AppleCare+ can be purchased from Apple in person, by phone, or online anytime within the first two years of owning your iPhone or iPad. If you already have AppleCare+, you can still purchase an additional plan at any time, provided that you are within your two-year warranty period and not past the 24-month mark of owning your device. However, you will pay the full retail price upfront if you are outside your warranty period and want to extend it with AppleCare+.
What is AppleCare
AppleCare is an insurance policy that covers your iPhone, iPad, iPod, or Mac if it is damaged or needs repairs. It also provides customer support for your devices. With AppleCare+, you are covered against two incidents of accidental damage, each subject to a $29 service for screen damage and $99 for any other type of damage.
If you break your phone twice in one year, the first time will cost $29 to fix, and the second time will cost $99 to fix (that’s the coverage limit).
When does AppleCare expire? You must purchase AppleCare within 60 days of purchasing your device to be eligible for its benefits. If you purchase outside of those 60 days, it can still be added to your device up until 14 days after purchase.
All devices come with a 90-day warranty, but with AppleCare+ purchased within 30 days of buying, the device extends to 2 years total, including 1 incident of accidental damage coverage at no extra charge.
What is not included? Lost or stolen devices and software performance issues such as app crashes are not included in the cover.
Can I Buy AppleCare at Any Time?
Several factors determine whether or not you can buy AppleCare at any time. The most crucial factor is the type of product you have. For instance, suppose you have an iPhone, you can purchase AppleCare+ within 60 days. But if you have a Mac, you must purchase AppleCare within one year of buying your computer.
Other factors include whether or not your product is still under warranty and if you have already purchased AppleCare in the past. Even if these requirements don’t apply to you, it’s always worth checking with Apple before purchasing to ensure they’ll honor your request.
When Does AppleCare Kick In?
Most people think they must purchase AppleCare when buying their new iPhone, iPad, or Mac. But the truth is, you can wait to decide whether or not you want to buy the extended warranty. Here’s what you need to know. If you purchase a device with AppleCare included, then there is no need to make any decisions about it.
It will be automatically included in your purchase price. However, if you are buying a device without any protection plan and would like to get one later on down the line, there are two options for adding it in: Add AppleCare+ after you’ve purchased your device or add it before your order ships. Either way, remember that each option has pros and cons.
Adding AppleCare+ after purchasing your device means it won’t come with the same accidental damage coverage as other plans. If you don’t use this particular service, opting for it now might seem more beneficial. On the other hand, if you need accidental damage coverage but still want to hold off on purchasing anything until closer to shipping day, adding AppleCare+ before your order ships will also help!
There’s no bad time to purchase AppleCare+, so feel free to weigh all of your options and see which one makes sense for you!
What is the Process of Buying AppleCare?
The process of buying AppleCare is pretty simple. You must visit the Apple website and purchase the plan that best suits your needs. If you’re unsure which plan to get, you can always call them, and they’ll be happy to help you. Once you have your plan, you must follow the instructions on the website and register your device. And that’s it! AppleCare now covers you.
How Long is My Protection With My Mac and iPhone Bought from Apple Store?
Some people assume that if they buy their Mac or iPhone from the Apple Store, they’re automatically covered by AppleCare. However, that’s not always the case. You might be amazed to know that you might not be covered. Here’s what you need to know about how long your protection lasts when you buy a new Mac or iPhone from the Apple Store;
Apple Stores sell new products with standard one-year warranties, but for an additional fee, you can purchase AppleCare+ for up to two years of extended warranty coverage and access to 24/7 customer support.
Apple Store employees are trained to ensure buyers understand which warranty applies and the benefits of upgrading to a more comprehensive plan before making purchases. Suppose you have questions about your specific situation, the Apple staff will happily help clarify any details with you.
If you purchase AppleCare+ before buying a device from the store (whether online or in person), it starts immediately after you leave the store with your purchase.
What Does AppleCare Cover?
Most people know that AppleCare is Apple’s extended warranty program. But what does it cover? Here’s a breakdown of the major service types covered by AppleCare:
- Apple hardware coverage: Covers your Mac, iPad, iPhone, iPod, and other products for three years after the purchase date against material defects and workmanship.
- Product performance coverage: Covers your Mac and iPhone for one year from the purchase date against manufacturing defects that render them inoperable or unusable in one or more ways – including (but not limited to) non-working display screens, and liquid damage, and mechanical failures. AppleCare+ may also cover device theft if you can remotely lock or erase the device with Find My iPhone before it’s lost.
- Replaceable battery coverage: Provides coverage for batteries that wear out during normal use but does not cover damages caused by neglecting your product. Negligence includes improper storage, dropping, or external pressure on battery cells; check with Apple Care support before bringing your device in for service.
- Non-Warranty Service Coverage: Your product won’t be covered if you modify its software without authorization from Apple, use unauthorized third-party products on an otherwise eligible product, or abuse this product by using it commercially – even occasionally.
For example, your MacBook Air will still be protected under AppleCare against malfunctions, but it will not be covered if you use it for commercial purposes.
What’s Not Covered by AppleCare?
Most people assume that AppleCare covers everything when it comes to their devices. However, that’s not the case. Here are some things that AppleCare does NOT cover:
- Water damage.
- Cosmetic damage.
- Lost or stolen devices.
- Normal wear and tear.
So if you’re planning on buying AppleCare, make sure you know what you’re getting into! Contact the Apple team for more information if you have any questions about your device and how AppleCare might cover it.
When Should You Consider Buying an Extended Warranty for Your iPhone or iPad?
Deciding whether or not to buy an extended warranty for your iPhone or iPad is a personal decision. Some people feel more comfortable with the added protection, while others would rather save money. There are a few things to consider when making your decision:
- How long do you usually keep your devices? If you tend to upgrade to the latest model as soon as it comes out, an extended warranty might not be worth it.
- How much use does your device get? If you’re always on the go and using your device for work or school, it might be worth considering an extended warranty in case of accidental damage.
- What is your budget? An extended warranty might not be feasible if you work with a tight budget.
Am I Legible for an Extension of My Mac Warranty?
It’s no secret that Apple products are some of the most popular on the market. But what happens when your Mac runs into a problem? Does the warranty cover it? And can you buy AppleCare at any time?
Here’s what you need to know about AppleCare and extended warranties for your Mac. First, if you purchased your Mac from an authorized retailer or the Apple website, your device is eligible for one year of hardware coverage and 90 days of complimentary phone support.
If this applies to you, then there is nothing more to purchase (though it is worth checking with the retailer). Customers who buy their Mac somewhere other than an authorized retailer or Apple are not eligible for these complimentary benefits unless they purchase AppleCare+ coverage within 60 days of their original purchase date.
Conclusion
You cannot buy AppleCare at any time. Apple only sells and provides support for its products. However, there are a few ways to get around this rule. You can purchase a third-party warranty, which will cover your device for a set period. Additionally, some credit cards offer extended warranty protection on purchases made with the card. Suppose you have questions about a specific situation; it’s best to contact Apple directly or consult with a professional.
References:
https://www.macworld.com/article/230521/applecare-warranty-faq.html
https://9to5mac.com/2020/08/28/add-applecare-mac/