Apple Products Now Include 7-Day Complimentary AppleCare+ in Australia

[MacRumors]

Apple this month started including 7-day complimentary AppleCare+ coverage with new products purchased through its stores in Australia, including any new Mac, iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Apple TV, AirPods, HomePod mini, and more. The complimentary coverage is automatically included with the purchase of a qualifying new Apple product.

The addition was brought to our attention today by MacRumors reader Jack Jacobs, but based on recent updates to the AppleCare+ terms and conditions in Australia, it appears the change was implemented last week, on September 30.

The complimentary AppleCare+ period provides the same coverage as a paid AppleCare+ plan, including coverage for up to two incidents of accidental damage, according to the terms and conditions. After the complimentary coverage expires, customers may purchase AppleCare+ as a one-time purchase or on a monthly basis.

It's unclear why Apple implemented this change, but it could relate to strong warranty protections under Australian Consumer Law. The complimentary AppleCare+ coverage is not available in the United States or other countries that we checked.

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1446447130537709572

Update: The change in policy is due to new requirements for add-on insurance like AppleCare+ in Australia. Under the new regulations, there is a mandatory four-day pause between the sale of a product and any add-on insurance for that product, so Apple is providing seven days of free AppleCare+ coverage to span that gap.

The regulations apply across a broad range of product categories and are intended to help protect customers against high-pressure sales and poor-value insurance products frequently offered at the time of product purchase.

Article Link: Apple Products Now Include 7-Day Complimentary AppleCare+ in Australia

 

[TEG]

How is this different from the normal 1-year warranty and 90 days of phone support? Is it just the extra coverage for damage?

 

[tobefirst ⚽️]

That's pretty cool. Every year there's a thread from someone who dropped their phone the minute they took it out of the box. This will take a bit of the sting out of that.

 

[TheYayAreaLiving 🎗️]

@LFC2020 this is great news for you! 7 day free Apple care! Wow!

 

[SurferPup]

ACCC would have enforced that upon . Australia is the nanny country when it comes to regulation. I'm sure we (consumers) pay for it as Apple will factor this bureaucracy into the sale price - thanks Canberra!

 

[RoyKnt]

Yes it is a new law passed in Australia that does not allow you to sell Applecare to a customer at time of purchase, cust now has 7 days complimentary and then must purchase after 7 days and then until 60 days until apple care offer lapses..

 

[jace88]

Apple sends a nice email after an eligible purchase which basically explains that they can't sell AppleCare+. The below email is from an iPad mini I ordered last week in Australia from the online store since retail stores in my state (NSW) are closed due to lockdown. (note: I've removed the link as it's a personalised link, and also removed my name from the start of the email)

You can say no to being sold insurance. It is not compulsory.

Salespeople must wait 4 days before selling you insurance as an 'extra' to your main purchase.

You can say 'no' to being contacted about AppleCare+ sold by Apple Pty Limited by clicking this link or via either of the contact details below.

You can opt-out of being contacted about any insurance as an 'extra' to your main purchase by contacting Apple Pty Limited via the details below.

If you are unsure, consider your situation and ask yourself:

• Do I need and understand this insurance?
  
  Consider what the policy covers and what it excludes. You may already have other insurance or arrangements that will cover any potential loss or damage.
  
  
• Could I get a better deal somewhere else?
  
  Consider if another insurance product or company can better meet your needs. You may be able to shop around for a better deal.

For more information, visit https://Moneysmart.gov.au/add-on-insurance.

Apple Pty Limited
Call:	(61) 1-300-321-456¹ Accessibility and assistive technology: (61) 1-300-365-083¹
¹Local and national telephone rates apply.
Write to:	Apple Pty Limited PO Box A2629 Sydney South NSW 1235 133-511

This Customer Information is provided as a requirement of the Australian Securities and Investments Commission Act 2001 to reduce the number of poor-quality insurance products being sold in Australia.

 

[jace88]

ACCC would have enforced that upon . Australia is the nanny country when it comes to regulation. I'm sure we (consumers) pay for it as Apple will factor this bureaucracy into the sale price - thanks Canberra!

Yes it'll ultimately be borne by the customer (although some might say it's just out of Apple's healthy margins which can wear these consumer protection costs) but in all honesty, after living abroad in other countries with varying degrees of consumer protection, I really do appreciate the proactivity and effectiveness of the ACCC and consumer law protections. Goods not being of merchantable quality or fit for purpose sounds like an obvious case for a refund, but you compare it to other NFP consumer protection organisations in other countries, and they're proud to even get a 50% refund in store credit for similar matters.

 

[svish]

Good. Though it could have been for 30 days. Hope this complementary coverage extends to more regions.

 

[beanbaguk]

It's about as useful as a fart in your face.

7 days? Whoo hoo!

Consumer laws need to catch up in many parts of the world (including the US).

 

[ACHD]

AUS prevents Apple from talking about AC+ or selling it for 4 full days after the Customer buys the device. Even if the customer wants to buy it. It can not be sold to them.
It can be spoken about if they bring it up but it CAN NOT be sold or talked about in anyway shape or form for 4 full days after the device is sold.

The 7 days of free AC+ basically allows them time to get covered from day 1 for those that want to be.

ITs a AUS government BS thing going on.

 

[Falhófnir]

14 day no quibble return makes it a bit moot though? Or is that policy not applicable in Aus?

 

[ACHD]

14 day no quibble return makes it a bit moot though? Or is that policy not applicable in Aus?

Physical damage prevents a return of the product. IN order for the items to be returned they need to be in the same condition they were sold in. IE not damaged.

 

[sparkie7]

7 days only, why not a whole year of complimentary Apple Care

 

[icanhazmac]

Though it could have been for 30 days.

It's about as useful as a fart in your face.

7 days? Whoo hoo!

Consumer laws need to catch up in many parts of the world (including the US).

7 days only, why not a whole year of complimentary Apple Care

Wow, all these responses seem super 'entitled'. Consumers are protected by a warranty against manufacturer defects, we can argue that it should be more than a year (which I agree with) but that is a separate conversation.

Apple is obviously offering the 7 days because of the stupid 4 day moratorium on discussing the extended warranty but why should it be any longer? Why should Apple do anything for you if you drop your phone 2 seconds out of the box? I agree it sucks for the consumer but it certainly isn't Apple's fault you dropped it or their responsibility to repair it. That is why Apple offers AppleCare+ as an insurance policy for the consumer.

Is a car dealer expected to fix a car that you smash pulling out of the dealership?
If your brand new TV falls from its wall mount 2 seconds after you hang it is the manufacturer expected to repair it?

Edit: removed a quote from @tobefirst that I misread.

 

[apparatchik]

People doesn't seem to read or understand that this is Apple Care+, not regular Apple Care or your standard warranty, in other words, if you drop your device breaking the screen in the process, aussies are covered for free during the first week.

In some countries, Apple Care+ covers theft as well if Im not mistaken.

 

[beanbaguk]

Wow, all these responses seem super 'entitled'. Consumers are protected by a warranty against manufacturer defects, we can argue that it should be more than a year (which I agree with) but that is a separate conversation.

Apple is obviously offering the 7 days because of the stupid 4 day moratorium on discussing the extended warranty but why should it be any longer? Why should Apple do anything for you if you drop your phone 2 seconds out of the box? I agree it sucks for the consumer but it certainly isn't Apple's fault you dropped it or their responsibility to repair it. That is why Apple offers AppleCare+ as an insurance policy for the consumer.

Is a car dealer expected to fix a car that you smash pulling out of the dealership?
If your brand new TV falls from its wall mount 2 seconds after you hang it is the manufacturer expected to repair it?

There is nothing self-entitled about it. In fact, it is very obtuse to believe that.

If it weren't for consumer laws, companies like Apple would constantly put two fingers up at you and deny you any right to repair.

Citing your examples, they are all a bit naive. In all cases, you have demonstrated examples of consumer negligence and this isn't what consumer protection is about.

But, having said all that. In the instance of the car; This is why you have insurance. On new cars, you must also have fully comprehensive insurance. With regards to the television, this is clear negligence on the part of the consumer, however, in most cases, insurance will once again cover this level of damage, or part of it.

 

[now i see it]

Seven days of insurance on a brand new device is priceless/

 

[ACHD]

People doesn't seem to read or understand that this is Apple Care+, not regular Apple Care or your standard warranty, in other words, if you drop your device breaking the screen in the process, aussies are covered for free during the first week.

In some countries, Apple Care+ covers theft as well if Im not mistaken.

This is false.

Applecare+ has NEVER covered theft and loss.

There is Applecare+ Theft and Loss.

ITs an entirely different plan that you can pick. Got to be very specific here.

 

[ACHD]

There is nothing self-entitled about it. In fact, it is very obtuse to believe that.

If it weren't for consumer laws, companies like Apple would constantly put two fingers up at you and deny you any right to repair.

Citing your examples, they are all a bit naive. In all cases, you have demonstrated examples of consumer negligence and this isn't what consumer protection is about.

But, having said all that. In the instance of the car; This is why you have insurance. On new cars, you must also have fully comprehensive insurance. With regards to the television, this is clear negligence on the part of the consumer, however, in most cases, insurance will once again cover this level of damage, or part of it.

It is not consumer negligence to cover physical damage. If a user damages the product they should be responsible for the damage they caused.

the MFG should be held accountable for MFG defects. BUT NEVER physical damage. EVER. People who get mad that AC+ is not for free for ever are high as a kite. THey want free physical damage coverage/insurance? like seriously?

 

[bobtem]

What is "+"? Is it actually an enhanced level of Apple Care, or do they just want to be cool by adding the plus moniker to the product name? Everyone's doing it, let's do it too! The whole plus trend is really annoying. In most cases, there's nothing plus about it, it's just the name.

 

[icanhazmac]

There is nothing self-entitled about it. In fact, it is very obtuse to believe that.

Nice insult, be better.

If it weren't for consumer laws, companies like Apple would constantly put two fingers up at you and deny you any right to repair.

Citing your examples, they are all a bit naive. In all cases, you have demonstrated examples of consumer negligence and this isn't what consumer protection is about.

The 7 day AppleCare+ offering has nothing to do with consumer protection or the right to repair, the consumer is protected by the existing 1 year warranty, AppleCare+ adds only the accidental damage protections over the 7 days, hence my examples of consumer caused damage. This has to do with the fact that Apple cannot offer or sell an EXTENDED warranty with accidental damage protections at the time of purchase, which is ridiculous, so they offer the plan for a period of time so they can then discuss it later. Normally one can purchase AC+ at purchase so that if they drop their phone 2 seconds out of the box they are covered, Australia has denied their citizens that ability.

I'm not sure why you brought consumer protections and the right to repair into this specific example but it certainly is not the point of the 7 day AC+ offering. This is a nothing more than a sales tool for AppleCare+.

I clearly stated in post #15 that I am in favor of a longer base warranty but that discussion is outside the scope of this topic. The 1 year standard on most consumer products these days is pathetic at best but pretty much forced on the marketplace by the never ending desire for cheaper products.

 

[Flyguy001]

Purchased an iPhone 13 Pro at Apple Chermside in Brisbane and they sold me AppleCare+ at the same time all in one transaction and on one receipt. So looks like it can happen.....

 

[beanbaguk]

It is not consumer negligence to cover physical damage. If a user damages the product they should be responsible for the damage they caused.

the MFG should be held accountable for MFG defects. BUT NEVER physical damage. EVER. People who get mad that AC+ is not for free for ever are high as a kite. THey want free physical damage coverage/insurance? like seriously?

But AppleCare ISN'T free after you've paid for it. It's just marginally discounted on standard prices because Apple refuses to allow the right to repair with independent repair shops. Take the iPhone 13 Pro as a prime example.

It's an extortion racket that keeps Apple in control.

While I appreciate it covers theft and accidental damage in some countries, in most it doesn't. It only covers you for front and back glass damage but not total destruction of the phone, and if the battery falls below 80% (which is covered under EU consumer law anyway and certainly in the UK, so no advantages there at all!).

In terms of displays, you get one repair per year. 29eur for glass, back or front, and 99eur for other damages. If Apple allowed the right to repair, those "other damages" to the logic board, for example, would cost probably 20eur to repair in a good repair store, and the glass costs around 50eur in my local shop, with many now doing back glass for similar using laser cleaning devices. However, once again, iPhone 13 Pro devices have built-in hardware tamper protection meaning stores can no longer replace display panels.

 

[beanbaguk]

Nice insult, be better.

It wasn't an insult. I felt you were being willfully ignorant of the problem at large and looking at it with your eyes closed.

Take it as you will but people need to toughen up and stop being so sensitive.

P.S. Rossmann's video is full of foul language, so careful you don't get offended.