Is AppleCare+ Really Worth It?

© Guillermo Ramos / EyeEm - Getty Images   It depends on the device.

By Courtney Linder, Popular Mechanics

For the most part, Apple and the right-to-repair movement don't see eye-to-eye. That means that if you break or damage components of your iPhone, MacBook, Apple Watch, or other Apple product, you need to send in or physically take the device to an Apple Store or approved shop to avoid breaking your warranty—and that can really add up.

Here's a definitive list of all of Apple's extended warranties, what's included, and whether or not you should bite the bullet and tack on the additional expense when you buy a new piece of hardware.

Keep in mind, most of these packages allow you to add AppleCare+ after the point-of-purchase for 90 days, or in some cases 12 months. Just note that you'll have to include proof-of-purchase and run remote diagnostic tests to prove that your device is already in working order.

iPhone

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Out of your arsenal of Apple products, your iPhone is, no doubt, the most used and the most vulnerable to damage. After all, you take it to work, the gym, the grocery store—everywhere. Even with the best drop-proof case, you still might see a hairline fracture here and there. It's made of glass, come on. And after #BatteryGate, you probably have trust issues.

What do I get? Depending on the model of iPhone, there are different AppleCare+ for iPhone offerings. Here's the pricing scheme:

• iPhone 7/8: $129 for AppleCare+, $199 for AppleCare+ with theft and loss coverage

• iPhone 7+/8+/11/XR: $149 for AppleCare+, $249 for AppleCare+ with theft and loss coverage

• iPhone XS/XS Max/11 Pro/11 Pro Max: $199 for AppleCare+, $299 for AppleCare+ with theft and loss coverage

In each case, the device comes with a one-year limited warranty, including hardware repair coverage, plus 90 days of technical support. AppleCare+ extends this to 24 months after your purchase date and includes Express Replacement Service, which means Apple will send you a replacement iPhone before you send your own device in for repairs. Plus, you'll get two incidents of accidental damage coverage, subject to a service fee: $29 plus tax for a broken screen and $99 plus tax for other damages. This covers the phone, battery, included earphones, and accessories that come in the box.

The nice thing about the iPhone's extended warranty is that you can upgrade to a higher tier that includes theft and loss—which Apple doesn't include for most other hardware. Be careful: you must have the Find My app switched on at the time of loss. Replacements are subject to the following service fees:

• $199.00 for iPhone 8, iPhone 7

• $229.00 for iPhone 11, iPhone XR, iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone 7 Plus

• $269.00 for iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max, iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max

The verdict: Worth it. You probably want to keep your iPhone for at least two years. There's an uncomfortably high chance that you could damage the phone by dropping it in the toilet, running it over, or dropping it on concrete. If you have a habit of straight-up losing your phone, even more reason to purchase an AppleCare+ plan for your device.

Mac

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Whether you own a MacBook or a desktop Mac, Apple's line of computers are the most expensive hardware that you can buy from the tech giant. The more common devices, like the new Macbook Air, cost $999, while a Mac Pro starts at a staggering $5,999.

What do I get? Each Mac automatically comes with one year of hardware repair coverage and 90 days of complimentary technical support. AppleCare+ for Mac extends this to three years from the purchase date and includes coverage for two incidents of accidental damage, plus a service fee of $99 for screen damage or external damage and $299 for other damages, plus tax. This covers the computer, the battery, accessories like the power adapter, memory (RAM), AirPort, and Apple USB SuperDrive.

Here's the price schedule for each model. If you don't add coverage at the time of purchase, you have 60 days thereafter to do so:

• Mac mini: $99

• iMac: $169

• iMac Pro: $169

• Mac Pro: $299

• MacBook: $249

• MacBook Air: $249

• 13-inch MacBook Pro: $269

• 15-inch MacBook Pro: $379

The verdict: Worth it. Please, don't tango with destiny. Even if you never take your MacBook outside, assume the worst. I paid $400 for a cracked 13-inch MacBook screen three summers ago when my roommate's nine-pound cat jumped on my computer. I didn't have AppleCare+, but this incident alone would have justified the upfront investment.

Apple Display

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What do I get? Each monitor comes with a one-year limited warranty that covers hardware repairs and includes 90 days of tech support. AppleCare+ for Apple Display extends this to three years and covers two instances of accidental damage, subject to service fees. It's $99 for damage to the screen or enclosures and $299 for other damage, plus tax. This covers the display, itself, the power cord, and the Apple-branded stand and mount.

The verdict: Not worth it. The only reason to buy the extended warranty is if an absolute abundance of caution is the only way you'll be able to sleep at night after buying a monitor from Apple. It's pretty difficult to drop something on an upright screen and you won't be lugging this baby around with you very often.

The main exception? If you move around a lot, AppleCare+ might be a worthwhile investment. Otherwise, invest in bubblewrap.

iPad

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What do I get? iPads come with a one-year limited warranty plus 90 days of tech support. Beyond that, AppleCare+ for iPad extends it to cover up to two accidents every 24 months, subject to a service fee of $49 for the iPad and $29 for the Apple Pencil or Apple-branded iPad keyboard, plus tax. The extended warranty costs $129 for iPad Pro and $69 for iPad, iPad Air, and iPad mini.

The verdict: It might be worth it. Depending on the nature of your iPad use, the chances of breaking the device could be akin to that of your iPhone, if you're constantly traveling with the iPad, or could be closer to that of a Mac if you keep it tucked away for home use. Only you really know your own habits, so I recommend doing a gut check on this one.

Even though it sounds like a sweet deal for the $129 second-gen Apple Pencil alone, which is small and prone to loss, the extended warranty doesn't cover loss. So pass if this is part of your reasoning.

Apple Watch

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Considering the latest Apple Watch Series 5 starts at $399 but can run up to $799, it's understandable if you have a bit of anxiety about sporting this much moola on your wrist. If you're exercising at home, there's always a chance you could smack your wrist off of a piece of furniture and shatter the watch face, and that's just inside.

What do I get? While most Apple Watches comes with a one-year complimentary warranty, which includes repairs and software support for three months, AppleCare+ for Apple Watch and Apple Watch Nike extends your coverage and includes up to two incidents of accidental damage every 24 months. Each incident is subject to a $69 service pee, plus tax, but that's way cheaper than, say, a $299 out-of-pocket fee for a broken screen. The cost? It's $49 for Apple Watch Series 3 and $79 for Apple Watch Series 4 and 5. This covers the watch, the battery, the charging cable, and power adapter.

It's important to note that the higher-tier Apple Watch Edition and Apple Watch Hermès products come with a two-year warranty when you purchase them, and the extended warranty package is different from the one you can buy for a standard Apple Watch model. AppleCare+ for Apple Watch Edition and Apple Watch Hermès extends your coverage to 36 months and includes two incidents of accidental damage, subject to a $79 service fee and tax. This package costs $149, but that's not so bad considering the watch, itself, costs $1,299.

The verdict: Worth it. If you have one of the more-common Apple Watches, like a Series 4 or 5, even one screen or battery replacement will pay for the cost of AppleCare+, even if you factor in the service fee. If you have a higher-tier Apple Watch, which costs over $1,000, this extended warranty is an absolute no-brainer and will also pay for itself after one incident. Just don't lose your watch—again, that's not covered.

AirPods/Beats Headphones

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Let's run through a common scenario: you lost one of your AirPods. If you own AirPods Pro, each lost earbud will run you $89—yes, even if you're still under warranty, because losses aren't covered. The OG AirPods, meanwhile, cost $69 for each replacement. AppleCare+ costs $29. Is it worth it?

What do I get? AppleCare+ for Headphones sets you up with two additional years of coverage from your purchase date and support for up to two incidents of accidental damage coverage. Specifically, this pertains to defects, poor battery life, and accidental damage due to your personal handling of the device. Lost AirPods aren't covered. But if your dog frequently uses your Beats as a chew-toy, you're covered. Each issue is subject to a service fee of $29 plus tax.

The verdict: Not worth it. The reality is that you'll probably lose one AirPod, at least once, before you're ready to upgrade. It sounds smart to purchase AppleCare+, but lost devices aren't covered.

So unless you think you'll drop your Beats or AirPods into water or run them over as frequently as you might, say, your iPhone—skip this. Just keep your AirPods inside their charging case anytime you're not using them, and you're less likely to break or lose them. And hey, if you change your mind, you can add AppleCare+ for up to 60 days after the initial purchase.

Apple TV

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The new Apple TV 4K, in particular, costs $179 for a 32-gigabyte device and $199 for the 64-gigabyte option. The AppleCare Protection Plan—it's not AppleCare+ because it doesn't cover accidental damage—will run you an additional $29.

What do I get? The AppleCare Protection Plan for Apple TV will give you peace of mind for an additional two years from your purchase date. Services include full coverage for replacements of the Apple TV, itself, AirPort, and the included Siri Remote and power cord. Note: this is for damaged or malfunctioning hardware, not lost hardware. You'll also get software support for things like setting up Apple TV, connecting to WiFi or iCloud, renting and purchasing movies, and using AirPlay to play content from your other Apple devices.

The verdict: Not worth it. If your Apple TV is faulty, you'll likely figure that out within the first year, while it's still under warranty. And here's the thing: most of the software support is for relatively simple tasks that you could easily look up online. Not to mention, it's not like you're going to be carrying around your Apple TV in precarious situations—it'll mostly remain stagnant on your entertainment stand. Pass on this one, you're better off spending your money on a different AppleCare product.

HomePod

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What do I get? The HomePod comes with a one-year limited warranty and 90 days of tech support. AppleCare+ for HomePod brings that to two years from the date of purchase and includes two incidents of accidental damage, subject to a $39 service fee, plus tax. The extended warranty costs $39.

The verdict: It might be worth it. Considering the extended warranty costs about one tenth of the price of the product, it looks like a worthwhile investment. Again, though, this is up to personal preference. It's probably not as important as buying AppleCare+ for your iPhone, so if you have to pick your battles, don't pick this one.

See more at: Popular Mechanics