Apple's Australian customers get 7 days of AppleCare+ for free
Apple this month enacted a new warranty policy in Australia that nets customers a short period of gratis AppleCare+ service with most major hardware purchases.
As of Oct. 5, Australian customers purchasing iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Mac, Apple TV, AirPods, HomePod, iPod touch and other eligible Apple devices receive a seven-day complimentary AppleCare+ plan that affords all the trappings of a full subscription.
According to Apple's terms and conditions, the free AppleCare+ service covers two incidents of accidental damage within the seven-day period, with each claim subject to the usual service fees. Also included is express replacement service, priority access to telephone or web-based technical support and battery service.
The complimentary plans does not renew automatically and users need to purchase AppleCare+, either through a subscription or fixed-term agreement, to continue service when the seven-day term expires. Purchases are processed on-device in the Settings menu, online, at an Apple Store or by phone.
Theft and loss are not covered under the free plan, though users can upgrade to the more expensive option once the week is up.
9to5Mac spotted the change earlier today.
It is unclear why Apple is including a week of AppleCare+ with new purchases, as the plan is of limited benefit to most customers. Enhanced coverage is typically not required until later in the product's lifetime and other services, like technical support, are already offered under Apple's standard warranty.
The decision could be a result of Australia's strict consumer regulations. The country has tangled with Apple in the past over its business practices and is currently mulling action to more closely monitor and manage Apple Pay and the App Store.
Read on AppleInsider
As of Oct. 5, Australian customers purchasing iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Mac, Apple TV, AirPods, HomePod, iPod touch and other eligible Apple devices receive a seven-day complimentary AppleCare+ plan that affords all the trappings of a full subscription.
According to Apple's terms and conditions, the free AppleCare+ service covers two incidents of accidental damage within the seven-day period, with each claim subject to the usual service fees. Also included is express replacement service, priority access to telephone or web-based technical support and battery service.
The complimentary plans does not renew automatically and users need to purchase AppleCare+, either through a subscription or fixed-term agreement, to continue service when the seven-day term expires. Purchases are processed on-device in the Settings menu, online, at an Apple Store or by phone.
Theft and loss are not covered under the free plan, though users can upgrade to the more expensive option once the week is up.
9to5Mac spotted the change earlier today.
It is unclear why Apple is including a week of AppleCare+ with new purchases, as the plan is of limited benefit to most customers. Enhanced coverage is typically not required until later in the product's lifetime and other services, like technical support, are already offered under Apple's standard warranty.
The decision could be a result of Australia's strict consumer regulations. The country has tangled with Apple in the past over its business practices and is currently mulling action to more closely monitor and manage Apple Pay and the App Store.
Read on AppleInsider
Comments
Insurance is only a scam when the insurer tries to dodge the claim. Based on commentary from users who filed claims, AppleCare+ pays readily.
they are myriad of these warranty scams from superstores and electronics sellers. They milk it to increase margins. Apple probably doe too, although it is one heck of a lot cheaper if you smash your screen.
interestingly, this seven day requirement is used as a “isn't it great Apple will give you AppleCare for the first seven days!” when the saleswoman at the Apple Store is selling you an iPhone, as I discovered today.
I hope I don’t get cold call harassment in four days’ time.
"Salespeople must wait 4 days before selling you insurance as an 'extra' to your main purchase."
- On theft/loss it is SIGNIFICANTLY cheaper than the equivalent portable contents insurance
- the device replacement speed is literally 1-2 days versus months with insurance, they'll also pre-ship you a replacement so you don't have to go without.
- Glass/Screen repair can be done at your home
- Battery replacement makes an older device like new, they'll do it for anything under 80% capacity
That's not to say that everyone will want these things, but for the price being paid Apple's coverage is inexpensive in comparison to the market and exceedingly generous.Perhaps there is no such thing as coincidence...
You are confusing AppleCare+ with a manufacturer's warranty for defective parts. AppleCare+ is that plus far more. As has been pointed out in prior prior posts, they are NOT equivalent.