You just spent over a thousand dollars on a brand-new iPhone 17 Pro. The glass feels like silk, the camera lenses look like high-end jewelry, and you’re terrified of dropping it. Then comes the prompt at checkout: "Add AppleCare+ for $9.99 a month?"
Honestly, it feels like a shakedown. But is it?
Most people confuse the standard warranty with the "Plus" version. They aren't the same. One covers the stuff Apple messed up; the other covers the stuff you mess up. Let’s get into the weeds of what AppleCare Plus actually does in 2026 and why the math has changed lately.
What is AppleCare Plus Exactly?
Think of AppleCare+ as a safety net for your clumsiness.
Every Apple device comes with a "Limited Warranty." That’s the basic one-year deal where if the motherboard spontaneously combusts or the screen develops a weird green line through no fault of your own, Apple fixes it for free. You also get 90 days of tech support.
AppleCare+ is the paid upgrade. It extends that warranty period and, crucially, adds protection for accidental damage.
Dropped it in the toilet? Covered.
Smashed the screen on a curb? Covered.
Toddler used your iPad as a frisbee? Yeah, that too.
In July 2025, Apple shook things up by introducing AppleCare One. It’s basically the "family plan" version of protection. Instead of paying $10/month for each device, you pay about $19.99/month to cover up to three devices. It’s a huge shift for households with multiple iPhones and iPads.
📖 Related: Instagram Video Download: Why It Is Harder Than It Used To Be
The Brutal Math of Repair Costs
If you don’t have AppleCare Plus, you’re basically "self-insuring." That’s fine if you’re careful, but Apple’s out-of-warranty repair prices are legendary for being painful.
Take the iPhone 17 Pro. If you crack that screen without protection, you’re looking at around $329 out of pocket. With AppleCare+, that same repair is a flat $29 service fee.
Here is how the "deductibles" (the extra bit you pay per repair) usually shake out across devices:
- iPhone Screen or Back Glass: $29
- iPad Screen Damage: $29 (though "other" damage on an iPad Pro can hit $99)
- MacBook Screen or External Enclosure: $99
- Any "Other" Accidental Damage: $99 for iPhones, $299 for Macs
- Theft or Loss Replacement: $149 for iPhones
Basically, if you break your screen even once, the plan has paid for itself. If you never break it, you just paid Apple a "peace of mind" tax.
The "Theft and Loss" Dilemma
There are actually two tiers of AppleCare Plus for iPhones: the standard accidental damage version and the "Theft and Loss" version.
The Theft and Loss version is a bit pricier—usually around $269 upfront or $13.49 a month for the latest Pro models—but it does exactly what it says. If someone snatches your phone at a concert, Apple will send you a replacement for a $149 deductible.
There’s a catch, though. You must have "Find My" enabled at the time the device goes missing. If you turned it off to save battery and then lost the phone, Apple won’t help you. No exceptions. They are very strict about this.
Is It Worth It for Everyone?
Honestly? No.
If you are the type of person who buys a "tank" case (like an OtterBox Defender) and a tempered glass screen protector the second you leave the store, you might be throwing money away. Modern Apple screens, especially the Ceramic Shield 2 found on the newer models, are surprisingly tough against drops.
But if you like the "caseless" life? It's mandatory.
I’ve seen people on Reddit argue that they’ve gone 10 years without a crack. Cool. They saved maybe $1,500 in premiums. I’ve also seen a single coffee spill kill a $2,500 MacBook Pro. Without AppleCare+, that's a paperweight. With it, it's a $299 fix.
One nuance people miss is the Express Replacement Service. This is a godsend. If your iPhone is acting up, Apple will ship you a replacement device before you even send your broken one back. You don’t have to go three days without a phone while yours is in the mail. For people who run their businesses off their phones, this feature alone justifies the cost.
Hidden Perks Nobody Talks About
Everyone knows about the smashed screens, but AppleCare Plus covers a few "invisible" things too:
- Battery Health: If your battery capacity drops below 80% of its original life, Apple replaces it for $0. Considering a battery swap usually costs $99 or more now, this is a great way to refresh an aging device after two years.
- Accessories: Your AppleCare+ for iPad also covers your Apple Pencil and the Magic Keyboard. If the Pencil's internal battery dies, it's covered under the iPad's plan.
- Global Coverage: If you’re traveling in Japan and your Mac dies, you can take it to an Apple Store in Tokyo. You don't have to wait until you get home.
The New "AppleCare One" Strategy
As of early 2026, the best value for most people is the AppleCare One subscription. Since it covers three devices for $19.99, the "per-device" cost drops significantly.
If you have an iPhone, an Apple Watch, and an iPad, individual plans would cost you nearly $30 a month. Switching to the "One" plan saves you $120 a year. Plus, they let you add older devices (up to four years old) if they pass a remote diagnostic test. That's a huge change from the old rule where you only had 60 days from purchase to buy coverage.
What You Should Do Right Now
Check your current status. Go to Settings > General > About on your iPhone or iPad. It will tell you right there if you have coverage or if you’re still in that 60-day window to buy it.
If you decide to skip the official Apple plan, at least check if your credit card offers "Cell Phone Protection." Many premium cards (like the Amex Platinum or Chase Freedom Flex) will cover up to $600-$800 in damage if you pay your monthly phone bill with the card. It’s not as seamless as walking into a Genius Bar, but it’s free.
Ultimately, AppleCare Plus isn't just about hardware; it's about not having to worry when you hear that "thud" on the kitchen floor. If that peace of mind lets you enjoy your tech more, get it. If you’re careful and have a healthy emergency fund, you’re probably better off skipping it and taking the risk.
Next Steps for You:
- Open the Support App on your device to see exactly how many days of eligibility you have left.
- Compare the monthly cost against your credit card's insurance benefits to see if you're already covered for free.
- If you have more than two Apple devices, look into the AppleCare One bundle to lower your total monthly bill.