AppleCare+ ... does it have to be "broken" to get a new phone?

[terzinator]

I've got a 4S... and I'll probably eventually get a 5S (at some point... not gonna stand in line or anything...)

On my 4S, the glass is fine, not broken or anything... It does have an annoying "bright" patch on the screen... Not a big deal or anything, but got me thinking about applecare+.

My applecare+ expires in a month. Does it make any sense at all to get a replacement 4S at this point? Does the screen need to be cracked, or the phone need to be non-functioning to warrant a replacement?

Do phones "slow down" over time? Like, would I notice any performance improvement with a "new" (or refurb or whatever) 4S over my old one, which has been in service almost two years?

I spent $100 for Applecare, but haven't used it. So I guess the question is: Is spending $50 more now (for the replacement) good insurance that this phone will stay in service for longer? I'd assume the fact that it's a "new" 4S would make it more attractive and worth more if I try to sell it, and perhaps I'd recoup the cost of the Applecare+ replacement, so it's a zero-sum game...

Not trying to run a scam here, people. Just curious about what the best options are.

 

[DannyDrama]

A bright spot on the screen should be reason enough for a replacement. If its a defect they'll replace it.

 

[geokra]

I, too, have a nearly two-year old 4S. I bought AppleCare+ and recently used it for the second time, unfortunately. Both times I had to replace the phone due to a shattered front screen, so I'm not sure how picky they are about the issue you are replacing it for. My gut feeling is that if it's a legitimate defect (no matter how minor), they will probably replace without any hassle.

I will say that I was somewhat disappointed that both of the replacement phones I received were about the same as the phone I had turned in. There was no noticeable improvement in battery life, as I had hoped. So it's probably best not to count on that. If you think you'll keep the phone awhile longer, I'd spend the $50 to get one without a defect.

 

[ryanmcv]

If you think you'll keep the phone awhile longer, I'd spend the $50 to get one without a defect.

If the phone is, in fact, defective, you will not have to pay the $50 deductible. They should replace or repair it free of charge. The fee only applies when your phone must be replaced or repaired due to damage that you caused, such as a cracked screen, water damage, etc.

 

[terzinator]

If the phone is, in fact, defective, you will not have to pay the $50 deductible. They should replace or repair it free of charge. The fee only applies when your phone must be replaced or repaired due to damage that you caused, such as a cracked screen, water damage, etc.

This is a great point. Can't hurt to bop on in and see what they'll do.

Can always look at the toys while I'm there, too, which could easily make Apple more money than it costs them for the refurb phone they'll toss at me!

"Hey, those rMBPs sure are pretty!"