Alternative insurance protection plan service SquareTrade today confirmed support for both the Apple Watch Sport and mid-tier Apple Watch models. The plans sit near the cost of AppleCare+ for the Watch, but cover accidental damage done to the device, unlike the additional charge required in AppleCare+.
The SquareTrade Apple Watch plans offer customers options with and without deductibles. So, for example, the Apple Watch Sport plan ranges from $59 to $69 (with deductible) and $129 to $159 (with no deductible). Similarly, the mid-tier Apple Watch models stretch from $79 to $149 (with deductible) and $169 to $239 (without deductible).
Both Watch tiers are 2-year plans covering malfunctions as well as accidental damage. The company believes that one of the most likely points of risk for the Watch will be "among others, drops and falls from nightly charging stations." But it assure customers that anything beyond intentional damage, loss, or theft will be covered by the plan.
"We don't mean to dampen all the excitement about the Apple Watch, but inevitably the klutz in us will come out. Just like smartphones, the Apple Watch accompanies us everywhere and is susceptible to the wear and tear of daily life," said Jessica Hoffman, vice president of global communications for SquareTrade.
The company has even gone so far as to create a "Wrisk" Predictor Lifestyle Quiz that aims to predict which Apple Watch model is most suitable for each customer's lifestyle. The company created the so-called Wrisk Factor to detect and perceive the risks for the wrist-worn device.
AppleCare+, in comparison, sees its two-year plans priced at $49 (plus $69 deductible for accidental damage) for the Sport and $69 (plus $79 deductible for accidental damage) for the mid-tier Watch, with the only gradient pricing range increasing with the added option of a combination iPhone/Apple Watch plan. AppleCare+ also provides a $1500 plan for the Apple Watch Edition, but SquareTrade appears to have opted out in focusing on those higher-end customers for its new Watch protection plans.
Tuesday November 25, 2025 7:16 am PST by Joe Rossignol
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I purchased the Apple Care for the first time on any Apple device. Given the FUBAR that this launch has been I felt I needed some security. When I saw this, I was thinking, darn I could have gotten a cheaper insurance. After reading the article, I am back to feeling good about my Apple Care decision.
The problem with no-brainers is that a brain isn't always involved in the decision-making process... You can mail in your iDevice with AppleCare + just like you do with SquareTrade, plus it costs less. Definitely a no-brainer. ;)
Mebbe so. OTOH, I get my Apple watch plan free with the points I've earned protecting everything else in my house.
Actually much cheaper than ST. Doesn't Apple allow 2 accidental damages and unlimited repairs?
ST makes you buy a new warranty once replaced.
Unless they've changed it for he Apple Watch, this is not correct. We have ST on all of our iPhones and have been able to make multiple claims without buying a new plan.
Alternative insurance protection plan service SquareTrade today confirmed support for both the Apple Watch Sport and mid-tier Apple Watch models. The plans sit near the cost of AppleCare+ for the Watch, but cover accidental damage done to the device, unlike the additional charge required in AppleCare+.
