Apple introduces AppleCare+ for iPhone covering accidental damage
Apple on Tuesday introduced AppleCare+ for iPhone, a new extended warranty service that combines traditional tech support, software support, and hardware support with the addition of the company's first accidental damage plan.
Like the traditional $69 version of AppleCare for iPhone that it replaces, the new $99 AppleCare+ for iPhone extends an iPhone's repair coverage and technical support to two years from the original purchase date but also adds coverage for up to two incidents of accidental damage due to an owner's poor handling of the device.
Each accidental damage incident is subject to a $49 service fee and is available only for the iPhone and its original included accessories. In turn, Apple promises that the replacement equipment it provides to customers taking advantage of the "may be new or equivalent to new in both performance and reliability" -- meaning either a new iPhone or a certified refurbished one.
AppleCare+ also bundles standard AppleCare features, such as software troubleshooting and telephone-based technical support, while also offering customers with repair needs the option for mail-in or carry-in repairs, and an express replacement service.
iPhones that exhibit defects in materials, workmanship or see their battery charge fall by 50 percent or more from original specification, remain eligible for a replacement from Apple at no cost under the new plan. Apple also notes that customers must purchased AppleCare+ together with their new iPhone, with the safest bet being to have both items appear on the same receipt (fine print).
For Apple, the new service marks the first time that company has offered accidental coverage for drops, spills, and other incidents caused by the owner. Previously, iPhone customers seeking full coverage of their device were left to seek out pricey third-party alternatives that sell for the same price or more.
Replacement costs for an out-of-contract iPhone can cost hundreds to replace new or $200 previously though Apple's Out-of-Warranty Service.
Like the traditional $69 version of AppleCare for iPhone that it replaces, the new $99 AppleCare+ for iPhone extends an iPhone's repair coverage and technical support to two years from the original purchase date but also adds coverage for up to two incidents of accidental damage due to an owner's poor handling of the device.
Each accidental damage incident is subject to a $49 service fee and is available only for the iPhone and its original included accessories. In turn, Apple promises that the replacement equipment it provides to customers taking advantage of the "may be new or equivalent to new in both performance and reliability" -- meaning either a new iPhone or a certified refurbished one.
AppleCare+ also bundles standard AppleCare features, such as software troubleshooting and telephone-based technical support, while also offering customers with repair needs the option for mail-in or carry-in repairs, and an express replacement service.
iPhones that exhibit defects in materials, workmanship or see their battery charge fall by 50 percent or more from original specification, remain eligible for a replacement from Apple at no cost under the new plan. Apple also notes that customers must purchased AppleCare+ together with their new iPhone, with the safest bet being to have both items appear on the same receipt (fine print).
For Apple, the new service marks the first time that company has offered accidental coverage for drops, spills, and other incidents caused by the owner. Previously, iPhone customers seeking full coverage of their device were left to seek out pricey third-party alternatives that sell for the same price or more.
Replacement costs for an out-of-contract iPhone can cost hundreds to replace new or $200 previously though Apple's Out-of-Warranty Service.
Comments
I wonder if this new insurance will change all that. Buy the new plus plan or no more Mr. Nice Guy.
squaretrade is still better.
Same cost as square trade, so how do you figure square trade is better?
Wonder if it will cover water damage
yes. That is accidental damage
What about if it is lost or stolen?
Nope. It requires that you have a damaged phone to swap for the new one.
Note that it says that you have to buy this plan with the phone. no more of the 'waiting up to a year' like you can with the basis apple care.
And it is limited to two times that you can buy a reduced price service phone. Without it, you had to pay $199 for a service swap, each time.
As for the anecdotes you can bet that those were based on the good will of the genius you got. If you went in claiming the phone was a dud and yelling for a new one when in fact they find clear water damage, you won't get it. Double if you have gotten a freebie already. If you walked in and admitted with appropriate embarrassment that your kid dropped it in the tub, then you might maybe get someone that felt bad and pled your case with a manager to cover it. That one time. Or you might get a total jerk that gives you nothing
Under this plan you can walk in twice and just be frank with them and get out a lot cheaper. The cost of the plan plus two replacements is barely over $200 if you have to pay sales tax. Compared to the one replacement without it and you can get a service phone and definitely cheaper than the $449+ you'll pay if you have to buy a new retail phone
squaretrade is still better.
Plans seem similar. I'd rather deal directly with Apple.
Seems expensive. Compare it to accidental damage covered by your home insurance, these insurance plans for individual items always work out costing a lot more than generic insurance despite not offering anything extra.
Let's see. AT&T is $7 per month which is $168 over a 2 year period - plus there's a $200 deductible.
Apple is $69 with a $49 deductible.
They're not completely the same since AT&T covers loss and Apple doesn't, but it's hard to figure how you can look at those numbers and conclude that Apple's is expensive.
Accidental damage on your homeowner's insurance isn't even comparable. Most people have a $1000 deductible on their homeowner's - so an iPhone wouldn't be covered at all.
I'm figuring I'll be buying the AppleCare+ plan as I had my iPhone's insured through State Farm and my Personal Articles policy (covers any loss). Started at $30 but I guess they no longer insure them and my renew rates went up to $80.
Let's see. AT&T is $7 per month which is $168 over a 2 year period - plus there's a $200 deductible.
Apple is $69 with a $49 deductible.
They're not completely the same since AT&T covers loss and Apple doesn't, but it's hard to figure how you can look at those numbers and conclude that Apple's is expensive.
Accidental damage on your homeowner's insurance isn't even comparable. Most people have a $1000 deductible on their homeowner's - so an iPhone wouldn't be covered at all.
Nope. Its $99 with a $49 dollar deductible...
how do you handle that
so coverage to include damage, loss or stolen your suggestions
My daughter dropped her verizon iPhone it broke the glass on front but she could still use it, 2 months later when we had the money she went in to exchange it and they gave her a new one free. Also she took her MacBook pro in when the cpu died and she had a small dent in the top part of the monitor they didn't think the cpu would be under warranty because of the dent but they not only put in a new cpu but replaced the whole monitor part of the computer free and to top it all off she had a paper for her college class that she needed the next monday so they took all the data off the computer and put it on a firewire hard drive for her and they only charged her for the hard drive and no labor.That is a good company.
Wow they replaced the whole monitor for free? I wonder if this courtesy is only offered in the U.S.? I had the same dent problem for my 6 months old 17" MBP but they wouldn't repair it for free here in Thailand.
what about loss or stolen
how do you handle that
You buy a new phone, price dependent on your contract status.
The old $199 was for swap only, this is for swap only. No loss or theft covered
Plans seem similar. I'd rather deal directly with Apple.
Before Apple Care +, I'd agree. Apple Care + costs the same, plus you get the benefit of dealing directly with Apple AND getting tech support. I think Apple wins this one.