You might be wondering what your AppleCare or AppleCare+ plan covers if you have to pay for it, and scratches might be one of your concerns. We will talk about whether AppleCare covers scratches, how it works, and some of the other things it does and does not cover.
AppleCare does not cover cosmetic damage such as scratches because they are usually due to user mishandling. They also do not affect the device’s functionality and thus are not covered under the AppleCare plans.
AppleCare plans cover hardware failures only. The AppleCare+ plans allow for two incidents of damage within 12 months. However, it still does not cover cosmetic damage. Therefore, such a plan would cover a cracked screen that causes functionality issues, but not a scratched screen that doesn’t affect the device’s use.
What Is the Regular Warranty for Apple Products?
Most of the Apple products you purchase come with a limited warranty that extends at least one year from purchase. Some items, such as the Apple Watch, have two-year warranties. These warranties cover manufacturer defects and hardware issues for which the user isn’t at fault. For example, Apple may repair or replace a phone if its speaker or screen malfunctions because of a hardware issue. In that case, they would cover the device for free under the limited warranty. Users can also receive 90 days of technical assistance from Apple experts.
What Is The Difference Between AppleCare and AppleCare+?
The length of time users get for technical support from Apple is one of the main differences between AppleCare and AppleCare+. AppleCare only provides 90 days of assistance, while AppleCare+ offers technical assistance for the entire time an individual has coverage. AppleCare+ also offers express replacement service and two theft or loss incidents for some devices for an additional fee.
How Long Does Applecare Last?
AppleCare coverage lasts two or three years, depending on the covered Apple product. Users who purchase month-to-month AppleCare+ plans can extend them out much longer.
Does AppleCare Cover Water Damage?
The regular AppleCare plan does not cover water damage. It is strictly limited to hardware failures and defects.
The AppleCare+ service does cover water damage, and the policy considers water damage an accidental incident. Users only have two incidents each year to have their units replaced or repaired for damage. Additionally, fees are involved for repairs and replacements.
Does AppleCare Cover Theft?
The regular AppleCare plan does not cover theft. However, you can purchase AppleCare+ with theft and loss coverage on it. This service is limited to the iPhone, and it has restrictions, guidelines, and deductibles. You’ll be entitled to file up to two claims per 12-month period. Theft and loss claims involve fees. Thus, you must be prepared to make a payment if you must replace your unit due to theft or loss.
You will also need to enable the “Find My” feature. If your iPhone is lost, you can activate the feature from a different device or use iCloud. The company requires that you file your lost or stolen claim within 60 days of the event.
You have several options to file a claim that your phone has been stolen. You can contact customer care on the phone or sign in to the Apple platform using your Apple ID and begin the online claim process.
You must keep “Find My” enabled on the lost device during the claim process. Apple will replace it once it approves your claim and gives you another device. The deductible for a lost iPhone is approximately $149.
How Much Does AppleCare+ Cost?
The cost of your AppleCare+ plan will depend on the device you own. Some plans are less expensive than others are. For example, AppleCare+ for the iPhone SE is only $80, or you can pay $4 a month. It’s $150 with theft and loss protection or a monthly fee of $8.
You’re looking at a higher payment for your AppleCare+ plan if you own a higher-end device. The plan’s cost for an iPhone Pro owner is $200 or $10 a month without theft and loss protection, and it costs $270 or $13.50 a month for someone who desires loss and theft coverage.
Do I Have to Pay a Deductible to Get My Phone Replaced or Repaired With AppleCare?
Yes, you will have to pay a deductible should you ever need to have your device repaired or replaced. Your deductible for iPhone replacement under the theft and loss protection will be $150. A screen replacement under the plan may cost you $30, and you might have to pay $100 for an accidental damage incident.
However, you will pay dearly for these replacements and repairs if you do not have coverage. A screen replacement will be in the ballpark of $280, and other repairs can cost you up to $550 and possibly more.
What Are Some of AppleCare’s Restrictions?
AppleCare only covers a certain number of claims or incidents each year. Also, it does not cover willful or intentional damage or device abuse. Therefore, you’ll want to think twice before you “accidentally” throw your phone on the ground to get a new one because of an uncovered cosmetic issue.
AppleCare also does not cover devices that have been tampered with by the owner. Therefore, you should not try to perform any repairs yourself or modify or “jailbreak” your device.
Is Getting AppleCare Worth It?
As with any product, it’s always wise to do the math to see if purchasing insurance or care plans helps you. With the prices of Apple products being so steep, just about any plan that lowers the cost of repairs and replacements will be beneficial. Think about the cost of a brand new version of the device you own and then compare it to the cost of the AppleCare plan and any deductibles you may have to pay if something happens. The plan is worth it if the latter is much less expensive. Of course, you could own your Apple device for many years and never have an issue or accidental damage, but it’s not always wise to roll the dice on that.
Now you have some information about AppleCare and what it covers. You can make informed decisions about how to proceed with caring for your device.
- How to Pair Meta Quest 3 Controllers with Your Quest 3 Headset: A Quick Guide
- How to Charge Meta Quest 3: A Guide to Powering Up Your VR Experience
- How to Cast Meta Quest 3 to Samsung TV: A Step-by-Step Guide
- How To Factory Reset Your Meta Quest 3: A Step-by-Step Guide
- How to Power On and Off the Meta Quest 3
