AppleCare+ is NOT global coverage

[pika2000]

Simple question.
I know AppleCare for Mac provides global coverage. I bought my Macbook in the US with AppleCare, and I can go to any Apple store/authorised service center around the world to get it fix.

The question is whether it's the same case for AppleCare+.
Searching the internet provides pointless unverified information. It is ironic considering there are millions of people having iPhones around the world.
The tech blogs are even worse:
http://appleinsider.com/articles/13...are_coverage_for_international_travelers.html
http://www.engadget.com/2013/09/24/applecare-international-coverage/
Even Macrumors: https://www.macrumors.com/2013/09/24/applecare-may-include-coverage-for-international-travelers/

You can see the tech blogs regurgitating this news without any sort of attempts to verify it with Apple.

I contacted Apple, and this is what they said:
"Thank you for contacting Apple.

AppleCare+ provides coverage only in the country where you purchased it."

So this sucks since I will not be in my home country for an extended amount of time, and I was planning to buy the iPhone 6S plus AppleCare+.

 

[Trahearne]

Read the Terms and Conditions of the AppleCare+ for iPhone plan. Section 11 (US/Canada) or 12 (Asia-Pacific) has the statement of what you are looking for, and I believe it is the same for the rest.

 

[pika2000]

Read the Terms and Conditions of the AppleCare+ for iPhone plan. Section 11 (US/Canada) or 12 (Asia-Pacific) has the statement of what you are looking for, and I believe it is the same for the rest.

I did read them, and double checked with Apple. Thank you.

Then why nobody questioned the misinformation that are spread by the tech blogs?
Worse, there's a newer misinformation being propagated around that mislead people into thinking the coverage is "global."
http://9to5mac.com/2015/08/05/applecare-plus-international-expansion-brazil-turkey-spain/

 

[karmatourer]

Do you think that everything posted on an internet forum or blog is gospel,true or accurate?

 

[Azzin]

Simple question.
I know AppleCare for Mac provides global coverage. I bought my Macbook in the US with AppleCare, and I can go to any Apple store/authorised service center around the world to get it fix.

The question is whether it's the same case for AppleCare+.
Searching the internet provides pointless unverified information. It is ironic considering there are millions of people having iPhones around the world.
The tech blogs are even worse:
http://appleinsider.com/articles/13...are_coverage_for_international_travelers.html
http://www.engadget.com/2013/09/24/applecare-international-coverage/
Even Macrumors: https://www.macrumors.com/2013/09/24/applecare-may-include-coverage-for-international-travelers/

You can see the tech blogs regurgitating this news without any sort of attempts to verify it with Apple.

I contacted Apple, and this is what they said:
"Thank you for contacting Apple.

AppleCare+ provides coverage only in the country where you purchased it."

So this sucks since I will not be in my home country for an extended amount of time, and I was planning to buy the iPhone 6S plus AppleCare+.

I bought my iPad 3 on launch day in New York, along with AppleCare +.

Got it back to the UK and damaged it about 2 weeks later

My local Apple Store replaced it on the spot under Applecare +.

 

[Mr.C]

iPhones and cellular iPads may be treated differently to wi-fi only iPads. As the cellular bands vary from country to country replacements may not be possible. It's quite possible AppleCare Plus may not be honoured on devices that use cellular technology.

 

[maflynn]

Then why nobody questioned the misinformation that are spread by the tech blogs?

I mention this to my wife all the time, she sees something on Facebook and takes it for truth. It doesn't matter what the blogs say, it matters what Apple says. They're pretty clear in what they support.

 

[pika2000]

Do you think that everything posted on an internet forum or blog is gospel,true or accurate?

1. It is one thing if it was a random user comment. Those are actual "articles" posted and propagated by tech blogs, including sites like Engadget.
2. There are millions of iPhone users out there, yet not a single verification on the facts with Apple.

 

[Azzin]

I've got an Apple article saved somewhere (I'll dig it out) that says that "mobile" devices (those that can run without a mains lead connected) have global warranty.

That's iPods, iPhones, iPads & MacBooks, but not Mac Pros, Mac Minis, iMacs etc.

[Edit] - Found it...

If the product is portable, meaning that it can operate independently without a power cord, you may obtain warranty service worldwide.

However, service will be limited to the options available in the country where service is requested.

If the product is not portable, warranty service may be restricted to the country where the product is purchased. Service options, parts availability and response times will vary according to country. You may be responsible for shipping and handling charges if the product cannot be serviced in the country it is in. In accordance with applicable law, Apple may require that you furnish proof of purchase details and/or comply with registration requirements before receiving warranty service. Please refer to the accompanying documentation for more details on this and other matters on obtaining warranty service.

http://store.apple.com/Catalog/Images/worldwidewarranty.html

The US iPad I had replaced in the UK was a straight forward wifi model, so no need to worry about 4G band differences (although would the AT&T model be the same as the UK models, in the same way as the phones are?)

 

[pika2000]

I've got an Apple article saved somewhere (I'll dig it out) that says that "mobile" devices (those that can run without a mains lead connected) have global warranty.

That's iPods, iPhones, iPads & MacBooks, but not Mac Pros, Mac Minis, iMacs etc.

[Edit] - Found it...



http://store.apple.com/Catalog/Images/worldwidewarranty.html

The US iPad I had replaced in the UK was a straight forward wifi model, so no need to worry about 4G band differences (although would the AT&T model be the same as the UK models, in the same way as the phones are?)

You are talking the standard warranty, and not an iPhone. I am referring specifically to the iPhone and AppleCare+.

Here's an excerpt from Apple's website:

11. General Terms
(i) Apple may subcontract or assign performance of its obligations to third parties but shall not be relieved of its obligations to you in doing so.
(ii) Apple is not responsible for any failures or delays in performing under the Plan that are due to events outside Apple’s reasonable control.
(iii) You are not required to perform preventative maintenance on the Covered Equipment to receive service under the Plan.
(iv) This Plan is offered and valid only in the fifty states of the United States of America and the District of Columbia and all provinces and territories of Canada. Persons who have not reached the age of majority may not purchase this Plan. This Plan may not be available in all states of the United States and in all provinces and territories of Canada, and is not available where prohibited by law.

http://www.apple.com/legal/sales-support/applecare/applecareplus/docs/applecareplusnaen.html

 

[aristobrat]

Worse, there's a newer misinformation being propagated around that mislead people into thinking the coverage is "global."
http://9to5mac.com/2015/08/05/applecare-plus-international-expansion-brazil-turkey-spain/

All that article seems to say is that if you buy an iPhone w/ AppleCare+ outside of your country (in one of the countries mentioned in this article), the AppleCare+ will automatically switch to being registered in your home country (instead of you having to call and have the coverage moved).

The MacRumors article says "may include coverage for international travelers". IMO "may" is the key word. They were covering a rumor. lol

 

[pika2000]

All that article seems to say is that if you buy an iPhone w/ AppleCare+ outside of your country (in one of the countries mentioned in this article), the AppleCare+ will automatically switch to being registered in your home country (instead of you having to call and have the coverage moved).

The MacRumors article says "may include coverage for international travelers". IMO "may" is the key word. They were covering a rumor. lol

Well, what does that mean? That means if one buys AppleCare+ at Country A, it would work on country B, which is obviously not the case per Apple's own ToC and what Apple emailed me. AppleCare+ is only valid in the country where you purchase it. Period. There is no documentation at all about transferring the coverage to another country, and I don't see it being done nor verified.

In the end, it is NOT global coverage, period. All the tech blogs did are simply misleading consumers, without any effort from themselves to check/verify with Apple.

 

[MH01]

Of course it's not global, as it's an insurance policy, and government by the local laws.

I looked it up previously, in the T&C it's spells it out that its regional.

You have 30 days to get AppleCare + in your home country if u buy on holidays.

Though things may have changes since I bought my plan in 2014. I was told to get AppleCare back in my home country

 

[Phil A.]

It's not global, but if you purchase in the UK, you're covered if you're travelling anywhere in Europe so it's not true to say it only covers you in the country of purchase

Because Apple designs the iPhone, iOS and many applications, the iPhone is a truly integrated system. And only AppleCare+ provides one-stop service and support from Apple experts, so most issues can be resolved in a single call.

• Direct access to Apple experts
• Express Replacement Service
• Local Apple hardware service when travelling within Europe

http://www.apple.com/uk/support/products/iphone.html

I suspect it's because AppleCare+ is an insurance product so it depends on where the underwriters will cover you (in the UK, the underwriter is AIG Europe Limited who are clearly happy to underwrite claims anywhere in Europe

 

[MH01]

It's not global, but if you purchase in the UK, you're covered if you're travelling anywhere in Europe so it's not true to say it only covers you in the country of purchase



http://www.apple.com/uk/support/products/iphone.html

Your right, it's not country, but regions. I think there are 4-5 global regions

http://www.apple.com/legal/sales-support/applecare/applecareplus/

 

[aristobrat]

All the tech blogs did are simply misleading consumers, without any effort from themselves to check/verify with Apple.

Huh? 9to5Mac's article was pulled directly from a video made by Apple.

In a video this week to retail store employees, AppleCare chief Tara Bunch has outlined some changes coming to the company’s AppleCare+ program for the iPhone and iPad. In the video, Bunch and an associate in charge of AppleCare+ say that the service will now become simpler to add for international customers. For example, if a Hong Kong resident travels to the United States, purchases an iPhone or iPad, and adds AppleCare+ to their purchase, their new device will become automatically registered with AppleCare+ in their home country…

Well, what does that mean? That means if one buys AppleCare+ at Country A, it would work on country B, which is obviously not the case per Apple's own ToC and what Apple emailed me. AppleCare+ is only valid in the country where you purchase it.

That goes directly against what was said the video that Apple sent to its retail stores.

 

[aristobrat]

That means if one buys AppleCare+ at Country A, it would work on country B, which is obviously not the case per Apple's own ToC and what Apple emailed me

Here's what I see in the North American TOC for iPhone AppleCare+. Really seems to indicate that there is support outside of the country, although your options may be limited, depending on the country that you try to obtain service in.

http://www.apple.com/legal/sales-support/applecare/applecareplus/docs/applecareplusnaen.html

Apple may restrict hardware service and ADH coverage to the country where the Covered Device was originally purchased.

Service will be limited to the options available in the country where you request service. Service options, parts availability and response times may vary according to country.

If service is not available for the Covered Equipment in a country that is not the country of purchase, you may be responsible for shipping and handling charges to facilitate service to a country where service is available.

 

[Zebulon76]

I use Apple Care+ last month for a Iphone 5S purchase in the US (I'm living in Switzerland). I was able to get a exchange in a Apple Store under Apple Care + condition. The only issue was that the US model was not in stock (Their is difference in frequencies with the EU model) and therefore they had to order it (it takes two days).

The downside is that the support via phone can't help you (They can't order a express exchange for a US model) and they will send you to a Apple Store (Even if you do not have one nearby). The Apple Store, even if they have no stock, want that you physically go to the store and show the damaged unit before they order the replacement (no phone order). So I had to go there twice.

Hope my experience can help...

 

[pika2000]

Huh? 9to5Mac's article was pulled directly from a video made by Apple.

That goes directly against what was said the video that Apple sent to its retail stores.

Where is that video? Anybody confirm it with Apple? Any of those tech "bloggers" care to get the final word from Apple? No? Apple emailed and said AppleCare+ is only valid in the country where you purchased it, period. The ToC indicated the same. The only exception is EU countries where I think the whole region is considered to be one.

 

[aristobrat]

Where is that video? Anybody confirm it with Apple? Any of those tech "bloggers" care to get the final word from Apple? No? Apple emailed and said AppleCare+ is only valid in the country where you purchased it, period. The ToC indicated the same. The only exception is EU countries where I think the whole region is considered to be one.

No offence, but you got an email from an Apple employee, not from "Apple".

For as long as you've been a member on the forums here, I'm surprised you'd take a single email from an Apple employee as being 100% correct, as there are so many threads here about Apple employees giving incorrect information. So in this case, I'll take a 9to5's writers recap of an alleged video sent to Apple Stores over a single email from an Apple support employee.

My read of the North American ToC is that AppleCare+ allows for support outside of the home country. The availability of support depends on which country you're in. I quoted those parts of the ToC in a previous post above, and then Zebulon76 posted that he was able to use it outside of the country.

Where do you see it say anything that says it's not available for use outside of the country?

What is your home country? Perhaps the ToC for there is different than the one for North America.

 

[pika2000]

No offence, but you got an email from an Apple employee, not from "Apple".

For as long as you've been a member on the forums here, I'm surprised you'd take a single email from an Apple employee as being 100% correct, as there are so many threads here about Apple employees giving incorrect information. So in this case, I'll take a 9to5's writers recap of an alleged video sent to Apple Stores over a single email from an Apple support employee.

LOL. You are taking an "alleged" report over Apple's own ToC? Again, maybe if we can see the video itself, it will be a solid proof.

Don't take my word. Just some excerpts from the various countries:
US: This Plan is offered and valid only in the fifty states of the United States of America
Hong Kong: This plan is offered and valid only in Hong Kong.
New Zealand: This plan is offered and valid only in New Zealand
Singapore: This plan is offered and valid only in Singapore

I would be HAPPY to be proven wrong, as my situation will prompt me to buy an iPhone outside my home country. However, none, and I say this again, NONE of the tech bloggers nor millions of iPhone users out there care to CONFIRM with Apple once and for all. So I take my attempt to confirm with Apple as the fact right now, unless there is actual proof otherwise. Again, I will be glad to be proven wrong. Believe me.

 

[aristobrat]

LOL. You are taking an "alleged" report over Apple's own ToC? Again, maybe if we can see the video itself, it will be a solid proof.

Don't take my word. Just some excerpts from the various countries:
US: This Plan is offered and valid only in the fifty states of the United States of America
Hong Kong: This plan is offered and valid only in Hong Kong.
New Zealand: This plan is offered and valid only in New Zealand
Singapore: This plan is offered and valid only in Singapore

I would be HAPPY to be proven wrong, as my situation will prompt me to buy an iPhone outside my home country. However, none, and I say this again, NONE of the tech bloggers nor millions of iPhone users out there care to CONFIRM with Apple once and for all. So I take my attempt to confirm with Apple as the fact right now, unless there is actual proof otherwise. Again, I will be glad to be proven wrong. Believe me.

Um, did you not read post 18 in this thread?

AppleCare+ worked outside of the country, as described in the AppleCare+ ToC (which says you can ask for service outside of the country).

Section 6.2 specifically says "Service will be limited to the options available in the country where you request service."

 

[pika2000]

Um, did you not read post 18 in this thread?

AppleCare+ worked outside of the country, as described in the AppleCare+ ToC (which says you can ask for service outside of the country).

Section 6.2 specifically says "Service will be limited to the options available in the country where you request service."

And you seem to ignore the fact that the ToC itself indicates that the plan is only valid in the country it was purchased. You can always ASK for service anywhere, doesn't mean your coverage (which you are paying for) is going to be valid.

And again, I would be HAPPY to be proven wrong. I want to get the 6S and get AppleCare+ if it worked globally. Again, NOBODY cares to get the word straight from Apple's mouth. I asked, and the answer is NO.

 

[aristobrat]

And again, I would be HAPPY to be proven wrong.

See post #18.

 

[aristobrat]

Here's what "Apple" said when I just asked them. Seems to echo Zebulon76's experience from having used it outside of the country (as described in post #18).