Applecare vs. Applecare+-Eliminating the confusion between the two warranties

If you have an Apple device, you have probably paid a high cost for it. You have to pay attention to the warranty and ensure that it covers the device against different situations so that you don’t incur high cost in the future.

Apple offers its customers two warranties as it continues expanding its lineup of products. These are referred to as Applecare and Applecare+. Though many people use these two terms interchangeably, they are not the same. Understanding both warranties can help you determine the right one based on the Apple device you own.

What are the differences between Applecare and Applecare+?

Applecare vs. Applecare+-How do they compare?

• Warranty period

From the names above, you can tell that both warranties come from the same company. Applecare refers to the limited warranty that covers your device for one year. Applecare+ has a longer warranty period than Applecare since it covers devices for at least two years.

• Coverage

Applecare only covers devices for manufacturing defects. It cannot help you if your smartphone cracks or falls in a pool. Applecare+, on the other hand, covers not only manufacturing defects but also accidental damage. Applecare+ is, therefore, less limiting since it offers a more comprehensive coverage compared to the regular Applecare.

• Support

Apple offers different levels of support to customers who sign up for different warranty options. If you only have Applecare, you can only receive phone support for 90 days. This is different from customers who buy Applecare+ since they can enjoy 24/7 priority support for a longer time. Applecare+, therefore, comes with a better support system compared to Applecare.

• Other services

Before settling for a certain warranty option, you should also find out any other services you can get from it. Applecare is quite limiting since it does not come with extra services like Applecare+.Applecare+ has some impressive services such as express replacement and free battery replacement.

Applecare vs. Applecare+-A comparison overview

Applecare overview

Apart from knowing Apple’s different products, customers should also understand the costs associated with them. If, for instance, you buy an iPhone or iPad from Apple, the company will give a standard warranty known as Applecare. This comes with the purchase of any Apple product. The warranty is designed to cover the device and its accessories against defects. If the device you buy from this company has manufacturing issues, you can get a replacement under the Applecare warranty.

This is meant to cover the device for only one year. The warranty is limited since it does not cover accidental damage. If, for instance, the screen of your iPhone cracks and you only have Applecare, you may have to pay a particular fee to have it replaced by the company.

Though Applecare has its flaws, the company will offer phone support for at least 90 days. Though Applecare does not come with phone support beyond this period, you can get in-store support if you are not very far away from an Apple store. Even though this limited warranty comes at no cost, you may end up paying more cash if in the long run. You can get a free battery replacement under this warranty within the one year period. After this, you may incur a cost of $49 to replace the battery for a device such as an iPhone.

Pros

• It comes with 90-day phone support.
• It covers Apple devices against manufacturing defects.
• This warranty comes at no cost.

Cons

• It does not cover accidental damage.
• The warranty period is short.
• It does not have extra services such as express replacement.

Applecare+

Though Apple devices come with a limited warranty, Apple gives customers a chance to extend this. Applecare+ is, therefore, an extended warranty that can cover devices for at least two years. People consider signing up for Applecare+ since most smart devices get damaged within two years. You can buy Applecare+ for iPhone, iPad, AirPods, or even Mac. This warranty covers not only the device but also its accessories, such as a power adapter.

It covers devices against manufacturing defects and accidental damage. Buying Applecare+ can therefore give you peace of mind since you only have to pay a deductible to get it repaired. For instance, Applecare+ charges $ 29 as the deductible for screen repairs. This extended warranty comes with free battery replacement.

One of the services that make Applecare+ unique is the express replacement. If, for instance, you have a device that needs repair and have mailed it back to the company, it will send a new device that you can use while it repairs your old one. Many customers appreciate this service since it eliminates inconveniences if one is in dire need of the device.

Apart from that, Applecare+ also offers technical support round the clock. Since Apple offers subscribers of Applecare+ priority support, you don’t have to deal with long queues at the store when you have an issue.

Pros

• This can cover your device for at least two years.
• Offers coverage for accidental damage
• Excellent technical support
• Express replacement comes in handy when you need to use a device.
• It comes with free battery replacement.

Cons

• It does no cover loss or theft.

Verdict: So, which is better? Applecare or Applecare+

When we compared Applecare to Applecare+, we discovered why many customers opt for the extended warranty. Applecare+ offers a two year coverage period and include accidental damage in the plan. You can also enjoy more services such as 24/7 priority support and express replacement from this warrant. We, therefore, choose Applecare+ as the clear winner.

FAQs

Can I purchase Applecare+ later?

Yes. You can either sign up for this warranty the day you buy an Apple device or any other time within 60 days of purchase.

Is there a warranty option from Apple that covers theft and loss?

Yes. The company came up with a third warranty option known as Applecare+ theft and loss.