Picture this: You’ve just bought the latest iPhone. It’s shiny and new and you’re excited to try out all the nifty features.
But then, after a few weeks or months, something fishy begins to happen. The phone is glitchy one day. The next day, it won’t even turn on.
You dropped a lot of money on this phone, so you grit your teeth and make an appointment at the Apple Store — prepared to pay out even more money since you didn’t add on AppleCare+.
However, you could be in luck! So long as you bought your device within the last year, you may be able to get it fixed for free.
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- Apple automatically provides a one-year warranty that covers any manufacturing defects with the hardware.
- The warranty doesn’t cover normal wear and tear, such as scratches on your screen.
- You don’t need AppleCare+ for the warranty, but you may want AppleCare+ for added protection beyond one year.
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How Apple’s Warranty Works
As a consumer, you are entitled to certain legal rights when you purchase something from a manufacturer. These rights protect you from fraudulent and unfair trade practices and defective products and services.
In the case of Apple devices, the company provides a one-year warranty on the hardware of their products.
So, if your phone breaks after normal use within a year of purchasing, Apple is on the hook for fixing or replacing it — since it was their manufacturing that failed.
But the warranty only applies to manufacturing defects, so it won’t cover normal wear and tear like scratches on the screen or dings from the charging port.
It also probably won’t cover a new battery, which is designed to decrease in effectiveness over time.
However, if something fails on the device due to workmanship or defective materials, then the warranty kicks in.
It only lasts one year, though, which is when AppleCare+ comes in handy. Yep, they’re different!
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How AppleCare+ Works
What happens if you drop your phone and the screen cracks?
The warranty won’t cover it since it only covers manufacturing defects that present within a year. AppleCare+, however, is an insurance policy that extends for as long as you pay for it.
If your device is covered by AppleCare+, you get perks like cheap(er) repairs and access to express repair services. You’ll also get priority access to tech support chats and calls.
It’s important to note that when you purchase an Apple device, you’ve only got a 60-day window for buying AppleCare+ for that device. After that window closes, you’ll have to go into a store to have the device inspected before you can add on AppleCare+.
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Bonus Tip: Use Your Credit Card to Extend the Warranty
You may be able to use your credit card to extend Apple’s manufacturer warranty for up to two more years.
Several credit cards offer an extended warranty benefit, typically covering repairs and replacements up to $10,000.
The catch is you have to make the purchase with that credit card. If you do, and your one-year Apple warranty is up when you get the dreaded Black Screen of Death, then you can go directly to your credit card issuer to file a claim.
Some credit cards that offer an extended warranty include:
- Chase Freedom Unlimited®
- Chase Freedom Flex®
- Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
- American Express® Gold Card
- The Platinum Card® from American Express
- Capital One Venture Rewards
- Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
TL;DR: Do I Need AppleCare+?
Even if you don’t buy AppleCare+, you’ll still have a one-year warranty on the hardware, plus 90 days of complimentary software support after purchasing an Apple device.
These protections can save you tons of money if something goes haywire with your spendy new Apple product.
Just remember that the warranty doesn’t extend to things beyond Apple’s control — like if you drop your phone while you’re out for a run. If you want extra protection for scenarios like that, you may want to invest in AppleCare+.
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