Macs are known for their durability but are not immune to hardware failures or accidental damage. Luckily, Apple offers protection for its devices in the form of AppleCare and AppleCare+. Without AppleCare, you have to face hefty repair charges.
But what is AppleCare for Mac, and what does it cover? In this post, I’ll guide you about everything related to AppleCare for Mac, exploring its coverage, plans, and benefits.
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.
By opting for the AppleCare Protection Plan, you can extend the warranty and technical support coverage for a period of three years starting from the day you purchase your Mac. In addition, this plan grants you access to global repair coverage with various convenient service options.
What Is the Difference Between AppleCare and AppleCare+?
AppleCare is the standard warranty that comes with Apple’s products. It offers one year of hardware repair coverage and 90 days of technical support. For Macs and Apple displays, this includes limited warranty coverage.
On the other hand, AppleCare+ is an extended warranty service you can purchase to get additional coverage. This includes an extra year of warranty coverage for most devices and two years for Macs.
AppleCare+ also provides two years of free phone support for most devices and an additional year for Macs, extending the standard 90 days of technical support provided by regular AppleCare.
Notably, AppleCare+ includes coverage for unlimited incidents of accidental damage, which Apple Limited Warranty and regular AppleCare do not cover.
So, while both AppleCare and AppleCare+ provide warranty coverage and technical support, AppleCare+ extends these benefits for longer and includes additional features such as accidental damage coverage.
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+ includes unlimited incidents of accidental damage protection. Each incident is subject to a service fee. It’s $99 for screen or external enclosure damage and $299 for other accidental damage, plus applicable 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
To check if your Mac is covered by an AppleCare plan or Apple’s Limited Warranty, you can 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.
- 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.
In addition to this, you can also sign in to mysupport.apple.com with your Apple ID and choose your device to find out if it’s covered.
This process will confirm whether your device is covered and inform you about what kind of repair and support are included with your coverage.
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 decide to cancel it.
How to Buy AppleCare+ for Mac
Whether you’ve just purchased a new Mac or want to add coverage to an existing device, AppleCare+ provides extended warranty coverage and additional support for your Mac. If you don’t have a plan 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 also buy AppleCare+ online from this page or go to a physical Apple Store near your location with proof of purchase and get one after a Mac inspection. You can also call Apple Support for real-time assistance and purchase a plan via call.
Remember that in most countries and regions, you can buy AppleCare+ within 60 days of your device purchase. However, this time frame can vary in different regions.
For instance, in Japan, you can buy AppleCare+ within 30 days of your device purchase, and in mainland China, you can buy AppleCare+ on your device within 7 days of your device purchase or in an Apple Store within 60 days of your device purchase.
Cost-Benefit Analysis of AppleCare for Mac
While the upfront cost of AppleCare may seem substantial, it can save you significant expenses on potential repairs. For instance, a screen repair for a MacBook Pro without AppleCare can cost up to $600, while under AppleCare, the service fee is much lower.
By understanding and leveraging AppleCare for your Mac, you ensure your device gets the top-tier care it deserves, protecting your investment in the long run.
The Bottom Line
AppleCare for Mac offers protection to your machine and peace of mind to you. But besides having an emergency plan like this, you should know how to keep your Mac in top shape and avoid accidents. Here are a few tips:
- Regular maintenance is essential to prevent issues like no sound in MacBook and a loud Mac fan.
- Learn what to do immediately if you have spilled water on your Mac.
- Extend your MacBook’s lifespan by keeping it clean, at an optimized temperature, and away from harmful materials.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Is AppleCare+ transferable when I sell my Mac?
Yes, AppleCare+ is transferable when you sell your Mac. To initiate the transfer, sign in to My Support and get your AppleCare agreement number, the proof of coverage for the AppleCare plan, and your device’s serial number. You also need your Mac’s original sales receipt, the new owner’s name, email address, phone number, and address. Then, contact Apple Support and provide them with the necessary information.
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Can I cancel my AppleCare+ plan and get a refund?
Yes, you can cancel your AppleCare+ plan at any time, but you’ll get a full refund if you cancel within 30 days of your plan purchase. After 30 days, you’ll get a pro-rated refund based on the percentage of unexpired AppleCare+ coverage minus the value of any service already provided.
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How does AppleCare+ for Mac differ from insurance plans?
AppleCare+ for Mac differs from insurance plans because it is an Apple-only service specifically tailored to Apple products. Insurance plans are typically offered by third-party companies and cover a broader range of risks, such as theft or loss. While both provide coverage, insurance typically covers theft or loss, which AppleCare+ doesn’t.
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Can AppleCare+ be shared among different devices?
No, AppleCare+ cannot be shared among different devices. Each AppleCare+ plan is specific to a single device and covers that device exclusively. When you purchase AppleCare+ for a particular Mac, the coverage applies solely to that Mac and cannot be transferred or shared with other devices.
