Apple's Extended One-Year AppleCare+ Option Available for All Devices, Works With Subscriptions

[MacRumors]

Earlier this week, Apple changed its AppleCare+ policies in the United States and Canada to give customers up to a year to purchase AppleCare after buying a device, and MacRumors has now learned additional information about the program that may be useful to those who want to know their AppleCare+ options.

AppleCare+ can now be added to a device up to one year from purchase, and this applies to iPhones, iPads, Macs, iPods, HomePods, Beats (minus urBeats3 and Pill+), AirPods, AirPods Pro, Apple Watches, and the Pro Display XDR. Basically all devices that offer AppleCare+, with the exception of the Apple TV, which already offers a one-year standard AppleCare purchase plan option.

For up to 60 days after the date of purchase of a device, AppleCare+ can be purchased using the Settings section of the iPad, iPhone, or iPod, via the Apple Support app, the Apple Support site, or Checkcoverage.Apple.Com for Apple Watch, HomePod, iPhone, iPad, iPod, and Mac. It can also be purchased through a contact center or an Apple retail store.

After 60 days has passed (and before 365 days), AppleCare+ can be purchased by taking a device to an Apple retail location with a Genius Bar appointment for an inspection, which is required to get coverage after the 60 day mark. If a device has any accidental damage during the inspection, it needs to be repaired before AppleCare+ can be purchased.

Extended purchase options apply when paying for AppleCare+ in full up front or when purchasing the AppleCare+ monthly subscription plan. The AppleCare+ timer starts from the date of purchase of the coverage.

The 365 day AppleCare+ purchase option only applies to standard AppleCare+, however, and not Apple's AppleCare+ Theft and Loss plan for the iPhone. That can only be purchased for up to 60 days after you buy a device.

With the new AppleCare+ purchase options, customers can take advantage of their one-year automatic device purchase warranty and then as that warranty comes to an end, choose whether to extend the warranty with AppleCare+. Note, though, that the standard warranty does not cover accidental damage incidents. AppleCare+ covers accidental damage and allows customers to get their devices repaired or replaced for a deductible fee that varies based on product.

Article Link: Apple's Extended One-Year AppleCare+ Option Available for All Devices, Works With Subscriptions

 

[thadoggfather]

Does this retroactively apply to purchases still within the 60 day AC+ add on window?

That's what I'm most curious of, because I have AirPods Pro that fall within that

 

[ian87w]

So Apple is offering an indefinite warranty coverage option? Interesting.
I hope Apple can make the option available in all markets. It may justify their ridiculously expensive (for their pricing in my country) computers.

 

[mnsportsgeek]

So Apple is offering an indefinite warranty coverage option? Interesting.
I hope Apple can make the option available in all markets. It may justify their ridiculously expensive (for their pricing in my country) computers.

I'm pretty sure there is a time limit on the monthly subscription.

 

[WannaGoMac]

Applecare got too expensive for iPhones.

 

[mnsportsgeek]

Needing to visit an Apple Store is kind of a bummer. If a remote diagnostic is acceptable within 60 days, why isn't it acceptable after 90?

I guess probably because shattered screens don't show up on diagnostics, but then they probably should inspect devices within 60 days too.

 

[russell_314]

Applecare got too expensive for iPhones.

iPhones got a little more expensive I don’t know if you noticed that. I have AppleCare on my XS Max and it was more than worth it. Of course if you never drop your phone and can’t remember when the last time you broke your phone was then it’s probably not a good deal for you.

 

[IlluminatedSage]

What about extending the coverage longer than 2 year window on many devices? let consumers buy longer coverage.

 

[Apple_Robert]

Does this retroactively apply to purchases still within the 60 day AC+ add on window?

That's what I'm most curious of, because I have AirPods Pro that fall within that

I don’t believe it does.
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What about extending the coverage longer than 2 year window on many devices? let consumers buy longer coverage.

It can already be extended past 2 years (sans the Mac).

 

[russell_314]

Needing to visit an Apple Store is kind of a bummer. If a remote diagnostic is acceptable within 60 days, why isn't it acceptable after 90?

I guess probably because shattered screens don't show up on diagnostics, but then they probably should inspect devices within 60 days too.

It’s probably just a risk they figure. If I was making that decision people would have to bring in their phone before they got AppleCare. They know certain people will game the system. It’s just added to the price everyone else has to pay.

 

[gugy]

That's a good move. Never understood taking this away but being greedy. I purchased a few times AppleCare right before my Mac/Display 1 year warranty expired.
Also it would be nice Apple adding displays to the same Mac coverage price if you buy both at the same time. Used to be like that.

 

[russell_314]

What about extending the coverage longer than 2 year window on many devices? let consumers buy longer coverage.

There’s probably a higher failure rate after two years so maybe they determined it’s not financially worth it. You can get insurance from your carrier after two years

 

[Natzoo]

Just so I heard this right, I can purchase a device and wait 364 days and then purchase a 2 year apple care plan. For a total of 3 years of coverage (if choosing not to renew monthly).

 

[aneftp]

Applecare got too expensive for iPhones.

Some people like my wife are ruthless dropping their phones mutiple times. She’s killed or cracked every iPhone she’s owned. And that’s a lot of phones. At least 9 phones she’s cracked or water damaged in the 13 year iPhone cycle. She needs insurance.
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Just so I heard this right, I can purchase a device and wait 364 days and then purchase a 2 year apple care plan. For a total of 3 years of coverage (if choosing not to renew monthly).

That’s what I want to know.

I know if u wait till day 59 and get AppleCare. It’s 2 years from that date.

 

[jimbobb24]

I got Apple care for my iMac and it lasted only 3 years. It’s my third one and the first was 9 years the second is 7 years and counting. Hopefully I can repair the unlucky one. I usually get AppleCare for portables and phones.

 

[badatusernames]

Wish this was available a month ago. My MacBook warranty expired in July.

 

[TVreporter]

So what if the nearest Genius store is 5 hours away? And I got a 1 year old imac still eligible for AppleCare? Ridiculous I would have to lug an iMac through a mall in Toronto.

 

[aUsern@me]

Like most insurance, AppleCare is designed to rip you off. Apple knows you are very unlikely to ever need it. And always remember, any decent credit card already extends your warranty by at least a year, making AppleCare much less necessary.

 

[badatusernames]

Like most insurance, AppleCare is designed to rip you off. Apple knows you are very unlikely to ever need it. And always remember, any decent credit card already extends your warranty by at least a year, making AppleCare much less necessary.

Depends on your usage. For example, I got Apple care for a MacBook Pro 2015 and I had to repair it at least 3 times due to hardware failure. The next time they simply upgraded me a new computer. For the $299 I paid for it I would say that was well worth it.

 

[7thson]

Just so I heard this right, I can purchase a device and wait 364 days and then purchase a 2 year apple care plan. For a total of 3 years of coverage (if choosing not to renew monthly).

That appears to be the case. The only thing you should keep in mind is that in those 364 days, you are not covered against accidental damage.

 

[Apple_Robert]

Just so I heard this right, I can purchase a device and wait 364 days and then purchase a 2 year apple care plan. For a total of 3 years of coverage (if choosing not to renew monthly).

You are correct.

 

[involuntarheely]

can somebody clarify, does Apple care after 1 year cover an additional say 2 years for a mac, and is it the same price as buying it on day 1? or is the price pro-rated for 2 years?

if I understand correctly the consumer "pays" Apple because Apple only accepts new AppleCare+ subscriptions conditional on the device being in good condition

let me restate. consider 2 scenarios:

1- I buy AC+ on day of purchase. I do accidental damage on month 6. I pay $299 co-pay for the damage given I have AC+. then after 3 years AC+ expires.
overall expense: AC+ plus $299 for damage.
overall coverage: 3 years.

2- I do not buy AC+ on day of purchase. I do accidental damage on month 6. I pay $1000 for damage then buy AC+. 3 years from original device purchase AC+ expires.
overall expense: AC+ plus $1000 for damage.
overall coverage: 2.5 years

I'd argue it would be fair if in scenario 2 Apple still offered 3 years of coverage from the date of purchase of AC+ (for a possible total warranty coverage of 4 years if one gets AC+ on day 364 from purchase). otherwise, the difference is the "price of being late"

am I missing something?

 

[badatusernames]

Does this mean we can also extend AppleCare Plus similar to the iPhone by paying month after the coverage expires to continue coverage?

 

[jlocker]

I Love AppleCare it has never done me wrong having it is the best insurance policy for protecting expensive equipment. And then when it is all done after the three year I go to a Apple store turn it in for credit and get a new computer on Apple Card for 12 months and start all over again

 

[7thson]

Like most insurance, AppleCare is designed to rip you off. Apple knows you are very unlikely to ever need it. And always remember, any decent credit card already extends your warranty by at least a year, making AppleCare much less necessary.

Can you name some credit cards that provide coverage for accidental damage indefinitely like AC+ does? My Costco/Citi card extends the manufacturer warranty to an additional 2 years beyond the standard warranty, but it only covers damage/theft for 120 days. AC+ for iPhone and Apple Watch is still worth it for me due to my occupation, but maybe there’s a better card. Genuinely curious, no snark.