When you invest in a new iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, or AirPods, considering AppleCare is a common next step. Many users wonder, “What Does Apple Care Cover?” It’s a question that’s not always straightforward, and understanding the nuances of AppleCare and AppleCare+ is crucial to make an informed decision. This guide breaks down what AppleCare coverage entails, particularly focusing on accidental damage and water damage, to give you a clear picture of what you’re paying for.
AppleCare vs. AppleCare+: What’s the Difference?
It’s important to first distinguish between the standard AppleCare and the enhanced AppleCare+. Every Apple device comes with a standard AppleCare, which provides:
- One-year limited warranty: Covers defects in materials and workmanship.
- 90 days of complimentary technical support: Access to Apple Support via phone or online chat.
This standard coverage is automatically included with your purchase at no extra cost. However, it’s quite limited. It does not cover accidental damage, including drops or liquid spills.
AppleCare+, on the other hand, is an optional paid plan that significantly expands your coverage. It’s designed to give you peace of mind against unexpected mishaps.
Decoding AppleCare+ Coverage: Accidental Damage Included
The key differentiator of AppleCare+ is its accidental damage coverage. This is where the question “what does apple care cover?” truly gets interesting. AppleCare+ acknowledges that accidents happen in daily life. Whether it’s a cracked screen from a drop or water damage from an unexpected spill, AppleCare+ can help mitigate the repair costs.
What constitutes “accidental damage” under AppleCare+? According to Apple and user experiences, it generally includes:
- Screen damage: Cracks, shatters, or malfunctions of the display.
- Liquid damage: Exposure to water or other liquids that cause the device to malfunction.
- Damage from drops and impacts: Damage resulting from unintentional drops or collisions.
- Other physical damage: Unforeseen damage that affects the functionality of the device.
It’s important to note that AppleCare+ typically covers incidental or unintentional damage. Damage resulting from abuse, misuse, or intentional acts is generally not covered. For example, intentionally submerging your iPhone in the pool for extended periods might be considered misuse.
Does AppleCare+ Cover Water Damage? Yes, With Caveats.
One of the most frequently asked questions is whether AppleCare+ covers water damage. The answer is yes, AppleCare+ generally covers water damage as accidental damage. If your iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, or AirPods are damaged due to accidental liquid exposure, you can utilize your AppleCare+ coverage.
However, there are important points to consider:
- Service Fees Apply: While AppleCare+ covers accidental damage, it doesn’t mean repairs are free. You will need to pay a service fee or deductible for each incident. These fees vary depending on the type of damage and device. For example, screen damage usually has a lower service fee than other types of accidental damage.
- Limited Incidents: AppleCare+ typically provides coverage for a limited number of accidental damage incidents, usually two incidents every 12 months. Once you’ve used up your incidents, you’ll have to pay out-of-warranty costs for any further repairs.
- Device Possession: The damage must occur while the device is in your possession. Loss or theft is not covered under standard AppleCare+, although AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss is available for iPhones.
- Reasonable Use: As mentioned earlier, extreme or intentional misuse that leads to water damage might not be covered. Apple expects devices to be used in a reasonably careful manner.
To illustrate the point about service fees, consider the current (as of late 2024) AppleCare+ service fees for iPhones in the U.S. market:
- Screen Damage: $29
- Any Other Accidental Damage: $99
These fees are significantly lower than the out-of-warranty repair costs, which can be hundreds of dollars, especially for water damage or other internal component failures.
What AppleCare+ Doesn’t Cover
While AppleCare+ offers broad coverage, it’s not a blanket protection against everything. It’s crucial to understand what’s not covered under AppleCare+:
- Loss and Theft (unless you have AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss): Standard AppleCare+ does not cover lost or stolen devices.
- Cosmetic Damage: Minor cosmetic damage that doesn’t affect the functionality of the device, such as scratches or dents, is generally not covered.
- Damage from Abuse or Misuse: Intentional damage, reckless behavior, or use outside of normal operating conditions is not covered.
- Wear and Tear: Normal wear and tear from everyday use is not considered accidental damage.
- Damage from Fire, Earthquake, or Other Major Disasters: These types of events are usually beyond the scope of accidental damage coverage.
Making the Most of Your AppleCare+
To maximize the benefits of your AppleCare+ plan, keep these points in mind:
- Register your device: Ensure your AppleCare+ plan is correctly registered to your device.
- Understand your coverage period: AppleCare+ typically lasts for 24 or 36 months, depending on the device and plan. Know when your coverage expires.
- Act promptly: If your device is damaged, seek repair service as soon as possible.
- Use authorized service providers: To ensure coverage, use Apple Authorized Service Providers or Apple Retail Stores for repairs.
- Review the terms and conditions: Familiarize yourself with the complete terms and conditions of your AppleCare+ plan for detailed information.
Conclusion: Is AppleCare+ Worth It?
Understanding “what does apple care cover” reveals the significant value of AppleCare+, especially its accidental damage coverage. While the standard AppleCare offers basic warranty and support, AppleCare+ provides crucial protection against unexpected accidents, including water damage, for a service fee. For many users, especially those prone to accidents or who rely heavily on their Apple devices, AppleCare+ offers valuable peace of mind and can save significant costs in the long run if the unexpected happens. Weigh the cost of AppleCare+ against the potential repair costs and your personal risk tolerance to determine if it’s the right choice for you.
