TL;DR
AppleCare for Mac:
- Covers accidental damage, offers 24/7 expert support, and extends warranty and tech support.
- Is available as annual or fixed-duration plans, priced by Mac model.
- Is available at checkout or within 60 days of buying your Mac.
- Reduces repair costs and offers long-term protection.
Tried and Tested ✅: The methods and steps mentioned in this article have been tried and tested firsthand by Ojash Yadav on his MacBook Pro M3 and rechecked for errors on Hashir’s MacBook Air M2.
Macs are reliable, but repairs can be costly, especially if you don’t have AppleCare. But what is AppleCare, what does it cover, and how much does it cost? In this guide, I’ll explain AppleCare’s coverage, plans, and benefits, helping you decide if it’s worth it for your Mac.
What is AppleCare for Mac?
AppleCare is an extended warranty service Apple provides that offers additional coverage beyond the standard one-year warranty and 90 days of technical support.
With the AppleCare Protection Plan, you get three years of extended coverage starting from your Mac’s purchase date. Plus, this plan gives you access to global repair coverage with convenient service options.
What Is the Difference Between AppleCare and AppleCare+?
Here’s a breakdown of the key differences of AppleCare or AppleCare+:
AppleCare
AppleCare is the default warranty included with Apple products. It offers:
- Hardware Repair Coverage: Provides one year of hardware repair coverage.
- Technical Support: Offers 90 days of complimentary technical support.
- Device Coverage: This standard coverage applies to all Apple devices, including Macs and Apple displays, with limited warranty terms.
AppleCare+
AppleCare+ covers unlimited incidents of accidental damage, which the Apple Limited Warranty and standard AppleCare do not cover. It offers:
- Extended Warranty: AppleCare+ is an optional, extended warranty service you can purchase.
- Additional Coverage: Offers an extra year of warranty coverage for most devices and two additional years for Macs.
- Extended Technical Support: Includes two years of free phone support for most devices and an additional year for Macs, extending the standard 90 days provided by regular AppleCare.
What Does AppleCare+ for Mac Cover?
AppleCare+ for Mac extends your coverage from the purchase date and offers various benefits, including the following:
- 💥 Accidental Damage Protection: AppleCare+ covers unlimited accidental damage, with a service fee of $99 for screen or external damage and $299 for other damage, plus tax.
- 📞 24/7 Priority Access to Apple Experts: You get round-the-clock access to Apple experts via chat or phone, ensuring that help is always available when needed.
The Apple Limited Warranty and the AppleCare Protection Plan do not cover liquid or water damage to Mac computers and accessories.
Here’s what the AppleCare Protection Plan covers for Mac and display repairs:
| Macs | Apple Displays |
| Mac computer | Apple display |
| Battery (<80% capacity) | Built-in camera |
| In-box accessories | Built-in mic |
| Apple memory | Built-in speakers |
| AirPort devices (if purchased within 2 years) | Included power cord |
| Apple USB SuperDrive |
What AppleCare provides can vary by country or by the type of device. So, it’s always best to check the specific terms and conditions for your device and your location.
How to Check If I Have AppleCare on My Mac
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To check if your Mac is covered by an AppleCare plan or Apple’s Limited Warranty, follow these steps:
- Click the Apple icon in the top left corner of your screen and select About this Mac.
- Click More Info.
- Click Details next to coverage.
- Click Details again.
- This will open Apple’s service and support verification page, and you can see your Mac’s coverage status. You may have to enter your Mac’s serial number, which you can get from the About this Mac window.
You can also sign in to mysupport.apple.com with your Apple ID to check if your device is covered and see what repairs and support are included.
How Much Is AppleCare+ for Mac?
Apple provides AppleCare plans for a variety of devices, with the plan’s price varying based on the specific device it protects. As a rule of thumb, as the device’s cost increases, so does the price of AppleCare.
Here’s a price breakdown of AppleCare+ for the most recent Mac systems:
| Model | Yearly Cost | 3 Years Cost |
| MacBook Air (M2) | $79.99 | $229 |
| MacBook Air (M1) | $69.99 | $199 |
| MacBook Pro 13‑inch | $89.99 | $249 |
| MacBook Pro 14‑inch | $99.99 | $279 |
| MacBook Pro 16‑inch | $149.99 | $399 |
| iMac | $59.99 | $169 |
| Mac mini | $34.99 | $99 |
| Mac Studio | $59.99 | $169 |
| Mac Pro | $109.99 | $299 |
You can buy AppleCare coverage through a plan with a fixed duration or via an annual plan that renews automatically until you cancel it.
How to Buy AppleCare+ for Mac
Whether you’ve just bought a new Mac or want to extend coverage on an existing one, AppleCare+ offers an extended warranty and extra support. If you haven’t already, you can easily purchase AppleCare+ for your Mac.
Here’s how to buy AppleCare+ for Mac:
- Choose your Mac and add it to the bag on the Apple Store website.
- On the checkout page, select Add AppleCare+.
- Complete the checkout process.
Alternatively, you can buy AppleCare+ within 60 days of your Mac purchase by following these steps:
- Click the Apple icon and select System Settings.
- Click General and select About.
- Click Details next to the coverage option.
- Click Get Support.
You can buy AppleCare+ online, at an Apple Store with proof of purchase (after a Mac inspection), or by calling Apple Support for assistance.
In most places, you can buy AppleCare+ within 60 days of purchasing your device, but this varies. In Japan, it’s 30 days, and in mainland China, it’s 7 days on your device or 60 days in an Apple Store.
So, Is AppleCare for Mac Worth It?
Yes, AppleCare for Mac is worth it if you want extended warranty coverage, protection against accidental damage, and access to priority support. It can save you money on costly repairs, especially for expensive components like the screen or internal hardware.
The upfront cost of AppleCare might seem substantial, but it can offer significant financial benefits in the long run.
- Repair Costs Without AppleCare: A screen repair for a MacBook Pro can cost up to $600 if not covered by AppleCare.
- Repair Costs With AppleCare: Under AppleCare, the service fee for the same repair is considerably lower, providing immediate savings.
Get AppleCare For Your Mac
AppleCare for Mac offers protection and peace of mind, but it’s also important to keep your Mac in top shape and avoid accidents. Here are a few tips:
- Regular Mac maintenance is crucial to avoid performance issues.
- You must stop your Mac from overheating to improve its battery health and avoid component damage.
- Keep your system clean, away from direct sunlight, and up-to-date to expand your Mac’s lifespan.
