AppleCare+ can extend coverage beyond Apple’s standard warranty, protect against accidental damage, and—on eligible plans—cover theft or loss. Whether it is worth buying depends on the device, how long you plan to keep it, and how likely you are to need a repair or replacement.

What Apple’s standard warranty covers

Most Apple products include a one-year limited warranty covering manufacturing defects and hardware failures. Apple also provides up to 90 days of complimentary technical support. The warranty applies automatically, regardless of where the product was purchased, although coverage periods can vary by country and consumer-protection laws may provide additional rights.

The standard warranty does not cover accidental damage, cosmetic wear, or batteries that have lost capacity through normal use. That means drops, spills, and broken screens generally require a paid repair once they occur.

How AppleCare+ coverage works

AppleCare+ adds extended hardware service and priority technical support for one eligible device. It also covers unlimited eligible accidental-damage incidents during the plan term, with a service fee for each claim. Battery service is included when a rechargeable battery falls below 80% of its original capacity.

Service fees vary by product. In the U.S., eligible iPhone screen-only or back-glass-only damage costs $29, while other accidental iPhone damage costs $99. Mac repairs can involve fees of $49 or $149 for a MacBook Neo, and $99 or $299 for other Macs and Apple displays, depending on the damage. Taxes may apply.

Some plans include Express Replacement Service, which can provide a replacement before the damaged device is returned. Apple may place a temporary hold on a payment card, and certain Express Replacement claims use the higher accidental-damage fee rather than the screen-only rate.

Theft and loss protection

AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss is available for eligible iPhones, iPads, and Apple Watches. A lost or stolen device must have Find My enabled when the incident occurs and throughout the claim process. Deductibles apply to approved replacements: $149 for an iPhone, $129 for an iPad, and $119 for an Apple Watch in the U.S.

A single-device plan allows up to two theft or loss claims every 12 months. Coverage, deductibles, claim limits, and eligible products differ by region, so buyers should check Apple’s local terms before enrolling.

When AppleCare One may make sense

AppleCare One bundles coverage for multiple eligible products under a monthly subscription. In the U.S., the Individual plan costs $19.99 per month for up to three devices, with additional devices costing $5.99 per month each. The Family plan costs $49.99 per month and covers eligible devices belonging to the subscriber and up to five other Family Sharing members.

Individual plans include three theft or loss claims across the plan every 12 months, while Family plans include six. Adding more devices does not create a separate allowance for each device. AppleCare One can also enroll some previously purchased products, provided they meet Apple’s age and condition requirements.

AppleCare+ is usually easier to justify for laptops kept beyond their first year, frequently carried iPhones, iPads, AirPods, and Apple Watches, especially when accidental damage would be difficult to afford. It may be less compelling for products such as Apple TV and HomePod, or for owners who rarely damage devices and can comfortably pay for repairs.

Before buying, compare the plan’s total premiums with Apple’s repair estimate, likely service fees, and coverage from a mobile carrier, bank, renter’s insurance policy, homeowner’s insurance, or another provider. AppleCare reduces repair risk and provides convenience, but it remains an optional expense with deductibles and coverage limits.