Is AppleCare worth getting for the Series 4 Aluminum?

[eoren1]

Finally getting an Apple Watch - planning on aluminum which does not have the sapphire screen and wondering about AppleCare+ at $79. Reading fine print looks like there is a $69 service fee for repairs.

$150 seems like a high price for insurance on a $425 watch...

Wondering if those of you with series 0/1/2/3 have found AppleCare to be worth it on a Watch purchase (I've previously gotten it for my iMac and MacBooks but not iPhones...)

 

[yoheywut]

Yeah it used to be a real bargain/ no brainer at $50 or whatever. I might actually have to think about it now.

 

[ukms]

Finally getting an Apple Watch - planning on aluminum which does not have the sapphire screen and wondering about AppleCare+ at $79. Reading fine print looks like there is a $69 service fee for repairs.

$150 seems like a high price for insurance on a $425 watch...

Wondering if those of you with series 0/1/2/3 have found AppleCare to be worth it on a Watch purchase (I've previously gotten it for my iMac and MacBooks but not iPhones...)

AFAIK the fee doesn’t apply if it’s a warranty repair. If it’s damage then a fee applies ..... I broke my S2 when I fell over so the cost was worth it. I suppose it’s always difficult to predict whether it’s worth it until you need it, much like any insurance.

 

[sean000]

Looks like the cost of replacing the screen without AppleCare + is $299. I guess that means you pay $79 to ultimately save $150, but that saving only happens if you break the screen. If you skip AppleCare, then you definitely save $79. If you break the display, then you are out $299.

For me the Apple Watch has become important enough that I would replace or repair if it broke. So what are the odds? My 3 year old aluminum S0 still looks new. It has even take some hard knocks that I thought would crack the display. What seems more palatable? Spending over $75 up front on insurance you may never need, or saving that money but knowing that you might need to spend $299 later for a repair?

 

[ukms]

Looks like the cost of replacing the screen without AppleCare + is $299. I guess that means you pay $79 to ultimately save $150, but that saving only happens if you break the screen. If you skip AppleCare, then you definitely save $79. If you break the display, then you are out $299.

For me the Apple Watch has become important enough that I would replace or repair if it broke. So what are the odds? My 3 year old aluminum S0 still looks new. It has even take some hard knocks that I thought would crack the display. What seems more palatable? Spending over $75 up front on insurance you may never need, or saving that money but knowing that you might need to spend $299 later for a repair?

It’s not just damage .... what if it needs a warranty repair in year 2 ? .... suppose it all depends how long you keep devices.

 

[44267547]

With the Apple Watch in general, that’s the one product I would suggest AppleCare for, being the watch is prone to being damaged because of something that is worn on our wrist and objects we encounter on a daily basis.

 

[verdejt]

Absolutely. I had to replace my Nike series 2 for a cracked screen. It looked like I hit something on the corner just right and it cracked the display. 69 dollars was worth it to me instead of a new watch. For the cost of a screen repair you should just buy a new one. Apple care is definitely worth it.

 

[Luba]

The Hermès AWs have an extra year in their warranties. Anybody know if the internals of the Hermès is of a higher grade?

To get Apple Care+ for a Hermès AW it’s $99 for a total of 3 years coverage and $79 for a total of 2 years for all other AWs. But for Hermès it’s $79 per incident vs $69. Overall, which do you think has better warranty coverage?

 

[tromboneaholic]

I've had my Series 1 since it came out 2 years ago. It looks new even though I've bumped it pretty hard a few times on furniture and doorways. No AppleCare + on it. I stopped buying AppleCare + after my first 2 iPhones (4S and 5S) didn't need any repairs. I have easily saved enough by not buying AppleCare + on every Apple purchase to replace my iPhone X if I needed to at this point...

I actually decided to stop buying any sort of extended warranty when I was a teen 20 years ago. I have saved thousands of dollars by not buying extended warranties and instead trying to take care of my stuff.

 

[kohlson]

When I got my AW0 3+ years ago, I wouldn't even put it on until I got AppleCare. I have lots a cheap watches, as I am pretty active doing car repair, yard and shop work, etc. My watches, like the nearby skin, get trashed.
All except my AW. After all this time, it looks great. Can't tell you why.
But I will probably buy it when I get another watch.

 

[profets]

In terms of computers - I've always felt the more mobile the more worthwhile Apple Care+ is. The Watch being something that is not only mobile, but worn on your wrist with a glass display facing outward, I always felt it was a no brainer in the past for $50. Kind of surprised me that it was $50 almost across the board (from $300 aluminum models to much more expensive SS ones).

Anyway, was happy we had it when my wife's 21 month old Series 2 aluminum was dropped and the screen shattered.

 

[redavis41]

The Hermès AWs have an extra year in their warranties. Anybody know if the internals of the Hermès is of a higher grade?

To get Apple Care+ for a Hermès AW it’s $99 for a total of 3 years coverage and $79 for a total of 2 years for all other AWs. But for Hermès it’s $79 per incident vs $69. Overall, which do you think has better warranty coverage?

Same internals for Hermes. They add the extra year of warranty as a way to substantiate the price you're paying for a "premium" product. And you get an additional Hermes Orange Sport Band!

 

[newellj]

Finally getting an Apple Watch - planning on aluminum which does not have the sapphire screen and wondering about AppleCare+ at $79. Reading fine print looks like there is a $69 service fee for repairs.

$150 seems like a high price for insurance on a $425 watch...

Wondering if those of you with series 0/1/2/3 have found AppleCare to be worth it on a Watch purchase (I've previously gotten it for my iMac and MacBooks but not iPhones...)

I bought it for my S3 and a year later have not used it. I figured I would smash the display a few times - never happened. But here's something funny - I bought a couple of Zagg glass protectors (one of each version). BOTH of those cracked badly shortly after I installed them. So I got the warranty replacements but left them in the box. I've been naked for at least six months without even a tiny scratch.

So...for S4? I think I'll skip it.

 

[eoren1]

Thanks everyone!