Do you want to have an extended warranty on all of your Apple devices? Then you’re in the right place!
In this article, I’m going to talk about AppleCare’s coverage, features, and benefits that come with it. There are many reasons and causes why our iPhone and Apple devices break. With AppleCare’s protection plan, Apple will have you covered
Please keep reading to understand better what coverage you will get with AppleCare, if you can get AppleCare after damage, if you can get Apple Care after 60 days, and much more.
Can I Get AppleCare After Damage?
If you damaged your device within the first 60 days of purchase, you could purchase Apple Care. Apple has no way of knowing if the device is damaged when you buy Apple Care online. After purchasing AppleCare, you can take your device to the Apple Store for accidental damage repair under Apple Care extended warranty.
Are you worried that you accidentally broke your iPhone and want to replace it ASAP? Well, Apple Care is the solution to your problems. Other than Apple’s 1-year warranty, you can extend the warranty period up to two to three years.
AppleCare is the best way to ensure that your Apple devices have hardware coverage. When your device breaks its features range for two accidental damages every 12 months, Apple won’t know you damaged your device before you bought AppleCare+.
Suppose you want your device to be repaired by Apple Technicians. In that case, it needs to pass a diagnostic test to see if it’s suitable for repair.
NOTE: Before purchasing AppleCare and AppleCare+, make sure your device is ELIGIBLE to avail of the AppleCare services. You can enter your device’s serial number to find out what additional coverage you can buy.
Bearing that in mind, if your Apple device is indeed eligible to purchase the AppleCare feature, then knowing How to Add AppleCare to your damaged devices is essential and can be done within a few steps.
What about getting your iPhone replaced for free? Is it even possible? Please see how you can get a freebie replacement in my article.
Can I Get AppleCare After Water Damage?
If your device received water damage within the first 60 days of purchase, you could purchase AppleCare+. Apple has no way of knowing if the device is damaged when you are buying AppleCare online. After purchasing AppleCare, you can take your device to the Apple Store for accidental damage repair under Apple Care + and pay a $99 service fee.
If your iOS device shows signs that it has come in contact with liquid, then purchasing the AppleCare protection plan will help you repair your device for $99 plus applicable tax.
According to Apple, iPhones or any other iOS devices are not designed to be waterproof. Instead, they’re only resistant to splashes and accidental spills from common liquids like water, coffee, and beer.
The longer your Apple device is submerged underwater, the more saturated it will become more likely to suffer permanent damage. Even if you managed to boot up your iOS device after it was submerged underwater, it could still get complications like freezing and boot loops, which means your iOS device is constantly rebooting itself.
If you have AppleCare+ for your iOS devices, take your iOS device to the nearest Apple Service store and pay a service fee of $99 plus applicable tax for all eligible iPhones.
First of all, I urge you to AVOID THIRD-PARTY REPAIRS. Doing so will outright avoid your Apple warranty.
To know if your device can be purchased with AppleCare or AppleCare+, you need to check your serial number in your device’s Settings.
How To Find Apple Serial Number
- Find it on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch, head on to the “Settings.”
- Go to General > About.
- Tap “AppleCare+ Coverage Available below.”
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete your purchase (after tapping AppleCare+ coverage available). You can see the price of the AppleCare plan after following the steps above.
What if My iPhone/iPad/Apple Watch/iPod Won’t Turn On, and I Need the Serial Number?
- If you have your product’s original packaging, you can check the barcode to find the serial number.
- The other way to find your serial number is by checking the original product receipt or invoice from Apple or any different authorized retail store.
To have an in-depth reading about AppleCare covering water damages, make sure you head on to my similar article Does AppleCare Cover Water Damage? (What Apple Says) to learn even more about Apple and its water damage coverages.
In total, AppleCare+ for iPhone includes up to two incidents of accidental damage protection, including water damage every 12 months. You will receive a replacement iPhone during this time as it’s being repaired, but is this replacement iPhone even new? Would you mind reading my detailed guide to know for sure?
Is It Too Late to Get AppleCare?
You can buy Apple Care + within the first 60 days of your device purchase in most countries. In some countries, you can buy Apple Care within one year of purchasing an eligible Mac, iPhone, Apple TV, or another device.
AppleCare removes all the worries about unintentionally damaging your devices and adds extra protection by providing repair and replacement. When you have manufacturing defects like bending, dents, or dead pixels, then you’re guaranteed to get a replacement or repair with the help of AppleCare.
But suppose you intentionally damage your Apple devices, such as attempting a ruined repair, or a third-party repair shop damages it, or you download illegal software or other non-accidental related events. In that case, Apple will void your Apple Care + warranty.
It’s a part of their warranty rules to not tamper with their devices unless it’s from an authorized technician from Apple themselves.
So, if AppleCare is so great, what are the benefits of actually paying extra money for their “Service and support from the people who know your iPhone best?”
Well, according to Apple’s Support section for their iPhones, they claim to let you “Enjoy peace of mind when you buy AppleCare+ for iPhone.”
Both AppleCare and AppleCare+ are subject to the following features if you’re planning to avail their protection plan:
Apple-Certified Service and Support Coverage
Your repairs are done by Apple-Certified individuals who are experts in repairing Apple devices compared to the local third-party repairmen who void your warranty to improve their services. I wouldn’t trust a random guy in an electronic store with my beloved M1 MacBook & neither should you!
24/7 Priority Access to Technical Support
With AppleCare, you’re getting better priority access to Apple’s technical support. I recommend this to all the people out there who aren’t techies and knowledgeable with Apple devices.
Get Up to 2 Incidents of Accidental Damage Protection Every 12 Months
It’s part of AppleCare’s coverage to repair two incidents of accidental damage on the user’s end.
Battery Service Coverage
Apple has a bad reputation with its battery capacities. Out of the box, the battery is still in great shape. Still, once you use it for 500 complete charge cycles, the battery will only hold about 80% of its original capacity, significantly decreasing battery health.
Maybe you’re constantly using your iPhone while it’s still charging and think that this is the cause of your degrading battery. But do you want to know WHAT harms your iPhone’s battery? Then, take some time to read my Complete Guide to Charging iPhones to ensure that all your unanswered questions are answered.
With AppleCare, you can get your battery inspected to see if you need a replacement or not.
There are two types of AppleCare services available for purchase in the Apple store. It’s AppleCare+ and AppleCare with Theft and Loss. AppleCare Theft and Loss coverage are significant if you lose your phone in places that it’s hard to retrieve.
For example, you won’t dive at the bottom of the lake/ocean to retrieve your phone. So even though you’re paying extra for the theft and loss feature, I highly advise you to take this feature because the benefits are just incredible.
| AppleCare Services | AppleCare Benefits |
| One Stop for Support – Because iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, and Apple Watches are all a part of Apple’s integrated system, having an AppleCare plan will enable you to get services from Apple Experts to resolve most issues in a single call. | • 24/7 Priority Access to Apple Experts via Chat or Phone. • Same-Day Service in Most Major Metropolitan Areas World Wide. • Onsite Service: Schedule a Technician to Perform a Screen Repair At Your Home or Office. • Express Replacement Service: Apple will ship you a replacement device, so you don’t have to wait for a repair. • Mail-In-Repair: Mail in your iPhone using a prepaid shipping box provided by Apple. • Carry-In-Repair: Take your iPhone to an Apple Store or other Apple Authorized Service Provider. |
| Hardware Coverage – AppleCare is all about the repair and replacement hardware service for your iPhone and other Apple devices supporting the AppleCare protection plan. | • Your Apple Device: Get up to 2 incidents of accidental damage repairs every 12 months of the AppleCare subscription. Apple can even ship you a replacement device, so you no longer need to wait for repairs to be complete. • Battery: With AppleCare, you can get battery service if it retains less than 80% of its original battery capacity. |
| Software Support – With either AppleCare+ option, Apple experts can help troubleshoot issues with your iPhone, iOS, iCloud, and Apple-branded apps. | • Using iOS and iCloud. • Connecting to Wireless Networks. • Questions and Queries about Apple-branded iPhone apps such as FaceTime, Mail, and Calendar. • Any AppleID Related Issues. |
These are the features and benefits that come with AppleCare, and if you’re going to ask me if it’s worth it, it is. You can fully enjoy the Apple experience knowing that you have extra protection for your devices and easier access to tech support.
Is It Too Late to Add AppleCare to My Watch?
Does your Apple Watch exceed the 60 days after you purchased it? If not, then no, it’s not too late to get AppleCare to your Apple Watch.
Since an Apple Watch is something that you wear and is constantly exposed to the outside world, it will get more wear and tear compared to your iPhone.
Amongst all the Apple devices, I think that the Apple Watch is the most vulnerable to damages. You always run the risk of scratching the screen, completely breaking the screen on your watch, getting it slammed on doors, or cracked up against a desk.
If you add up all the benefits, you’ll know if the AppleCare is worth it for your Apple Watch. In addition, their extra repair service will help you with accidental events and factory defects.
Plus, if your Apple Watch does break, you’re going to need Apple to fix it because there aren’t a lot of third-party repair services out there that guarantee a 100% fixing rate when trying to repair your watch.
So what will you get if you think about availing of AppleCare for your Apple Watch? The price depends on what type of Apple Watch you own.
| Apple Watch Series | Estimated AppleCare Cost |
| Apple Watch Series 3 | $49 |
| Apple Watch SE | $49 |
| Apple Watch Series 4 | $79 |
| Apple Watch Series 5 | $79 |
| Apple Watch Series 6 | $79 |
| Apple Watch Nike | $79 |
| Apple Watch Edition | $149 |
| Apple Watch Hermes | $149 |
There’s also an option to pay for AppleCare’s subscription monthly. Again, the cost will also depend on what Apple Watch you’re currently using.
Can I Get AppleCare and Then Get My Screen Fixed?
If your screen broke within the first 60 days of the product’s purchase date, you could get Apple Care to replace your screen for $29 plus additional tax.
Suppose you can purchase AppleCare for your device within 60 days of purchase. In that case, you can immediately send it to Apple’s repair technicians and ask them to repair your device even if it broke before you purchased AppleCare, as they don’t have a way of knowing if it broke beforehand.
Regardless of the reason for breaking your iOS device’s screen, as long as it’s accidental, it’s eligible for repair. AppleCare will also ensure that your device gets replaced with genuine Apple parts to make it feel like your iPhone’s screen looks brand new.
To see the other damages Apple can detect to possibly void your warrant, I encourage you to read my detailed guide.
However, if your display is broken and you need a replacement for your iOS device entirely, then it’s no longer covered by AppleCare since it requires a new serial number. With that said, if only the screen is broken and you don’t need to replace the whole unit, AppleCare can help you.
Can You Get AppleCare After 60 Days?
In most countries, you can only get Apple Care within 60 days of device purchase (30 in Japan). Still, Apple wrote a memo to its employees to offer a one-year extended warranty to customers who pay via installments using an Apple Card. Those who pay via other monthly payments are not eligible.
You can read the Bloomberg report here. Interestingly the offer is still not on Apple’s website despite the information being from August 2020. I believe Apple wants to keep the offer quiet, so fewer people abuse the offer.
Your device still needs to be in good working condition, so no Apple Care after putting an iPhone in the microwave after water damage. However, once Apple employees verify the device is still in good condition, you could be eligible for the plan. It’s one way of encouraging customers to get into the AppleCare plan with devices long after 60 days.
There are many different AppleCare Protection Plan Terms and Conditions. In addition, it changes depending on the country you live. So make sure you head on to Apple’s website if you’re in for a long read of knowing what their Terms and Conditions say.
Does AppleCare Cover Physical Damage?
Apple Care does not cover physical damage. It only covers manufacturing defects within one year of the purchase date. AppleCare+ covers up to two incidents of accidental damage coverage for the iPhone. It’s $29 for screen damage and $99 for other damage plus additional tax.
Apple Care is the 1-year warranty you get when you purchase an Apple device, while AppleCare+ is a separate paid insurance subscription that usually has to be bought within 60 days of the device’s purchase date. Below are the costs associated with repairing a product under AppleCare+.
Even though you need to pay a deductible, it is FAR cheaper than repairing an Apple product outside of AppleCare+.
Apple Care + Cost Deductible Price List
- iPhone: $29 for screen damage, $99 for any other damage.
- iPad: $49 for any damage.
- Mac: $99 for screen damage (or external enclosure damage), $299 for other damage.
- Apple Watch: $69 for any damage.
- HomePod: $39 for any damage.
- iPod Touch: $29 for any damage.
Apple Care refers to Apple’s limited warranty and comes with up to 90 days of complimentary technical support. Both AppleCare+ and AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss extend that coverage1 and give you additional features such as 24/7 priority tech support and accidental damage protection.
Every iPhone comes with one year of hardware repair coverage through its limited warranty and up to 90 days of complimentary technical support. Both AppleCare+ and AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss extend that coverage1 and give you additional features such as 24/7 priority tech support and accidental damage protection.
Does AppleCare Cover Water Damage?
AppleCare+ covers up to two incidents of accidental damage (including water damage). For the iPhone, it’s $99 for water damage plus additional tax.
Water is notoriously deadly to electronics, and Apple might not be able to repair your iPhone if the water damage is too substantial. Please read my water damage iPhone guide for a complete guide to dealing with water damage to your iPhone, including what to do if it happens.
Can You Add AppleCare After the Warranty Expires?
Suppose you paid upfront for an AppleCare+ plan for your iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States. In that case, you may be able to extend AppleCare+ coverage within 30 days of your original coverage ending to continue beyond 24 or 36 months or a monthly or annual basis until canceled.
To find out if you can purchase the new coverage, check out mysupport.apple.com and follow the on-screen instructions. The further coverage automatically renews until canceled.
How to check when Apple Care+ coverage expires
- On your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, go to Settings > General > About, then tap the name of your AppleCare plan.
- Or go to mysupport.apple.com and sign in with your Apple ID. Then choose your device from the list.
- You can also find the expiration date in the Proof of Coverage or Plan Confirmation message sent to you when you purchase the AppleCare+ plan.
You won’t receive notifications that your plan is about to expire unless local law provides otherwise.
Curious about when you should replace an iPhone? It’s a question that’s always on my mind to know for sure see the 7 Signs Your iPhone Needs To Be Replaced (Helpful Tips)