Is the Apple Warranty Worth It?

Apple is one of the leading tech companies in the country and consistently produces high-quality products for a loyal customer base. In addition, Apple products include a limited warranty and the option for an extended warranty. However, is Apple’s extended warranty worth the cost?

Apple’s products come with a limited warranty that guarantees the device from defects during the first year. Specifically, Apple’s limited warranty states, “Your Apple-branded or Beats-branded hardware product is warranted against defects in materials and workmanship for a period of ONE YEAR from the date of original retail purchase when used in accordance with Apple’s user manuals.”

The limited warranty also applies to products purchased from verified retailers. If your Apple device has a defect during the first year after purchase, Apple will repair or replace the device at no charge to the customer.

All of Apple’s devices qualify for the limited warranty. However, it’s possible to void the limited warranty. For example, loss, accidental damage, battery issues, and misuse can all void the limited warranty.

The Apple limited warranty lasts for one year from the date of purchase for most products. For example, the following devices qualify for the one-year warranty:

• iPhone
• Macbook
• Watch
• Apple TV
• iPad
• AirPods

Many of Apple’s products also come with 90 days of complementary technical support. However, the details of the limited warranty may vary by product. It’s important to check the limited warranty on your device model to ensure that you understand what is and isn’t covered by the warranty.

Apple’s extended warranty is called AppleCare+ and is offered for all of Apple’s products. For example, AppleCare+ for a Macbook includes accidental damage protection, Apple-certified service and support coverage, 24/7 priority access to tech support, and battery service coverage. The Macbook warranty includes the following coverage:

• Battery (with less than 80% capacity)
• Included accessories
• Apple memory
• Apple USB SuperDrive
• Accidental damage protection

Similar to the limited warranty, the extended warranty protection varies based on the device. Overall, however, AppleCare+ offers great coverage. The main downside to the AppleCare+ service is that the coverage is overpriced. Learn more about the pricing for different plans in the next section.

AppleCare+ is expensive and often overcharges for the protection that you get. In this section, we’ll compare the prices of AppleCare+ for different products with the warranty costs from Upsie for the same devices. In most categories, Upsie’s warranties cost less than warranties from Apple.

The price of iPhone AppleCare+ varies based on the model. Here are the prices for AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss for the following devices:

• iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max: $13.49 per month
• iPhone 14 Plus: $12.49 per month
• iPhone 14, iPhone 13, iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 12: $11.49 per month
• iPhone SE: $7.49 per month

AppleCare+ also offers a basic plan that doesn’t include Loss and Theft protection. This plan is more affordable and costs just $9.99 per month for the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max. However, there are also deductibles to factor into your monthly cost. For example, the cracked screen deductible is $29 per repair.

Compare this to Upsie’s affordable smartphone subscription plan that costs $9.99 per month with a cracked screen deductible of $0 — so you save money with every repair.

You can purchase a yearly plan or a fixed-term AppleCare+ plan for Macbook and Apple displays. The price for your plan ranges based on the device. For example, you’ll pay $299.98 for two years of AppleCare+ for a MacBook Pro 16-inch. AppleCare+ also has steep deductibles for laptop repairs. For screen damage, the deductible is $99. Other accidental damage will cost $299 for repairs.

In contrast, an Upsie two-year warranty for the same device costs $256.99. Upsie has a flat-rate deductible of just $25, regardless of the type of damage. This means you can save over $274 on a single repair when you choose Upsie instead of AppleCare+ for Macbooks and other Apple laptops.

AppleCare+ offers a two-year plan for headphones and earbuds. For AirPods, AirPods Pro, and Beats, the AppleCare+ warranty costs $29. For the AirPods Max, a two-year warranty costs $59. The accidental damage deductible is $29 per claim.

Upsie’s warranties for the same devices are more affordable. For example, Upsie’s two-year warranty for $80 AirPods is only $9.99 for two years. For $169.99 AirPods Pro, the two-year warranty costs $25.99. A two-year Upsie warranty for the $549 AirPods Max costs $57.99. Upsie’s deductible is more affordable and is just $25 per claim.

In addition, Upsie offers a three-year warranty option (while AppleCare+ is restricted to a two-year warranty).

Both AppleCare+ and Upsie offer warranties for the Apple Watch, Apple TV, iPad, and Apple Speakers. Like the plans mentioned above, Upsie’s warranties cost less than those from Apple. It makes sense to skip the AppleCare+ warranty and choose Upsie instead.

AppleCare+ is not worth it. First of all, AppleCare+ is expensive. Because the warranty is offered by Apple, the company knows that customers will overpay for the name-brand coverage (even if the coverage is the same from more affordable third-party companies).

Secondly, AppleCare+ limits your access to repairs and restricts you to using the Genius Bar. Because you’re stuck with the Genius Bar, you are unable to support local small businesses in your area. In addition, you don't have access to better repairs that you can get outside the Genius Bar.

In addition to being more affordable, Upsie also includes 24/7/365 claims, access to a network of independently owned, local repair shops, and an option for pre-paid shipped repairs. In addition, all of Upsie’s non-subscription plans come with unlimited claims up to the device’s purchase price. This means that customers get the best coverage at the best price.

Explore Upsie’s wide range of warranty options for laptops, tablets, appliances, and other electronics today.

• Benefits of Upsie Instead of AppleCare for Your MacBook
• How Upsie is Better than AppleCare iPhone Insurance
• Three Reasons Why You Need an Apple iPad Warranty