What does AppleCare cover?
AppleCare covers hardware and battery, not accidents.
Standard AppleCare extends your warranty to 3 years and covers defects and battery service, but drops and spills need AppleCare+.
Checked Sep 8
Why?
Two tiers, big difference AppleCare is the basic extended warranty; AppleCare+ adds accidental damage coverage for a fee.
Battery included If your battery holds under 80% of original capacity, they replace it free under either plan.
Accidents cost extra With AppleCare+, each incident has a deductible, and coverage is capped at two incidents a year.
Exact terms and prices shift with each product generation, so check Apple's current page for your device.
Who is AppleCare right for?
Right for
- People who keep a phone for 3 years
- Owners of MacBooks or iPads used daily
- Anyone prone to dropping their device
- Families with kids using iPads
Wrong for
- People who upgrade every year
- Those with a rugged case and no accident history
- Owners of cheap accessories like AirTags
- People who buy through carriers with their own coverage
What does AppleCare cost in 2026?
| Figure | Value | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| AppleCare+ for iPhone | $99 for 2 years, 2026 | Covers two accidental damage incidents per year with a deductible. |
| Screen repair deductible | $29 per incident, 2026 | Cheaper than the $279 out-of-warranty screen replacement. |
| Other damage deductible | $99 per incident, 2026 | Covers back glass, camera, and other non-screen damage. |
| Battery replacement | $0 if under 80% capacity, 2026 | Included in both AppleCare and AppleCare+ during the coverage term. |
| AppleCare+ for MacBook | $249 for 3 years, 2026 | Covers accidental damage with a $99 deductible per incident. |
What's the biggest AppleCare mistake?
The biggest mistake is buying AppleCare+ for a device you'll trade in within a year. You pay the full two-year price upfront, and the coverage doesn't transfer to your next phone. Instead, skip it if you upgrade annually, or buy the monthly plan so you can cancel when you trade in.
How do you decide if AppleCare is worth it?
- Check your device's age and how long you plan to keep it.
- Add up the cost of one likely repair without coverage.
- Compare that to the AppleCare+ price plus the deductible.
- If the repair cost is higher, buy AppleCare+ within 60 days of purchase.
People also ask
What's the difference between AppleCare and AppleCare+?
AppleCare+ is the one you want. AppleCare is just the standard warranty, AppleCare+ adds accident coverage and longer protection. You pay extra for AppleCare+, but it's the only one that covers drops and spills.
Is AppleCare+ worth it for an iPhone?
Worth it only if you're accident-prone. AppleCare+ covers hardware and battery, not accidents, so the real question is how likely you are to drop it. If you're careful, skip it and bank the money.
Does AppleCare cover screen repairs?
Yes, if it's AppleCare+. Plain AppleCare covers defects, not screen cracks. AppleCare+ covers accidental damage, so a cracked screen costs a service fee.
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