Apple Warranty vs AppleCare+: What's the Difference

Every Apple Device Comes With a Limited Warranty

When you buy any new Apple product — iPhone, Mac, iPad, Apple Watch, or AirPods — it automatically comes with Apple's One-Year Limited Warranty. This is included in the purchase price, requires no registration, and activates from the day you buy the device.

What the Standard Apple Warranty Covers

Apple's limited warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship. Specifically, this means:

• Manufacturing faults that cause the device to malfunction
• Screen defects that appear without physical damage
• Battery defects (if battery capacity drops below 80% within the warranty period due to a manufacturing issue)
• Component failures not caused by user error

It does not cover accidental damage, water damage (beyond rated water resistance), theft, loss, or normal wear and tear.

What AppleCare+ Adds

AppleCare+ is Apple's extended warranty and service plan. It extends coverage to 2 years from the original purchase date (3 years for Mac) and adds two critical benefits the standard warranty lacks:

• Accidental damage coverage: Up to 2 incidents per 12-month period for accidental damage, subject to a service fee (typically $29–$99 depending on device and damage type).
• Priority phone and chat support: 24/7 access to Apple's technical support team, which is otherwise limited to 90 days on the standard warranty.

AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss

For iPhone, AppleCare+ is also available in a version that covers theft and loss. This requires Find My iPhone to be enabled and comes with a higher monthly or upfront cost. It covers up to 2 incidents per 12 months, subject to a separate deductible.

How to Check Your Current Coverage

Use our Apple warranty check tool to see exactly what coverage your device currently has. The Apple coverage page shows whether you have the standard warranty, AppleCare+, or no coverage remaining.

Is AppleCare+ Worth It?

For most users, AppleCare+ is worth considering for iPhones (where screen repairs run $200–$350 out of warranty) and MacBooks (where logic board repairs can exceed $800). For lower-cost devices like iPads and AirPods, the value is less clear. Evaluate the deductible cost versus the out-of-warranty repair cost for your specific device before purchasing.