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macguy360

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Feb 23, 2011
836
510
I went ahead and purchased applecare+ because it seems like a great deal to offer complete protection for my iPad. The only thing I was wondering is if the applecare+ will cover multiple issues at a single time.

For instance, I was thinking of going ahead and not using a case so that I can keep the device as thin as possible. The only issue would be that the back will likely get scratched over time setting it down on tables and desks. Instead of getting frustrated at the scratches I could just wait and if I ever happen to damage the screen due to a drop or something else i could claim everything together in one claim. That way everything will get taken care and I only have to pay the deductible once.

Do you think that will work?
 
I sort of doubt scratches on the back would be covered by AppleCare+, but the thing is, with iOS devices, Apple almost never repairs them, just hands out replacements. So if you take it in for some other damage, and Apple gives you a replacement, well presto, scratch-free back! :cool:
 
OP, if you crack your screen later on down the road, they aren't going to care about the scratches on the back. They are gonna tell you to pay $49 bones + tax and they are going to hand you a new iPad. Same goes with water damage.


AppleCare+ on the iPad is awesome now. Friend cracked his 64gb iPad screen and it cost $349 to replace and NOW this year if you have + it's only going to cost $49 to get the same repair. Steal to me IMO
 
I sort of doubt scratches on the back would be covered by AppleCare+, but the thing is, with iOS devices, Apple almost never repairs them, just hands out replacements. So if you take it in for some other damage, and Apple gives you a replacement, well presto, scratch-free back! :cool:

I agree--even with the two damage incidents/deductible clause, back scratches on an otherwise functioning iPad, is not a failure, and it has to fail from an "ADH" (accidental damage from handling) to be covered by the AppleCare+ for iPad. And normal wear and tear is specifically excluded from coverage, and one could argue some scratches in the back is normal (although my 1 year old iPad 2 has none and is bare).

You can read the terms here:

http://images.apple.com/legal/applecare/docs/applecareplusforipadenglish.pdf

A cracked front glass would be a failure; I doubt front scratches in the glass would be covered. I certainly wouldn't use an iPad face down as a hockey puck, banking on a replacement for the $49 service fee.

I don't worry about the back--I became desensitized from that, with my first iPod many moons ago.

You break it, and most likely you will receive a refurb/replacement which should be a new case and glass.
 
Purely aesthetic issues are definitely not covered by Applecare on any product. In fact, if there's even the slightest chance that visible damage caused a problem with the use of the device then Apple will generally preclude you from warranty coverage, but that's where Applecare+ comes in. These devices always get swapped out through Apple service, so you are right about how things would go in the event that you crack your screen or physically break the product. Pay your $49 and get it swapped out, regardless of how many issues the device is having. The thing you want to be mindful of is my initial statement. It will not feel like fun to have an issue with your device that warranty would normally cover for free but be told that you have to pay due to excessive scratches/dents/dings that a case would have protected you from. Apple has every right/reason to look for reasons to not cover issues for free. Just something to keep in mind, and I used to work in Apple retail stores in case you're wondering why I'm saying these things.
 
Purely aesthetic issues are definitely not covered by Applecare on any product. In fact, if there's even the slightest chance that visible damage caused a problem with the use of the device then Apple will generally preclude you from warranty coverage, but that's where Applecare+ comes in. These devices always get swapped out through Apple service, so you are right about how things would go in the event that you crack your screen or physically break the product. Pay your $49 and get it swapped out, regardless of how many issues the device is having. The thing you want to be mindful of is my initial statement. It will not feel like fun to have an issue with your device that warranty would normally cover for free but be told that you have to pay due to excessive scratches/dents/dings that a case would have protected you from. Apple has every right/reason to look for reasons to not cover issues for free. Just something to keep in mind, and I used to work in Apple retail stores in case you're wondering why I'm saying these things.


It certainly will be interesting to see how AppleCare+ will work. When it was an all or nothing proposition (AHD not covered, at all), other than water damage, Apple Stores were very good about replacing/fixing even products that had visible signs of being dropped (but not a cracked screen on iPads and laptops of course, but they have covered broken hinges on laptops). Now granted, if you told them I dropped by MacBook and now it doesn't work, they would not cover it. But if you tell them yes I dropped it before and it was working fine. Now it doesn't work. That likely gets a repair/replacement under warranty, or sent in for futher evalution in the first year for anyone and during the extended AppleCare warranty if applicable.

That's been my experience, anyway. Other than water damage, Apple Stores have not been looking for any reason not to give warranty coverage.

When you worked in an Apple Store, did you have many "not covered" by warranty when it is not a water damage or admitted abuse of the product? And let me know what store that was so I can find a more customer friendly store.

Just a guess, but I suspect the biggest difference will be the AHD clause will get you a new iPad for $49 for a cracked screen or minor water exposure whereas previously you got nothing.

Anything that would have been covered under the standard warranty will be covered is my guess for the first and second year under AppleCare+ for no fee.

I don't think scratches will cause the $49 fee (if that were the case, then scratches/dents for everyone like me, who doesn't buy AppleCare+, would void the warranty because by definition anything that would trigger the AHD fee is not covered under the regular 1 year warranty). Dings and dents may depend on what failed and where the dent is in relation to the failed part.

Buy a case if it makes you feel better, or if you're hard on your equipment.

I think you may be over thinking this a bit. What you are concerned about could happen. But that said, I would be surprised if there is any difference on what has been repaired for free under standard Apple warranties before, and now under new AppleCare+.
 
It certainly will be interesting to see how AppleCare+ will work. When it was an all or nothing proposition (AHD not covered, at all), other than water damage, Apple Stores were very good about replacing/fixing even products that had visible signs of being dropped (but not a cracked screen on iPads and laptops of course, but they have covered broken hinges on laptops). Now granted, if you told them I dropped by MacBook and now it doesn't work, they would not cover it. But if you tell them yes I dropped it before and it was working fine. Now it doesn't work. That likely gets a repair/replacement under warranty, or sent in for futher evalution in the first year for anyone and during the extended AppleCare warranty if applicable.
That's been my experience, anyway. Other than water damage, Apple Stores have not been looking for any reason not to give warranty coverage.
When you worked in an Apple Store, did you have many "not covered" by warranty when it is not a water damage or admitted abuse of the product? And let me know what store that was so I can find a more customer friendly store.
Just a guess, but I suspect the biggest difference will be the AHD clause will get you a new iPad for $49 for a cracked screen or minor water exposure whereas previously you got nothing.
Anything that would have been covered under the standard warranty will be covered is my guess for the first and second year under AppleCare+ for no fee.
I don't think scratches will cause the $49 fee (if that were the case, then scratches/dents for everyone like me, who doesn't buy AppleCare+, would void the warranty because by definition anything that would trigger the AHD fee is not covered under the regular 1 year warranty). Dings and dents may depend on what failed and where the dent is in relation to the failed part.
Buy a case if it makes you feel better, or if you're hard on your equipment.
I think you may be over thinking this a bit. What you are concerned about could happen. But that said, I would be surprised if there is any difference on what has been repaired for free under standard Apple warranties before, and now under new AppleCare+.

Here's what everyone should know:

Apple has allowed certain employees in the retail stores to call upon what was referred to as a CS code, CS standing for customer service. Because so many Apple fans work in the Apple stores the CS code would get called upon constantly to override warranty on paper in times when Apple would seem faceless/heartless to the customers, or even at times when a customer would simply throw a temper tantrum like an 8 year old. That concept was abolished recently, and coincidentally (or not) Applecare+ emerged directly thereafter. Offering ANY accidental damage coverage on paper, even with the co-pay, is more of an olive branch than Apple has ever extended in their policies in the past, but we all need to understand that it will come at the cost of Apple employees not being able to do us favors when they see fit anymore. Apple has been steadily trading off small company ideals/culture for the typical corporate mentality, which I hope doesn't come back to bite them anytime soon. Personally, I stopped working for them in their retail stores for these reasons. Visit your local authorized reseller/repair center from time to time and show Apple that we all love big company products with a small company touch.
 
I keep seeing $49 in these posts, but your first repair will cost $148 when you factor in the Applecare purchase. Still not bad for a cracked screen, but it is not as good as the $49 price for repair I keep seeing posted.
 
I don't see why they wouldn't replace your iPad if you wanted it replaced. It covers accidental, so if you had scratches on the back, couldn't you just asked to get that replaced (if you were willing to pay the deductible? Otherwise couldn't you just drop the iPad and break the screen and get it replaced anyway??

When I bought my iPhone 4s the Apple Genius said he recommended the AC+ and even said since it covers basically anything for the deductible, you could just bring it in if you wanted after some time to get a brand new phone for whatever reason if you're willing to pay the deductible.
 
If you're worried about them not covering the dents on the back then just drop the corners on a cement floor... This will dent the corners and they will be forced to replace the back...

That being said im sure 99% of the time they will give you a new iPad or a refurbished one (which always look brand new on the outside) rather than trying to spend time fixing it. (I'm sure they use the old one for the parts that are working)
 
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