Is AppleCare+ Worth It in 2025? Complete Cost & Coverage Guide

AppleCare+ Service Fees: What You'll Pay for Repairs

‍

Here's what many people miss: even with AppleCare+, you still pay deductibles for accidental damage repairs. These service fees are much lower than out-of-warranty repair costs, but they're not free.

‍

iPhone Repair Deductibles:

‍

• Screen or back glass damage: $29

• Other accidental damage: $99

• Theft or loss replacement: $149 (requires theft/loss coverage)

‍

iPad Repair Deductibles:

‍

• Screen damage: $29

• Accidental damage (iPad, mini): $49

• Accidental damage (Air, Pro): $99

‍

Mac Repair Deductibles:

‍

• Screen or enclosure damage: $99

• Other damage: $299

‍

Other Devices:

‍

• Apple Watch: $69-$79

• Apple Watch theft/loss: $119

• AirPods: $29

• Apple TV: $15

• HomePod: $15-$39

• Apple Vision Pro: $299

‍

Without AppleCare+, repair costs are brutal:

‍

• iPhone screen replacement: $229-$379

• iPhone full replacement: $449-$679

• iPad screen: $299-$799

• MacBook screen: $475-$1,245

• MacBook logic board: $500-$1,200+

The True Cost: Break-Even Analysis by Device

‍

Let's calculate when AppleCare+ pays for itself based on actual repair scenarios.

‍

iPhone 16 Pro Example:

‍

• AppleCare+ cost: $199 (2 years)

• One screen repair with AppleCare+: $29 deductible

• Total cost: $228

• Out-of-warranty screen repair: $329

• Savings with AppleCare+: $101 on first incident

‍

Break-even point: 1 screen repair OR any other damage incident

‍

MacBook Pro 14" Example:

‍

• AppleCare+ cost: $399 (3 years)

• One screen repair with AppleCare+: $99 deductible

• Total cost: $498

• Out-of-warranty screen repair: $679

• Savings with AppleCare+: $181 on first incident

‍

Break-even point: 1 screen repair, immediately saves money

‍

iPad Air Example:

‍

• AppleCare+ cost: $79 (2 years)

• One accidental damage repair: $99 deductible

• Total cost: $178

• Out-of-warranty repair: $399

• Savings with AppleCare+: $221 on first incident

‍

Break-even point: Any single damage incident

‍

The math is clear: AppleCare+ pays for itself with a single significant repair incident. The question is: will you have one?

Who Should Buy AppleCare+? A Risk Assessment

‍

AppleCare+ isn't one-size-fits-all. Here's who benefits most and who can probably skip it.

‍

Definitely Buy AppleCare+ If:

‍

You're a High-Risk User:

‍

• You've cracked 2+ screens in the past

• You work in physically demanding environments (construction, outdoors, with kids)

• You don't use cases or screen protectors

• You frequently travel or commute with devices

• You use devices while exercising or in risky situations

‍

You Own Expensive Devices:

‍

• MacBook Pro 14" or 16" ($2,500-$4,000)

• iPhone Pro Max ($1,200+)

• iPad Pro ($1,000-$1,600)

• Apple Watch Ultra ($799)

‍

Calculate Your Risk: If there's a 30%+ chance you'll damage your device in 2 years, AppleCare+ is worth it.

‍

You Can Skip AppleCare+ If:

‍

You're a Low-Risk User:

‍

• You've never cracked a screen or damaged a device

• You always use cases, screen protectors, and handle devices carefully

• Your device stays in one place (desktop Mac, home-only iPad)

• You have savings to cover a potential repair

• You upgrade devices every 1-2 years (before major issues occur)

‍

Budget-Conscious Buyers:

‍

• You bought a base model device (iPad, Apple Watch SE)

• Repair costs are less than 30% of device value

• You have other protection (more on this below)

‍

Special Consideration: Theft and Loss Coverage

‍

Add theft/loss protection if:

‍

• You live in or frequently visit high-crime areas

• You've lost a phone before

• You use your phone for work and can't afford downtime

• You travel internationally frequently

• Cost: $219-$369 for iPhone (2 years)

‍

Skip theft/loss protection if:

‍

• You're extremely careful with belongings

• You have homeowner's or renter's insurance covering theft

• Your phone has Find My iPhone enabled and you trust your tracking habits

• You're willing to pay replacement cost if worst-case happens

AppleCare+ vs AppleCare One: Which Plan Is Right for You?

‍

In July 2025, Apple introduced AppleCare One—a subscription plan that covers multiple devices under one monthly payment.

‍

AppleCare One Details:

‍

• $19.99/month for 3 devices

• $5.99/month per additional device

• Covers devices up to 4 years old (if in good condition)

• Includes theft and loss for iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch

• Can add/remove devices anytime

• Available in United States only

‍

When AppleCare One Makes Sense:

‍

• You own 3+ Apple devices

• You want flexibility to swap coverage between devices

• You have older devices (2-4 years old) you want to protect

• You want theft/loss coverage across multiple devices

‍

Cost Comparison:

‍

• Individual AppleCare+ for iPhone + iPad + Apple Watch: ~$18-26/month

• AppleCare One: $19.99/month

• Potential savings: $11+/month if you need multiple device coverage

‍

When to Stick with Individual AppleCare+:

‍

• You only need coverage for 1-2 devices

• You want to pay upfront and be done

• You're outside the United States

• Your devices are less than 60 days old (easier enrollment)

How to Buy AppleCare+ (and When You Can Add It)

‍

You don't have to decide about AppleCare+ at checkout. Here's your timeline:

‍

Purchase Window:

‍

• At time of purchase: Buy with device online, in-store, or via Apple Store app

• Within 60 days: Add via Settings app on iPhone, iPad, or Mac

• Up to 1 year: Macs and Apple TVs (select countries only)

‍

How to Add AppleCare+ After Purchase:

‍

iPhone/iPad:

‍

1. Open Settings app
2. Tap your name → Find My → [Device Name]
3. Tap "AppleCare+ Coverage Available"
4. Follow prompts to purchase

‍

Mac:

‍

1. Click Apple menu → System Settings
2. Click General → About
3. Click "AppleCare+ Coverage Available"
4. Follow prompts to purchase

‍

Important: You may need to run a remote diagnostic to prove your device is in good working condition before Apple approves coverage.

What AppleCare+ Doesn't Cover

‍

Before you buy, understand the limitations:

‍

Not Covered by AppleCare+:

‍

• Cosmetic damage (scratches, dents) that doesn't affect functionality

• Loss or theft (unless you purchased theft/loss coverage)

• Damage resulting from reckless, abusive, willful, or intentional conduct

• Unauthorized modifications or repairs

• Normal wear and tear

• Damage from war, acts of God, natural disasters

‍

Claim Limits:

‍

• Unlimited accidental damage incidents (with deductibles)

• 2 theft or loss claims per 12 months (if you have that coverage)

• Battery service when capacity drops below 80%

‍

Fine Print:

‍

• You must have Find My enabled for theft/loss claims

• Repairs must be through Apple or Apple Authorized Service Providers

• Coverage is tied to the device, not the owner (transfers with device if sold)

Hidden Benefit: Your Credit Card Might Cover Some of This

‍

Here's what many Apple customers don't realize: premium credit cards often include purchase protection and extended warranty coverage that can supplement or even replace some AppleCare+ benefits.

‍

Common Credit Card Benefits for Apple Purchases:

‍

Purchase Protection (First 90-120 days): Many premium cards cover theft or damage to new purchases, typically up to $10,000 per claim. Cards with this benefit include Chase Sapphire Reserve®, American Express Platinum Card®, and Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card.

‍

Extended Warranty (After Apple's 1-year warranty expires): Several cards automatically add 1 year to manufacturer warranties. This means your iPhone gets 2 years of coverage for manufacturer defects—without buying AppleCare+.

‍

Cellular Telephone Protection: The Bilt Mastercard® (See Rates & Fees) offers up to $800 coverage for damaged or stolen phones with just a $25 deductible—if you pay your monthly cell phone bill with the card. Banking services and debit card provided by The Bancorp Bank N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A., Members FDIC.

‍

The information for the Bilt Mastercard® has been collected independently by Kudos. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "2990", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "15", "bestForText": "Frequent Travelers", "headerHint": "Interesting Earning Structure"} ]]

‍

How to Stack Protection:

‍

1. Purchase Apple device with credit card for initial 90-120 day coverage
2. Decide within 60 days if you want to add AppleCare+
3. Credit card extended warranty covers year 2 (after Apple's warranty)
4. AppleCare+ covers years 2-3 if you purchase it

‍

This strategy gives you 90+ days to evaluate if you need AppleCare+ while maintaining some protection through your card benefits.

Is AppleCare+ Worth It? The Final Verdict

‍

AppleCare+ is worth it if:

‍

• You have a track record of damaging devices (2+ incidents ever)

• You own a high-value device (MacBook Pro, iPhone Pro Max, iPad Pro)

• You can't afford a $300-800 unexpected repair bill

• You want priority support and express replacement convenience

• You work in environments where damage is likely

• ROI: Positive with 1 damage incident

‍

You can skip AppleCare+ if:

‍

• You've never damaged a device in 5+ years

• You always use protective cases and screen protectors

• Your device is low-value (iPad base model, Apple TV)

• You have emergency savings for repairs

• You have credit card benefits covering some protection

• You upgrade devices annually (within standard warranty period)

• Savings: $149-419 per device

‍

The Smart Middle Ground:

‍

• Buy AppleCare+ for your primary device (iPhone)

• Skip it for secondary devices (iPad for home use, Apple TV)

• Use credit card benefits for initial protection period

• Add AppleCare+ within 60 days if you feel you need it

• Optimized cost: ~$149-199 instead of $400+ for all devices

Bottom Line

‍

AppleCare+ isn't insurance—it's a calculated bet. You're paying $149-419 upfront (or monthly) betting that you'll need repairs that would cost more without coverage. Apple wins if you never make a claim; you win if you have even one significant damage incident.

‍

The math strongly favors AppleCare+ for expensive devices and high-risk users. A single MacBook screen repair ($679) or iPhone back glass replacement ($349-549) means AppleCare+ pays for itself immediately. For careful users with budget devices, the money might be better in your savings account.

‍

Quick Decision Formula:

‍

• Device cost × 0.15 < AppleCare+ cost = Skip it

• Device cost × 0.15 > AppleCare+ cost = Buy it

‍

Example: iPhone 16 Pro ($999)

‍

• $999 × 0.15 = $149.85

• AppleCare+ costs $199

• Close call—decide based on personal damage history

‍

The best time to decide? Right now, while you're researching. Check your purchase date, evaluate your 60-day window, and make an informed choice based on your actual risk profile—not fear-based upsells at checkout.

‍

Frequently Asked Questions

‍

Can I buy AppleCare+ after 60 days?

‍

For most devices, no. iPhones, iPads, and Apple Watches must have AppleCare+ added within 60 days of purchase. Macs and Apple TVs can add coverage up to 1 year after purchase in select countries. Your best bet is adding it within the first 60 days via the Settings app, which may require a remote diagnostic test to verify your device is undamaged.

‍

Does AppleCare+ cover water damage?

‍

Yes. AppleCare+ covers all types of accidental damage, including liquid damage and submersion. You'll pay the standard service fee ($29 for screen damage, $99 for other iPhone damage, etc.), but the repair will be covered. Without AppleCare+, water damage repairs can cost $349-679 depending on your iPhone model.

‍

What happens to AppleCare+ if I sell my device?

‍

AppleCare+ transfers with the device to the new owner. The coverage stays with the serial number, not the original purchaser. If you sell your iPhone with 1 year of AppleCare+ remaining, the buyer gets that coverage. You cannot transfer AppleCare+ to a different device or get a refund for unused time (except in certain jurisdictions with pro-rated refund laws).

‍

Can I cancel AppleCare+ and get a refund?

‍

Yes, with conditions. If you cancel within 30 days and haven't filed any claims, you get a full refund. After 30 days, Apple provides a pro-rated refund based on unused coverage minus any service fees. Monthly AppleCare+ plans can be cancelled anytime, but you won't get refunds for previous months paid.

‍

Does AppleCare+ cover lost AirPods?

‍

No. AppleCare+ for AirPods covers accidental damage only, not loss or theft. There is no theft and loss option for AirPods like there is for iPhones. If you lose an AirPod, you'll pay out-of-pocket for replacement: $69-89 for a single AirPod Pro or $99 for a charging case.

‍

Is monthly AppleCare+ better than paying upfront?

‍

It depends on how long you keep devices. Monthly costs more over time (about 20% more expensive over 2 years) but offers flexibility. If you upgrade annually, monthly is better—cancel when you trade in. If you keep devices 3+ years, paying upfront saves money. Do the math: iPhone 16 Pro monthly ($9.99 × 24 months = $239.76) vs. upfront ($199) = $40.76 premium for flexibility.