Differences Between AppleCare and AppleCare+

Purchasing a shiny new toy comes with its own excitement and thrill. With technological advancements on the rise, it is almost as though there is something new to buy every day. However, these items are prone to get exposure to external dangerous factors. And as its owner, you would want to protect something that is precious to you. That is why having professional protection such as a warranty would provide you with assurance against risks associated with the product.

Now, with Apple products being one of those shiny new toys on the rise, with its user count increasing daily, it is only expected for Apple to provide their customers with options to keep their products safe from any defects and issues. However, Apple’s warranty for its products might sound different than the warranty for other products from other brands.

AppleCare is what Apple calls its basic warranty on its products. However, Apple also takes it a step ahead by providing every customer with the option of paying extra to add on AppleCare+, which comes with certain additional benefits. Knowing the details of your iPhone’s AppleCare before heading to the Apple Store in Singapore can mean the difference between a free repair or one that costs hundreds of dollars.

Read on to find out more about AppleCare, AppleCare+, their differences, as well as an incredible alternative option that provides support and servicing services for your beloved Apple products.

What is AppleCare?

Your Apple gear doesn’t come cheap. Whether you accidentally dropped your iPhone, or your iPad stops turning on, or you smacked your Apple Watch into something and shattered it, getting it repaired probably won’t be cheap either. However, if your AppleCare is still valid, you can heave a sigh of relief as you can still opt for cheaper or free repair work done for your devices by the Apple Service Centre.

Almost every Apple product is protected by AppleCare right out of the box, for free, regardless of whether you buy your device directly from Apple, at an authorised dealer store, or through a wireless carrier in Singapore. As great as it sounds, however, AppleCare is simply a fancy name for Apple’s standard warranty. Like every standard warranty, it is limited in terms of what its coverage.

What is AppleCare+?

Fret not, as there is another option that provides you with longer and more comprehensive coverage for your highly “perishable” device - AppleCare+. However, you will have to pay to add on AppleCare+. It will include your regular AppleCare, and extra coverage which includes free phone support, as well as accidental damage coverage like cracking your phone screen.

An excellent benefit if your iPhone is ever lost or stolen, is that AppleCare+ coverage allows for you to file a claim to get a replacement refurbished device. Priority access to Apple experts also means getting your issues resolved more quickly.

AppleCare originally did not cover accidental damage, but over time Apple has shifted most products over to AppleCare+ eligibility to provide that extra coverage. A small number of products such as Apple TV remain eligible for standard AppleCare only, without accidental damage coverage.

Now, due to there being an additional payment, one may wonder if it is a worthy investment to make. If you are prone to finding your products facing accidental damage or are facing anxiety about breakage, investing in AppleCare+ would be a good idea. However, you do not have to make the decision right away. You do have the freedom to contemplate since AppleCare+ will be available for you 60 days from the date of your device’s purchase.

AppleCare VS AppleCare+

Price

AppleCare is free of charge. It is the standard limited warranty provided by Apple after purchasing any of their products. It also includes free phone support for 90 days after purchase.

AppleCare+ for iPhone has a unique pricing scheme depending on which model you purchase. It can range anywhere from $150 - $250 per month.

Coverage period

AppleCare will cover one year of hardware repairs. However, it is a limited warranty. It gives you 90 days of complimentary technical support. In the span of those three months, you will have prioritised access to technical support for any hardware or software-related issues.

With AppleCare+, your device's warranty is extended to two or three years (depending on the Apple product) from the date you purchased the insurance. So for the most coverage, you can make use of a little hack: rely on the complimentary coverage for 59 days and then purchase AppleCare+, giving your device a total of three years and two months of protection.

What does it cover?

For AppleCare, during the first 90 days, you will be able to get unlimited repairs for any non-accidental damage or hardware failures caused by issues on Apple's end. However, after this period is over, you will no longer be guaranteed priority phone support but your device will continue to be covered for any hardware defects or failures you didn't cause personally. This won't cover accidental or cosmetic damage, damage from third-party devices, or theft.

With AppleCare+, the extended warranty will cover hardware failures and up to two incidents of accidental damage every 12 months, subject to service fees. It also gives you priority access to Apple support by chat or phone. There is also a special AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss plan available in Singapore, but it only covers iPhone.

Alternatives to AppleCare+

It is evident that AppleCare+ is not a cheap expense. Even with their deductibles, the cost can be large when you think long-term. Hence, it is wise to look into alternate options to keep your Apple products safe. Fortunately, Singapore is peppered with iPhone repair shops with skilled technicians who can fix your phones. If you have an Apple product in need of a fix, you do not need to regret not going for AppleCare+.

LYK Repair is a company that specialises in door to door express onsite service. Any repair needs that you have, they can meet. From battery replacement to fixing your faulty MacBook fan, LYK Repair provides service you can trust, and quality you can afford.

Check out our full range of repair services for iPhones and other Apple products on our website now.