, for at least 26 months. Consumer Law is in addition to your statutory rights, not a replacement for them.

does law state that the manufacturer must cover of misuse, abuse, or accidental, not counting defect in workmanship/material?

 

[Jimbobaus]

AppleCare Plus not needed in Australia due to Consumer Law which guaranteed device repairs or replacement at no additional cost, for at least 26 months. Consumer Law is in addition to your statutory rights, not a replacement for them.

WRONG!
The law states that they must warrant an item for a reasonable term. Tis is 12 months however the law states if the phone is sold on contract from a carrier the iPhone must have a warranty for entire term. So Telstra etc give a second year warranty. If you walk into an Apple Store in year two they have no obligation to replace the item.
AppleCare+ if you read the description gives you phone support for a full two years up from 60 days and also gives you two accidental damage replacements for the service fee ($149 for 6s)
There is a common misconception about warranty with apple in oz. it's the carrier that gives you year two. If you buy outright you are only given 12 months

 

[btrach144]

Apple knows they can milk users now. They're starting to suck people dry.

 

[EM2013]

Wow Apple is being greedy, these prices are ridiculous. Overpriced ipad, overpriced stylus, overpriced Apple TV, and now overpriced AppleCare smh

 

[aimbdd]

If I had to venture a guess I would say all the new features this year like the 3d screens and new aluminum are putting a hefty dent in their normal profit margins. The replacement itself isn't a great deal, but your forgetting the value of the extended warranty and phone support.

 

[JimmyHook]

Replace an 800 dollar phone for 230 once, 165 per phone if done twice. You can't get this screen fixed at a kiosk...

 

[AxoNeuron]

Wow. Keeping the base model stuck at 16GB for a fourth year in a row had me mad. But this really takes the cake.

I'm not gonna be buying another iPhone for a very long time.

 

[Sheza]

AppleCare Plus not needed in Australia due to Consumer Law which guaranteed device repairs or replacement at no additional cost, for at least 26 months. Consumer Law is in addition to your statutory rights, not a replacement for them.

Isn't Consumer Law protection literally a statutory right?

 

[Roadstar]

Wow. Keeping the base model stuck at 16GB for a fourth year in a row had me mad. But this really takes the cake.

I'm not gonna be buying another iPhone for a very long time.

Fourth? If you count the launch time storage, this will be the 7th year with 16GB base storage. Those 8GB versions of earlier phones were introduced only later on when they fell to lower price points. 3GS was introduced with 16/32 storage and we haven't seen a base storage increase ever since.

 

[Fzang]

I could toss away my phone and my own insurance would cover it for less than Apple Care. Plus it covers everything else I own.

 

[Menopause]

I love Apple, have been since the last 8 years, but this is fueled by just sheer arrogance and greed.

 

[FieldingMellish]

Maybe this is a harbinger of a susceptibility that Apple is aware of.

 

[spazzcat]

AppleCare Plus not needed in Australia due to Consumer Law which guaranteed device repairs or replacement at no additional cost, for at least 26 months. Consumer Law is in addition to your statutory rights, not a replacement for them.

It also covers the phone if you drop it break it. Its not just warranty.