You just spent over a thousand dollars on a piece of glass and titanium. It feels incredible in your hand, but there is that nagging voice in the back of your head. What if it slips? What if it ends up at the bottom of a pool? You’re standing at the checkout counter, or scrolling through your settings, and you see the prompt for AppleCare+. Most of us just wonder, what does AppleCare cover exactly, and is it actually worth the extra monthly hit to the bank account?
It’s complicated. Or rather, Apple makes it look simple, but the fine print has some teeth.
Standard warranties are basically a pinky promise that the device won't explode on its own. AppleCare+ is more like a safety net for your own clumsiness. Most people think it’s just insurance, but it’s actually a service contract that bundles technical support with hardware repair. If you’re the type of person who carries an iPhone without a case, you’re playing a high-stakes game.
The Standard Warranty vs. AppleCare+
Every single Apple device comes with a limited warranty. It lasts one year. It covers manufacturing defects. That’s it. If your battery expands because of a chemical fluke, they’ll fix it. If the screen stops responding because of a faulty digitizer, they’ll fix it. But if you drop your iPad and the screen looks like a spiderweb, the standard warranty is useless. You’re on your own.
AppleCare+ is the paid upgrade. It extends that coverage—usually to two or three years depending on the device—and adds "accidental damage from handling." This is the big one. It means your "oops" moments are now covered, though they aren't totally free. You still pay a deductible. Think of it like car insurance. You pay the premium to have the plan, and then a small "co-pay" when you actually need to use it.
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What Does AppleCare Cover for iPhones?
Let's get specific. For the iPhone, AppleCare+ covers the device itself, the battery, and the included USB-C to Lightning cable. The battery coverage is a sleeper hit. If your battery health drops below 80% of its original capacity, Apple will swap it out for a fresh one at no cost. This is huge if you plan on keeping your phone for three or four years.
Accidental damage is where the math gets interesting.
For a cracked screen, you're looking at a $29 service fee. That is a steal compared to the $300+ you’d pay out of pocket for an iPhone 15 Pro Max screen replacement. If you smash the back glass, that’s another $29. But if you drop the phone in a lake or run it over with a car—what Apple calls "other accidental damage"—the fee jumps to $99. Still, paying a hundred bucks to get a brand-new (or refurbished to like-new) iPhone is a lot better than buying a new one at retail price.
There is also a tier called "AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss." It does exactly what it says. If your phone is stolen in a crowded subway or you leave it in a taxi, Apple will replace it. But there’s a catch. You must have "Find My" enabled on the device at the time it goes missing. If you turned it off to save battery or because you're privacy-conscious, Apple will deny the claim. No exceptions.
MacBooks and the Dreaded Liquid Spill
Laptops are different beasts. If you're wondering what does AppleCare cover for a MacBook, the scope is much wider. It covers the computer, the battery, the power adapter, and even the RAM if it fails.
Liquid damage is the number one killer of MacBooks. One spilled latte can fry a logic board instantly. Without AppleCare+, that’s often a $600 to $1,000 repair. With it? It falls under the "Tier 2" accidental damage fee, which is currently $299. It’s not cheap, but it’s the difference between a repair and a total loss. Screen damage or external enclosure damage on a Mac carries a $99 deductible.
Interestingly, AppleCare+ for Mac also covers the Apple USB SuperDrive and even some AirPort devices if you’re still rocking those, though those are becoming relics of the past. The coverage for Macs usually lasts for three years, and in many regions, you can now renew it annually after that initial period ends. This is a relatively new shift in Apple’s policy, moving toward a subscription model that lasts as long as you own the machine.
Apple Watch and the "Ultra" Factor
The Apple Watch lives on your wrist. It hits doorframes. It scrapes against gym equipment. Because of this, the AppleCare+ coverage is almost essential for the higher-end models.
For the Apple Watch SE and Series 9/10, the deductible for accidental damage is $69. For the Ultra? It’s $79. Considering the Ultra is marketed as a rugged, "indestructible" diving and hiking tool, it’s funny that they still charge a premium to fix it. But again, if you crack that sapphire crystal, you’ll be glad you have it.
One thing people forget: AppleCare+ for the watch also covers the band. If your expensive Link Bracelet or Alpine Loop breaks due to a defect, they’ll replace it. It’s a small detail, but when bands cost $100 or more, it matters.
The iPad and Its Expensive Accessories
If you use an iPad Pro as your main computer, you probably have a Magic Keyboard and an Apple Pencil. This is one of the best "secrets" of the program. When you buy AppleCare+ for an iPad, it also covers one Apple Pencil and one Apple-branded iPad keyboard.
If you sit on your Apple Pencil and snap it in half, the replacement fee is only $29. Given that a new Pencil Pro is $129, that’s a massive win. The iPad itself follows the same $49 deductible for any accidental damage. Whether it’s a cracked screen or a bent chassis, the price stays the same.
What is NOT Covered? (The "Gotchas")
Apple isn't a charity. There are very specific things they will not touch, even if you have the top-tier plan.
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- Abuse and Recklessness: If Apple technicians decide you've intentionally damaged the device, they can refuse service. Taking a hammer to your phone for a YouTube video won't be covered.
- Cosmetic Damage: Scratches happen. Scuffs on the aluminum happen. If the device still functions perfectly, AppleCare+ will not pay to fix it. You can't get a new screen just because you don't like a tiny hairline scratch.
- Unauthorized Modifications: If you took your iPhone to a third-party mall kiosk to get a cheap battery and then later try to use AppleCare+, you might be out of luck. Apple is notoriously prickly about "unauthorized parts." If they find a non-genuine screen inside, they may void your coverage entirely.
- Preventative Maintenance: They won't "tune up" your Mac or clean the dust out of your fans just because you asked. There has to be a failure or a documented performance drop.
The Global Travel Benefit
One of the coolest features of AppleCare+ is that it is global. If you are an American traveling in Japan and your iPhone screen shatters, you can walk into an Apple Store in Tokyo. They will see your coverage in the system. You pay the local equivalent of the deductible, and you get your fix.
This is a huge advantage over third-party insurance like SquareTrade or your carrier's insurance (Verizon/AT&T), which often require you to mail the device back to a specific warehouse in your home country. Apple's "Express Replacement Service" is also a lifesaver. They will mail you a new phone first, and then you send the broken one back. It ensures you are never without a device.
Is it Worth the Money?
Honestly? It depends on your lifestyle and your device.
If you buy a base-model $400 iPad, paying $79 for AppleCare+ plus a $49 deductible doesn't make much sense. You’re paying nearly 30% of the device's value just to insure it.
But for a $1,200 iPhone or a $2,500 MacBook Pro? The math flips. Repairing a MacBook screen without coverage can cost as much as a new entry-level laptop. In those cases, the peace of mind is worth the entry fee.
Next Steps for Your Device:
Check your current coverage status. You don't need to find your receipt; just go to Settings > General > About on your iPhone or iPad. It will tell you exactly how many days of eligibility you have left.
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If you are within the 60-day purchase window, you can still add AppleCare+ directly from your device. If you're past that, you might still be able to get it by bringing the device to an Apple Store for an inspection, though this is subject to local manager discretion.
If your battery is feeling sluggish, download the "Apple Support" app. You can run a remote diagnostic with a technician over chat to see if your battery health qualifies for a free replacement under your existing coverage. Don't leave money on the table if your hardware is failing.