Is AppleCare Plus Worth It?

Here's why you may want to rethink this insurance coverage.

If you've ever purchased an Apple device, you may know that the company offers a paid service called AppleCare+. Apple products come with a limited warranty that covers defects and technical issues for up to one year, so the AppleCare+ program offers an extra layer of protection available. But what is this service and is it worth the cost?

What is AppleCare+?

AppleCare+ is an extended warranty program offered by Apple. Most Apple hardware products come with a one-year warranty and up to 90 days of free technical support. AppleCare+ allows you to extend your coverage by two to three years from the date of purchase. In addition, AppleCare+ gives you additional features such as 24/7 priority tech support, battery service coverage, and accidental damage protection. AppleCare+ is available on all new Apple devices and Apple Certified Refurbished devices.

Apple also offers AppleCare+ with a Theft and Loss plan for its phones. This includes all the benefits of the AppleCare+ and up to two incidents of theft or loss coverage every 12 months. This means if you lose your device or it gets stolen, then Apple will cover it as long as you pay the deductible and have the Find My app enabled on your device at the time it is lost or stolen.

How much does AppleCare+ cost?

Costs vary depending on the type of Apple product you have. Here are the starting prices for the AppleCare+ plan. Prices will also differ based on what model you purchase.

• AppleCare+ for Mac: From $34.99 annually or $99 for 3 years
• AppleCare+ for iPad: From $3.49 monthly or $69 for 2 years
• AppleCare+ for iPhone: From $3.99 monthly or $79 for 2 years
• AppleCare+ for Apple Watch: From $2.49 monthly or $49 for 2 years
• AppleCare+ for Apple Display: From $49.99 annually or $149 for 3 years
• AppleCare+ for Headphones: From $29 for 2 years
• AppleCare+ for Apple TV: From $29 for 3 years
• AppleCare+ for HomePod: From $15 for 2 years

You can buy coverage on a fixed-term plan or on a monthly plan that will automatically renew until canceled. The AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss plan is offered only for Apple phones and costs an extra $70.

Is it worth it?

The plans are not cheap, and depending on the product, can cost more than a quarter of what you'll spend for an iPad, iPhone, or Mac. An iPhone 14 Pro, for example, starts at $999. The cost for the AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss is $269 for two years. Even with the plan, you will have to pay a deductible of $149 for theft and loss, $99 for other accidental damage, and $29 for screen or back glass damage. So if your phone is lost or stolen, it would set you back $418.

Your Apple device may be covered by renters or homeowners insurance or your mobile carrier may offer its own version. In addition, the value of electronics also depreciates fast. And if you are worried about accidental damage, a good protective case may reduce the chances that your phone gets damaged. Apple's Find My app also adds a layer of protection to give you great peace of mind. AppleCare+ is a form of insurance, and you want to avoid paying to overinsure your device.

However, an AppleCare+ Plan may be worth it if you own expensive Apple products like the Pro Display HDR, which costs around $6,000. In this case, paying several hundred dollars to protect your investment may be worth it. Plus, if you live near an Apple store, having access to trained professionals for support and repairs can be invaluable.

At the end of the day, whether AppleCare+ is worth it depends on your individual situation and budget constraints. While it does provide some additional peace of mind thanks to its coverage, it is expensive, and there may be cheaper ways of protecting your phone or other device. Ultimately, only you can decide whether or not AppleCare+ is right for you -- so make sure to do thorough research before making a purchase decision!