AppleCare for MacBook Demystified: how much does it cost and what do you really get.
When purchasing an Apple product, like a MacBook or an iMac, Apple provides customers with a standard 12 months warranty, which is limited to a range issues, and 90 days of phone support, which is why AppleCare may be worth considering as an extra step to protect an often hefty investment.
Apple products are famous for their longevity and higher resale value, compared to other brands, which makes a protection plan a rather valuable service.
When you should buy an AppleCare protection plan
AppleCare is available to all customers who purchased Apple Mac products, within the first year of their purchase, which means, if no protection plan is purchased during the time in which the device is still covered by Apple’s limited warranty, no additional coverage will be available for purchase by Apple after that year has expired.
Duration of coverage
AppleCare for coverage will protect certain devices in different ways, which is why it’s important to read Apple’s support page on AppleCare products for detailed and updated information.
At the time of this writing, AppleCare covers devices under two main categories:
Mac, Apple Display, and Accessories
Coverage for Macs, Apple displays and Apple Mac Accessories lasts three years, starting from the original date of purchase. This is why it’s important to purchase coverage early on, to take advantage of it right away and for any issue that may arise. AppleCare for Mac, will also cover any Mac Accessories and Apple Display purchased with the Mac.
iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, and iPod
AppleCare+ will cover all iOS devices, for up to two years from the date of purchase. This includes up to two incidents in which accidental damage occurs. In the event of accidental damage claim, there is a $50 service charge. AppleCare+ must be purchased with an iPad or iPhone. Otherwise, customers who buy AppleCare+ separately can only do so with an appointment and visit to the Apple Store.
While Apple Watch is included in this category, customers who purchase Apple Watch Edition will be able to purchase AppleCare+ coverage for three years, instead of two, once again starting from the original purchase date.
Eligibility
To ensure that a device is eligible for AppleCare protection, Apple has created a page where customers can input the serial number of their device to see if they are able to purchase a protection plan or if they already have, when coverage will expire:
https://checkcoverage.apple.com/