AppleCare+ or a third-party warranty: which do people choose?
AppleCare+. Most people pick it for a reason.
It's the only one that covers you at the Genius Bar with no hassle. Third-party plans can be cheaper, but claims often mean mail-in repairs and fine print.
Checked Sep 9
What matters more to you?
Why?
Apple's own service AppleCare+ means same-day Genius Bar repairs, no shipping your device off.
Third-party is cheaper Plans like SquareTrade or Asurion can cost half as much, but claims often involve deductibles and delays.
Fine print bites Third-party plans exclude more: accidental damage caps, refurbished parts, and service center choices.
Prices and plan terms shift yearly, so check current quotes before you commit.
If your situation is different
What matters more to you: Cheapest upfront. Third-party, if the price gap is big. You'll save money now, but read the claim process before you buy.
What matters more to you: Easiest claims. AppleCare+. No contest. Walk into an Apple Store, get it fixed, done.
What matters more to you: Long coverage. AppleCare+ again. It extends to 24 months on most devices, and you can renew yearly on newer ones.
Who is AppleCare+ right for?
Right for
- People who drop their phone more than once a year
- Anyone who needs same-day repairs, not mail-in
- Owners of Pro models with expensive screens and cameras
- People who keep a device for two years or more
Wrong for
- People who use a case and screen protector religiously
- Those who upgrade every year and trade in
- Budget buyers who can absorb a repair cost
- People who live far from an Apple Store
What does AppleCare+ cost in 2026?
| Figure | Value | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone 17 Pro AppleCare+ | $199 for two years, 2026 | Covers unlimited accidental damage incidents with a $99 deductible per incident. |
| Screen repair with AppleCare+ | $29 deductible, 2026 | Out of warranty, a screen replacement costs $279 or more. |
| Third-party plan price | Often $100 to $150 for two years, 2026 | Cheaper upfront, but deductibles can run $75 to $150 per claim. |
| AppleCare+ monthly option | $9.99 per month, 2026 | Lets you cancel anytime, but costs more over two years than the lump sum. |
What's the biggest AppleCare+ mistake?
The biggest mistake is buying AppleCare+ after you already cracked the screen. Apple gives you 60 days from purchase to add it, but only if the device passes inspection. People wait, drop the phone, and then can't get coverage. Buy it at checkout or set a reminder for day 59.
How do you decide if AppleCare+ is worth it?
- Check your device's age: if it's past 60 days, AppleCare+ is off the table.
- Add up your last two years of repair costs: if you spent over $200, buy AppleCare+.
- Count how far you live from an Apple Store: if it's over an hour, factor in shipping time for third-party claims.
- Decide now: if you're on the fence, buy the monthly plan and cancel after a year if you never use it.
People also ask
What does a third-party plan actually cover?
Less than you'd think, and the fine print matters. Third-party plans usually cover mechanical breakdowns after the manufacturer's warranty ends, but they often exclude wear items, accidental damage, and cosmetic issues. Read
Can I add AppleCare+ after purchase?
Yes, but only within a window. Apple lets you add AppleCare+ within 60 days of buying the device, as long as it passes a quick remote diagnostic. After that, you're out of luck unless you buy it at the same
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