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AppleCare+ vs. the Standard Warranty: What Your Device Gets

Apple’s standard warranty generally covers defects, while AppleCare+ can add accidental-damage service and support. Exact coverage and fees depend on your device, plan and location.
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In the US, Apple’s standard limited warranty generally covers defects in materials and workmanship for one year from the original retail purchase—not accidental damage. AppleCare+ is an optional plan that can add accidental-damage service, hardware coverage and support, but coverage, fees and duration depend on the product and plan. Your exact terms and local consumer-law rights matter.

What the standard Apple warranty covers

For eligible Apple-branded products covered by its US iOS warranty, Apple provides one year of coverage from the original retail purchase for defects in materials and workmanship during normal use and in accordance with Apple’s published guidelines. That is a defect-focused warranty, not general protection against drops, spills or other accidents. Apple’s US iOS warranty terms exclude accidental damage.

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That specific document is for iOS products; do not assume every detail applies to a Mac, Apple Watch or another product family. Apple says most products include one year of limited-warranty hardware coverage, but the applicable product warranty sets the exact terms. See Apple’s AppleCare overview and your device’s warranty documentation.

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What AppleCare+ adds

AppleCare+ is optional additional coverage. Depending on the product and plan, it can extend hardware coverage, add accidental-damage protection and provide priority support. AppleCare+ terms also provide no-charge hardware service for covered defects and, for covered devices with integrated rechargeable batteries, battery service when capacity falls below 80% of original specifications.

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For accidental damage from handling, Apple may repair or replace covered equipment subject to the plan’s terms and applicable service fee. AppleCare+ does not mean every repair is free, and no single plan duration, price or eligibility rule applies to every product or location. Check the terms for your specific device and the plan confirmation. Apple’s North America AppleCare+ terms illustrate how the details are defined by plan and territory.

AppleCare+ and the standard warranty compared

Question Standard limited warranty AppleCare+
What cause is covered? Eligible defects in materials and workmanship under the applicable warranty terms; the cited US iOS warranty excludes accidental damage. Covered defects, plus accidental-damage service for eligible devices when included in the plan; fees and exclusions apply.
How long does coverage last? One year from original retail purchase under the cited US iOS warranty. Other product warranties and local rules may differ. Duration depends on product, plan and location; check the exact offer and confirmation.
What might service cost? Covered warranty repairs are subject to the warranty terms. Accidental damage is not covered by the cited warranty. Accidental-damage claims can have a device- and damage-specific fee. See Apple’s live service-fee schedule.
What support or service is included? Coverage and support are governed by the product warranty. Apple describes AppleCare plans as adding features such as priority support; precise service options depend on the plan.
Do legal rights change? No. Warranty benefits are additional to applicable statutory rights. No. The plan does not replace mandatory consumer-law rights.

Accidental-damage fees can still apply

As a current US example, Apple’s fee schedule lists $29 for eligible iPhone screen and back-glass damage and $99 for other accidental damage. These are examples from Apple’s schedule, not universal prices: the applicable fee depends on the product and damage, and the schedule can change. Confirm the amount for your device on Apple’s fees and deductibles page.

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  • Product Eligibility: Plan must be purchased with a product or within 30 days of the product purchase. Pre-existing conditions are not covered.
  • Terms & Details: More information about this protection plan is available within the “Product guides and documents” section. Simply click “User Guide” for more info. Terms & Conditions will be available in Your Orders on Amazon. Asurion will also email your plan confirmation with Terms & Conditions to the address associated with your Amazon account within 24 hours of purchase.

How to decide whether AppleCare+ is worth it

The coverage comparison alone cannot answer whether the plan is a good value. Consider the plan price and duration offered for your device and location, the repair costs you might otherwise face, applicable service fees, and how comfortable you are paying an unexpected repair bill.

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  • Identify the exact device and the AppleCare+ offer available for it.
  • Compare the total plan cost over its stated duration with the repairs and accidental-damage fees that matter to you.
  • Consider your likely exposure to accidental damage and whether you prefer predictable plan costs to a possible larger repair bill.
  • Read the plan confirmation and applicable terms before relying on a particular repair, battery service or support benefit.
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Consumer-law rights still apply

Warranty and AppleCare+ terms do not necessarily define all of your rights. Apple says its limited-warranty benefits are additional to rights and remedies under applicable consumer-protection laws, including laws in the country where you bought or live with the product. The rules vary by jurisdiction, so check the relevant local law and product terms for your situation. Apple explains this in its consumer-law rights statement.

Quick Recap

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TRUSTED CYBERSECURITY: Digital security with scam detection for emails and texts.
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Bestseller No. 2
ASURION 3 Year Electronics Protection Plan ($250 - $299.99)
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No Additional Cost: You pay nothing for repairs – parts, labor, and shipping included.
$36.99
Bestseller No. 3
ASURION 3 Year Electronics Protection Plan ($450 - $499.99)
ASURION 3 Year Electronics Protection Plan ($450 - $499.99)
No Additional Cost: You pay nothing for repairs – parts, labor, and shipping included.
$60.99
Bestseller No. 4
ASURION 3 Year Electronics Protection Plan ($1500 - $1999.99)
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No Additional Cost: You pay nothing for repairs – parts, labor, and shipping included.
$173.99
Bestseller No. 5
ASURION 3 Year Electronics Protection Plan ($1000 - $1249.99)
ASURION 3 Year Electronics Protection Plan ($1000 - $1249.99)
No Additional Cost: You pay nothing for repairs – parts, labor, and shipping included.
$119.99
Best Value
ASURION 3 Year Electronics Protection Plan ($1000 - $1249.99)
  • No Additional Cost: You pay nothing for repairs – parts, labor, and shipping included.
  • Coverage: Plan starts on the date of purchase. Malfunctions covered after the manufacturer's warranty. Power surges covered from day one. Real experts are available 24/7 to help with set-up, connectivity issues, troubleshooting and much more.
  • Easy Claims Process: File a claim anytime online or by phone. Most claims approved within minutes. If we can’t repair it, we’ll send you an Amazon e-gift card for the purchase price of your covered product or replace it.
  • Product Eligibility: Plan must be purchased with a product or within 30 days of the product purchase. Pre-existing conditions are not covered.
  • Terms & Details: More information about this protection plan is available within the “Product guides and documents” section. Simply click “User Guide” for more info. Terms & Conditions will be available in Your Orders on Amazon. Asurion will also email your plan confirmation with Terms & Conditions to the address associated with your Amazon account within 24 hours of purchase.
Rank #4
ASURION 3 Year Electronics Protection Plan ($1500 - $1999.99)
  • No Additional Cost: You pay nothing for repairs – parts, labor, and shipping included.
  • Coverage: Plan starts on the date of purchase. Malfunctions covered after the manufacturer's warranty. Power surges covered from day one. Real experts are available 24/7 to help with set-up, connectivity issues, troubleshooting and much more.
  • Easy Claims Process: File a claim anytime online or by phone. Most claims approved within minutes. If we can’t repair it, we’ll send you an Amazon e-gift card for the purchase price of your covered product or replace it.
  • Product Eligibility: Plan must be purchased with a product or within 30 days of the product purchase. Pre-existing conditions are not covered.
  • Terms & Details: More information about this protection plan is available within the “Product guides and documents” section. Simply click “User Guide” for more info. Terms & Conditions will be available in Your Orders on Amazon. Asurion will also email your plan confirmation with Terms & Conditions to the address associated with your Amazon account within 24 hours of purchase.
Rank #3
ASURION 3 Year Electronics Protection Plan ($450 - $499.99)
  • No Additional Cost: You pay nothing for repairs – parts, labor, and shipping included.
  • Coverage: Plan starts on the date of purchase. Malfunctions covered after the manufacturer's warranty. Power surges covered from day one. Real experts are available 24/7 to help with set-up, connectivity issues, troubleshooting and much more.
  • Easy Claims Process: File a claim anytime online or by phone. Most claims approved within minutes. If we can’t repair it, we’ll send you an Amazon e-gift card for the purchase price of your covered product or replace it.
  • Product Eligibility: Plan must be purchased with a product or within 30 days of the product purchase. Pre-existing conditions are not covered.
  • Terms & Details: More information about this protection plan is available within the “Product guides and documents” section. Simply click “User Guide” for more info. Terms & Conditions will be available in Your Orders on Amazon. Asurion will also email your plan confirmation with Terms & Conditions to the address associated with your Amazon account within 24 hours of purchase.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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