Is AppleCare+ worth it?
Probably, if you're accident-prone or keep phones a while.
AppleCare+ pays off when you crack screens or need battery swaps past the first year. If you're careful and upgrade yearly, skip it.
Checked Sep 8
How often do you break or damage your devices?
Why?
Screen repairs are pricey A single iPhone screen replacement can run $200 to $300, while AppleCare+ is often under $200 for two years.
Battery and other coverage It covers battery replacement and accidental damage beyond the standard warranty, which is handy after year one.
Cost adds up if unused If you never damage anything, you're paying for peace of mind you didn't need.
If your situation is different
How often do you break or damage your devices: Never. Skip it. You're unlikely to use it, and the cost adds up over a few years.
How often do you break or damage your devices: Once or twice. Probably worth it. One screen repair can cost more than the plan, so it pays for itself.
How often do you break or damage your devices: All the time. Get it. You'll likely use it within the first year, and it covers more than just cracks.
Who is AppleCare+ right for?
Right for
- People who have cracked a screen before
- Parents of teenagers with phones
- Anyone who keeps a phone three years or more
- People who use their phone without a case
Wrong for
- People who upgrade every year
- People who never dropped a phone
- People who always use a rugged case
- People who buy budget phones under $300
What does AppleCare+ cost in 2026?
| Figure | Value | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone screen replacement without AppleCare+ | $200 to $300, 2026 | One crack can exceed the full two-year AppleCare+ price. |
| AppleCare+ for iPhone | $199 for two years, 2026 | Covers unlimited accidental damage incidents with a service fee each. |
| AppleCare+ service fee per incident | $29 for screen, $99 for other damage, 2026 | You still pay a fee, but far less than the full repair cost. |
| Battery replacement with AppleCare+ | $0 if below 80% capacity, 2026 | Without it, a battery swap runs about $89 to $99. |
| AppleCare+ monthly option | $9.99 per month, 2026 | You can cancel anytime, but two years upfront is usually cheaper. |
What's the biggest AppleCare+ mistake?
The biggest mistake is buying AppleCare+ for a phone you'll trade in within a year. You pay the full two-year price or monthly fees, and the coverage barely gets used. Instead, decide based on your actual drop history: if you've never cracked a screen, skip it and put the money in a repair fund.
How do you decide if AppleCare+ is worth it?
- Check your last two phones: did either get cracked or need a battery swap?
- If yes, get AppleCare+ at purchase or within 60 days.
- If no, skip it and set aside $200 in savings for a possible repair.
- If you upgrade yearly, skip it and rely on the one-year warranty.
People also ask
Does it cover theft or loss?
Usually yes, but check the policy. Most renters and homeowners policies cover theft, but loss (like misplacing an item) often isn't covered unless you add it.
Can I buy it after I already own the device?
Yes, you can buy it after you already own the device. Most stores and platforms let you purchase a product or service even if you already have the device. The catch is whether it's a one-time purchase or a subscription tied to the
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