I asked if I could buy the standard AppleCare for the iPhone 4S and was told on the phone by a Apple rep yes. Here is an idea, don't buy it if you feel you are being ripped off.
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Thats is for the standard AppleCare not AppleCare+.
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AppleCare+ to End Informal Free Replacement Policy for Damaged iPhones
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I asked if I could buy the standard AppleCare for the iPhone 4S and was told on the phone by a Apple rep yes. Here is an idea, don't buy it if you feel you are being ripped off.
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Thats is for the standard AppleCare not AppleCare+.
From what I understand (from others that have posted here) you can still purchase the old version of Applecare, so they're not making you pay extra. You just won't have the accidental damage coverage. So that hasn't really changed. What has changed is that they're not going to give free replacements in situations where the customer should be paying $199. I agree, they did make the decision to allow some free replacements to begin with. But companies often change policies when it's not working for them. With the vast number of iPhones being used now, it's not a surprise that they're not willing to eat that cost anymore.
lol so i can't have an opinion? Go look on the iPhone 4s page....applecare+ is only thing listed. So what do you think is going to happen when people want applecare? hmmm order the one that is suggested to them on the site.
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but if you're someone who isn't a complete mac geek or on macrumors and you go to the iPhone 4s page the only option for extended warranty available to u is applecare+.
Apple has been very generous...
Apple's been really generous in replacing damaged iPhones, and iPads and Touches for that matter, and I figured AppleCare+ marked the end of that generosity. I appreciate having a set price for getting a replacement device instead of having to dance around the issue with a Genius, which is what I always had to do in the past. Because carriers usually subsidize the initial purchase, and the devices are really expensive and essential to customer's day to day lives, I like the concept that you're sort of buying into 2 years of having a working iPhone - not just the device you initially get.
Apple's been really generous in replacing damaged iPhones, and iPads and Touches for that matter, and I figured AppleCare+ marked the end of that generosity. I appreciate having a set price for getting a replacement device instead of having to dance around the issue with a Genius, which is what I always had to do in the past. Because carriers usually subsidize the initial purchase, and the devices are really expensive and essential to customer's day to day lives, I like the concept that you're sort of buying into 2 years of having a working iPhone - not just the device you initially get.
More like $55 than $99. From: http://images.apple.com/legal/applecare/docs/AppleCarePlus.pdf
Alternately, transfer AppleCare+ to the new owner when you sell the old phone. Whether it'd add $45 value to the phone remains to be seen.
The text refers to AppleCare, not AppleCare+ I believe.
I was just thinking about that... can we go to another authorized dealer... radio shack? But I am still kind of upset about this. Pre-order - now have to go to store if what the 2 year apple care... if not if the phone breaks now the cost is $249 for the remainder of the 2 years... Did I read that right? 
I have a different way to look at this:
Previous AppleCare cost $69
New AppleCare+ cost $99
So, looking at the "+", you're basically paying an additional $30 for accidental damage coverage OVER the standard warrantee extension for 2-years. Again, AC+ does two things, extends your warrantee and gives you accidental damage coverage.
Previously, if you "accidentally damaged" your iPhone, you had to pay $199 for a replacement. Yes, some people were fortunate enough to get them for free, but that really isn't a factor especially since they are ending the freebie.
Now, if you "accidentally damaged" your iPhone, for that additional $30, you only pay $50 for a replacement. You can do this two time during your 2-year coverage, meaning if you're clumsy enough, AC+ will save you $270. How?
PREVIOUSLY w/AC
$70 (AC)
$200 (first replacement)
$200 (second replacement)
$470 (TOTAL)
CURRENT w/AC+
$100 (AC+)
$50 (first replacement)
$50 (second replacement)
$200 (TOTAL)
While you could forgo any AC+ coverage and save yourself, that is a gamble that in worse case could cost you:
$0 (no AC+)
$200 (first replacement)
$200 (second replacement)
$400 (TOTAL)
Now the likelihood of damaging your iPhone twice within 2-years depends on you. Even with one instance of accidental damage, your total still favors AC+ ($150) over no AC+ ($200).
Yes, if you're comfortable risking no AC+ and don't have any accidents, you save yourself $100. But, you also loose the additional year warrantee for defects and other issues. For others, it's insurance that might pay for itself. You may also be the type to upgrade or replace every year, so the extended warrantee and coverage don't matter.
Finally, I like SquareTrade which I have on my iPad2. However, they're pretty much the same price right now, but I think AC+ is still the better option. Aside from how they work (reimbursement plus fee vs. fee) the single most important thing AC+ has over ST is immediate replacement of your iPhone. If I drop my iPhone, I can for the most part walk into an Apple Store and get it replace within hours (minutes if you're close enough). With ST, it can take days. I need my phone, so it's a big benefit to be able to get it replaced as soon as possible.
Bottomline: I do purchase AppleCare for my iPhones (since original) and it has benefitted me each time and multiple times. To spend an additional $30 for 2-years accidental damage coverage seems to me a great deal. Hell, it's cheaper than the carriers' coverage for other phones.
Anyway, that's how I see things. I'm sure plenty of people see it differently, which is fine.
TTE
Previous AppleCare cost $69
New AppleCare+ cost $99
So, looking at the "+", you're basically paying an additional $30 for accidental damage coverage OVER the standard warrantee extension for 2-years. Again, AC+ does two things, extends your warrantee and gives you accidental damage coverage.
Previously, if you "accidentally damaged" your iPhone, you had to pay $199 for a replacement. Yes, some people were fortunate enough to get them for free, but that really isn't a factor especially since they are ending the freebie.
Now, if you "accidentally damaged" your iPhone, for that additional $30, you only pay $50 for a replacement. You can do this two time during your 2-year coverage, meaning if you're clumsy enough, AC+ will save you $270. How?
PREVIOUSLY w/AC
$70 (AC)
$200 (first replacement)
$200 (second replacement)
$470 (TOTAL)
CURRENT w/AC+
$100 (AC+)
$50 (first replacement)
$50 (second replacement)
$200 (TOTAL)
While you could forgo any AC+ coverage and save yourself, that is a gamble that in worse case could cost you:
$0 (no AC+)
$200 (first replacement)
$200 (second replacement)
$400 (TOTAL)
Now the likelihood of damaging your iPhone twice within 2-years depends on you. Even with one instance of accidental damage, your total still favors AC+ ($150) over no AC+ ($200).
Yes, if you're comfortable risking no AC+ and don't have any accidents, you save yourself $100. But, you also loose the additional year warrantee for defects and other issues. For others, it's insurance that might pay for itself. You may also be the type to upgrade or replace every year, so the extended warrantee and coverage don't matter.
Finally, I like SquareTrade which I have on my iPad2. However, they're pretty much the same price right now, but I think AC+ is still the better option. Aside from how they work (reimbursement plus fee vs. fee) the single most important thing AC+ has over ST is immediate replacement of your iPhone. If I drop my iPhone, I can for the most part walk into an Apple Store and get it replace within hours (minutes if you're close enough). With ST, it can take days. I need my phone, so it's a big benefit to be able to get it replaced as soon as possible.
Bottomline: I do purchase AppleCare for my iPhones (since original) and it has benefitted me each time and multiple times. To spend an additional $30 for 2-years accidental damage coverage seems to me a great deal. Hell, it's cheaper than the carriers' coverage for other phones.
Anyway, that's how I see things. I'm sure plenty of people see it differently, which is fine.
TTE
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I have a source myself who pointed out that this first $149 replacement is counted as one of the two incidents that is covered under AC+ so you would get one more incident at $49 and then all others are $199 no freebies.
And before anyone asks according to my source the change was in part due to customers trying to game the system and get multiple freebies and freebies for blatant damage when the flexibility was supposed to be as a favor for those that really just had an accident happen. Knocked down the stairs in the Metro during rush hour is one thing. Threw it against a wall cause you were made at your boss is another.
Hi there!
You have to wonder if customer service isn't one of the first areas to take a hit in Steve's absence.
Very true. They don't even give grace period after he dies. They just forget his philosophy for the customer. Apple is no longer.
However, the problem is Verizon was not even offering the AC+ to their customers during their preorder, therefore they could not buy it when they initially bought the phone (requirement by apple). Now if they want it, they have to go to the store with an unopened box to purchase it for $99?! (on one of the busiest days of the year, I might add!) or the pre orderer's have to wait until another day to go to the store to add it ... still not opening their phone box. Not a verizon customer thank goodness, but I feel really bad for them. Verizon did offer their plan of $11.99 a month which comes out to $287.76 for the two years. (not sure if the customer has to pay the $49 service fee as well - that point is unclear - if they do not it appears to be a better deal - but who really knows) just sayin....
I have a different way to look at this:
Previous AppleCare cost $69
New AppleCare+ cost $99
So, looking at the "+", you're basically paying an additional $30 for accidental damage coverage OVER the standard warrantee extension for 2-years. Again, AC+ does two things, extends your warrantee and gives you accidental damage coverage.
Previously, if you "accidentally damaged" your iPhone, you had to pay $199 for a replacement. Yes, some people were fortunate enough to get them for free, but that really isn't a factor especially since they are ending the freebie.
Now, if you "accidentally damaged" your iPhone, for that additional $30, you only pay $50 for a replacement. You can do this two time during your 2-year coverage, meaning if you're clumsy enough, AC+ will save you $270. How?
PREVIOUSLY w/AC
$70 (AC)
$200 (first replacement)
$200 (second replacement)
$470 (TOTAL)
CURRENT w/AC+
$100 (AC+)
$50 (first replacement)
$50 (second replacement)
$200 (TOTAL)
While you could forgo any AC+ coverage and save yourself, that is a gamble that in worse case could cost you:
$0 (AC+)
$200 (first replacement)
$200 (second replacement)
$400 (TOTAL)
Now the likelihood of damaging your iPhone twice within 2-years depends on you. Even with one instance of accidental damage, your total still favors AC+ ($150) over no AC+ ($200).
Yes, if you're comfortable risking no AC+ and don't have any accidents, you save yourself $100. But, you also loose the additional year warrantee for defects and other issues. For others, it's insurance that might pay for itself. You may also be the type to upgrade or replace every year, so the extended warrantee and coverage don't matter.
Finally, I like SquareTrade which I have on my iPad2. However, they're pretty much the same price right now, but I think AC+ is still the better option. Aside from how they work (reimbursement plus fee vs. fee) the single most important thing AC+ has over ST is immediate replacement of your iPhone. If I drop my iPhone, I can for the most part walk into an Apple Store and get it replace within hours (minutes if you're close enough). With ST, it can take days. I need my phone, so it's a big benefit to be able to get it replaced as soon as possible.
Bottomline: I do purchase AppleCare for my iPhones (since original) and it has benefitted me each time and multiple times. To spend an additional $30 for 2-years accidental damage coverage seems to me a great deal. Hell, it's cheaper than the carriers' coverage for other phones.
Anyway, that's how I see things. I'm sure plenty of people see it differently, which is fine.
TTE
Won't you be shocked when it turns out that this AC+ was Steve's idea. Because it might have been. According to my source they have been pushed for months to really trim down the freebies to truly those that were hsit happens accidents. And to really monitor that it is understood that it is one time and to check the history to make sure it is one time. And they are being watched for just swapping phones instead of checking them thoroughly. If there is no diagnostic report, the system won't let them swap. If they claim the phone or whatever won't power on, they had better open it up and check that the battery hasn't been tampered with and there's no signs of liquid damage. To the point that geniuses have been fired for falsifying the logs to say they checked and it was fine when they didn't look.
There's customer service and then there's letting folks walk over you.
Another thing to remember about iOS replacement is that Apple doesn't replace your damaged device with a brand new one -- you get a refurb (unless Apple has changed this practice as well). So for Apple, the cost is minimized. Your damaged device in most cases will be repaired and then used as a refurbished model. I guess Apple stays green with this form of recycling.
So it's Apples fault you broke your phone?
Go ahead and leave. Id like to see android or blackberry even help you get a replacement on the spot. You have to send your phone in
I have a different way to look at this:
Previous AppleCare cost $69
New AppleCare+ cost $99
So, looking at the "+", you're basically paying an additional $30 for accidental damage coverage OVER the standard warrantee extension for 2-years. Again, AC+ does two things, extends your warrantee and gives you accidental damage coverage.
Previously, if you "accidentally damaged" your iPhone, you had to pay $199 for a replacement. Yes, some people were fortunate enough to get them for free, but that really isn't a factor especially since they are ending the freebie.
Now, if you "accidentally damaged" your iPhone, for that additional $30, you only pay $50 for a replacement. You can do this two time during your 2-year coverage, meaning if you're clumsy enough, AC+ will save you $270. How?
PREVIOUSLY w/AC
$70 (AC)
$200 (first replacement)
$200 (second replacement)
$470 (TOTAL)
CURRENT w/AC+
$100 (AC+)
$50 (first replacement)
$50 (second replacement)
$200 (TOTAL)
While you could forgo any AC+ coverage and save yourself, that is a gamble that in worse case could cost you:
$0 (no AC+)
$200 (first replacement)
$200 (second replacement)
$400 (TOTAL)
Now the likelihood of damaging your iPhone twice within 2-years depends on you. Even with one instance of accidental damage, your total still favors AC+ ($150) over no AC+ ($200).
Yes, if you're comfortable risking no AC+ and don't have any accidents, you save yourself $100. But, you also loose the additional year warrantee for defects and other issues. For others, it's insurance that might pay for itself. You may also be the type to upgrade or replace every year, so the extended warrantee and coverage don't matter.
Finally, I like SquareTrade which I have on my iPad2. However, they're pretty much the same price right now, but I think AC+ is still the better option. Aside from how they work (reimbursement plus fee vs. fee) the single most important thing AC+ has over ST is immediate replacement of your iPhone. If I drop my iPhone, I can for the most part walk into an Apple Store and get it replace within hours (minutes if you're close enough). With ST, it can take days. I need my phone, so it's a big benefit to be able to get it replaced as soon as possible.
Bottomline: I do purchase AppleCare for my iPhones (since original) and it has benefitted me each time and multiple times. To spend an additional $30 for 2-years accidental damage coverage seems to me a great deal. Hell, it's cheaper than the carriers' coverage for other phones.
Anyway, that's how I see things. I'm sure plenty of people see it differently, which is fine.
TTE
Is it only $199 to replace the iPhone, or only if it's the 16gb model? I have the 64gb model coming...would it be double?
People.
I have been in several Apple Stores on several occasions, and just about every time im in there I see some self entitled half wit make a scene because he is being held responsible for his actions. A person drops a phone and then expects someone else to pay for it to be fixed? Who is raised like that, in some sort of house of no consequence? It's a baffling, and very American, thing. How is charging you a fraction of the price of a new phone to replace a phone that you have destroyed not more than reasonable? Yu can destroy your $650 iPhone and they will give you another for $199. How is that unfair? It seems that most people feel that because they have purchased a thing from a place, the place should buy the person a thing when the person breaks the thing. This is pathetic reasoning. Grow up and accept responsibility for your mistakes. AC+ is a pretty good deal. It used to be $69 for an extra year of warrant coverage, now for $99 you get that plus 2 signigificantly discounted accidental damage replacements. Perfectly reasonable.
I have been in several Apple Stores on several occasions, and just about every time im in there I see some self entitled half wit make a scene because he is being held responsible for his actions. A person drops a phone and then expects someone else to pay for it to be fixed? Who is raised like that, in some sort of house of no consequence? It's a baffling, and very American, thing. How is charging you a fraction of the price of a new phone to replace a phone that you have destroyed not more than reasonable? Yu can destroy your $650 iPhone and they will give you another for $199. How is that unfair? It seems that most people feel that because they have purchased a thing from a place, the place should buy the person a thing when the person breaks the thing. This is pathetic reasoning. Grow up and accept responsibility for your mistakes. AC+ is a pretty good deal. It used to be $69 for an extra year of warrant coverage, now for $99 you get that plus 2 signigificantly discounted accidental damage replacements. Perfectly reasonable.
they might from time to time waive that first $49 fee if you had bought AC+ but don't expect it or for them to waive the second, allow a third cheaper replacement etc.
Two "no questions asked" cheap replacements doesn't seem unreasonable for a two year period. Especially since they could just drop the whole $199 and skip the AC+ and if you broke it too dang bad. Full price starts at $449.
Macbook keyboards, batteries, hard drives... those have all been recalled. Of course they are going to be replaced for free. There is no AppleCare+ for Macs now (or has it ever been mentioned), so I don't know why Genius Bar appointments for Macs are being compared to iPhone appointments.
If you ever had a computer replaced out of warranty with a Brand New machine in store, you either a) caused a scene and were judged by the other customers for looking like a cry-baby jerk who is unprepared financially to take care of a computer, or b) have had repeated problems with your computer, and were still in some kind of warranty (any repair is covered for 90 days, regardless of your actual warranty status)
As far as AppleCare+ goes, its worth buying when you purchase your phone, if you think you may break your phone. The standard 1 year warranty doesn't cover accidental damage in any way. You'll still pay 200 dollars for a replacement, instead of 150 for AppleCare+ plus the actual Phone replacement. You can replace it twice, for the cost of replacing it once through the Genius Bar without AC+.
You'll never get a device covered under warranty because the person didn't catch your accidental damage. Scuff marks and the seal around the glass are dead giveaways. Its worthless denying it. If you expect to have it covered... there is something wrong with you. You aren't entitled to receive anything for free in life, why would you feel this way about an iPhone replacement?
Apple takes a bath on free replacements. Just because they are very successful doesn't mean they aren't a normal business. They still provide an unparalleled level of customer service... have you ever tried to get real warranty work done on another phone? A lot of times you have to mail the phone to the manufacture at your own expense to get something defective fixed.
People that are complaining about this just aren't prepared either mentally or financially to own something this expensive to manufacture. It's truly mind blowing how entitled some of you people are acting. Go buy a Sprint Samsung Galaxy S2 Epic 4G Touch (lol) if you are not satisfied, please.
If you ever had a computer replaced out of warranty with a Brand New machine in store, you either a) caused a scene and were judged by the other customers for looking like a cry-baby jerk who is unprepared financially to take care of a computer, or b) have had repeated problems with your computer, and were still in some kind of warranty (any repair is covered for 90 days, regardless of your actual warranty status)
As far as AppleCare+ goes, its worth buying when you purchase your phone, if you think you may break your phone. The standard 1 year warranty doesn't cover accidental damage in any way. You'll still pay 200 dollars for a replacement, instead of 150 for AppleCare+ plus the actual Phone replacement. You can replace it twice, for the cost of replacing it once through the Genius Bar without AC+.
You'll never get a device covered under warranty because the person didn't catch your accidental damage. Scuff marks and the seal around the glass are dead giveaways. Its worthless denying it. If you expect to have it covered... there is something wrong with you. You aren't entitled to receive anything for free in life, why would you feel this way about an iPhone replacement?
Apple takes a bath on free replacements. Just because they are very successful doesn't mean they aren't a normal business. They still provide an unparalleled level of customer service... have you ever tried to get real warranty work done on another phone? A lot of times you have to mail the phone to the manufacture at your own expense to get something defective fixed.
People that are complaining about this just aren't prepared either mentally or financially to own something this expensive to manufacture. It's truly mind blowing how entitled some of you people are acting. Go buy a Sprint Samsung Galaxy S2 Epic 4G Touch (lol) if you are not satisfied, please.
This isn't really a big deal then. As long as the issue is because of the manufacturer, like a loose home button, then you can still get free replacements under warranty. If I shatter my phone or something, I'll just use my old iPhone 4.
Heh... yeah....
I'm *really* wondering who these other cellphone makers are who will gladly swap out a broken, out of warranty smartphone of yours for a brand new (or even freshly refurbished) one at no charge -- whether or not it's clearly your fault it broke?
When I had a Palm Treo on Verizon, I had some problems with my phone (such as the 0 button on the keypad no longer responding) and they told me "tough luck" because I didn't pay extra for insurance on it. It was only a year old or so and in great cosmetic condition, and was highly doubtful I did anything to cause the problem. No matter ... I was better off reselling it "as-iis" on eBay or Craigslist and just buying another new phone than paying their repair charges.
I'm *really* wondering who these other cellphone makers are who will gladly swap out a broken, out of warranty smartphone of yours for a brand new (or even freshly refurbished) one at no charge -- whether or not it's clearly your fault it broke?
When I had a Palm Treo on Verizon, I had some problems with my phone (such as the 0 button on the keypad no longer responding) and they told me "tough luck" because I didn't pay extra for insurance on it. It was only a year old or so and in great cosmetic condition, and was highly doubtful I did anything to cause the problem. No matter ... I was better off reselling it "as-iis" on eBay or Craigslist and just buying another new phone than paying their repair charges.
I'm not surprised by the change, it kind of irked me that someone could get a free replacemnent based on what type of mood a genuis was in that day is unfair. You either can or cannot get a free replacement. No offense to anyone but some Apple customers feel a small scratch or blemish is reason to freak out and ask a free replacement. I like to keep my things as nice as possible but things happen and its a wear and tear world.
That said, since at the time of my purchase months back where i was not required to purchase apple care upfront can i still buy apple care+ before the warranty is up?
That said, since at the time of my purchase months back where i was not required to purchase apple care upfront can i still buy apple care+ before the warranty is up?
It also voids your warranty and is simply a tact that many won't do.
AC+ isn't for you and the other "I never break it and if I didn't I'd fix it myself" crew.
It's for the Jane Does with the 3 year olds that don't get that they can't touch everything. They are used to the notion of insurance deductibles and copays and frankly paying $99 for a little assurance that when Junior drops daddy's iPhone in the toilet they won't have to break the bank to get it replaced appeals to them.
and at the same time it protects the business because they are giving folks a way to have that protection and they can cut the freebies and stop folks from trying to game the system
I don't know, I think i'd rather take the risk as I think there is a $49 deductible if they replace your phone...so in reality you are only saving $50 IF you break your phone, if not you are out $100. If you break your phone twice though it is a decent deal.