Apple is one of the most well-known and reputable brands on the market for all sorts of electronic devices. They're perhaps most famous for the iPhone, which was one of the first true smartphones to hit the market. With its wide array of features and relatively affordable price, iPhones are still some of the most popular smartphone options to this day.
Whenever you make a new Apple purchase, you automatically get a complimentary year of AppleCare, which covers things like manufacturer defects, with the option to buy AppleCare+ for extended coverage. However, it can also be difficult to know where your coverage stands, and what exactly is covered versus what isn't.
That's where Mulberry Unlimited comes in. When you subscribe to Mulberry Unlimited, you'll get coverage for all your electronic devices and more under the same product protection plan, complete with the ability to file unlimited claims and access 24/7 customer support so you'll always know where you stand.
What is AppleCare and what does it cover?
Apple provides a standard, limited warranty for almost all of its products. For the iPhone, this includes one year of coverage against hardware defects and 90 days of technical support. While any free warranty is generally helpful, if you read Apple’s fine print, you’ll see there are some significant gaps in AppleCare standard coverage. Some examples include:
- Accidental damage. AppleCare doesn’t include coverage for any accidental damage. If you drop your phone or crack the screen, you’ll be left with some hefty repair fees.
- Theft or loss. One of the biggest reasons most iPhone users need a replacement phone is if their phone is lost or stolen. Unfortunately, AppleCare doesn’t cover any theft or loss incidents.
What is AppleCare+?
AppleCare+ is Apple’s extended warranty option, and it both increases the extent and length of your coverage. AppleCare+ extends your warranty for two years from the purchase date.
What does AppleCare+ cover?
For iPhones, Apple offers two extended warranty options: AppleCare+ and AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss. Here is the breakdown of the benefits included in both coverage options:
- Extended warranty. Extends your warranty to two years from the time you purchase AppleCare+. (AppleCare+ can be purchased anytime within 60 days of when you purchase your iPhone, and up to a year after your iPhone purchase if you bring it into an Apple store for inspection).
- Accidental damage. AppleCare+ offers accidental damage coverage. Although your repairs still won’t be free, you’ll get to repair your iPhone for a majorly discounted rate (for the newest iPhones, such as the 14 Pro Max, even repairing a cracked screen can cost you hundreds of dollars). AppleCare+ allows you to repair your iPhone for only $29 per screen replacement, and $99 for other accidental damage, with unlimited incidents of accidental damage.
- Priority customer service. With AppleCare+, you’ll have 24/7 access to priority Apple customer service for help with installation or other support for your device.
- Phone replacement. AppleCare+ allows you to replace your damaged phone for an accidental damage fee. With AppleCare+, Apple will send a new phone to you, free of charge, so you don’t have to wait for the original to be repaired.
Additional benefits included in AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss
The key difference between AppleCare+ and AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss is that the latter includes protection against theft and loss (go figure!). You’ll get up to two incidents of theft and loss covered per calendar year, with a $149 replacement fee.
What doesn't AppleCare+ cover?
While at first glance it might seem like AppleCare+ covers everything, there are some caveats you should look out for. For AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss, Apple will only replace your iPhone if Find My iPhone was enabled at the time it was lost, along with other strict stipulations.
In AppleCare’s fine print, it also limits what kind of “accidental damage” it will cover. For example, damage that is considered intentional or reckless by Apple will be rejected from coverage. That seems pretty subjective.
Lastly, while repair costs are high for iPhones, there are cheap alternatives to the Apple store for phone repairs. Non-Apple tech companies often offer less expensive options, and there are even tutorials online for fixing your screen or doing other minor repairs. However, sometimes you get what you pay for (especially with DIY phone repair) and you may end up taking your iPhone to a few shops before the issue is actually fixed. Keep in mind that some warranties are voided if you attempt to repair the damage on your own.
How much does AppleCare+ cost?
The cost of AppleCare+ depends on the product you have. It also varies depending on whether you go with the monthly subscription option or the fixed term. This article outlines the general costs for AppleCare+ based on the device.
When can you buy AppleCare+?
AppleCare+ is available either at the time you purchase your iPhone, or anytime within the first 60 days of your iPhone purchase.
Are there other warranty options besides AppleCare+?
If you’re on the fence about AppleCare+ (or if you've decided it's too expensive for you), there are other extended phone warranty options available. For example, Mulberry Unlimited offers even better coverage for a fraction of the cost of AppleCare+. And with Mulberry Unlimited, you won't pay any deductibles or service fees.
By subscribing to Mulberry Unlimited, you'll get the most comprehensive product protection coverage on the market for all your electronic devices and more.
Should I get AppleCare+ for my iPhone?
Whether or not you should invest in AppleCare+ really depends on the iPhone model you have and how much risk you’re willing to assume. While a new iPhone can be extremely expensive, AppleCare’s price tag might be out of most people's price ranges. The better question is, should you get an extended warranty for your iPhone? To that, we'd say yes, but you have more affordable options that will provide the same quality coverage.
To get the best product protection for all your Apple products, subscribe to Mulberry Unlimited. You’ll be able to file unlimited claims, access 24/7 customer support, and more, all without any deductibles or hidden fees.
