Apple's Beats brand in April unveiled the Powerbeats Pro, a redesigned wire-free version of its popular fitness-oriented Powerbeats earbuds.
Is it Worth Buying AppleCare+ for iPhone X?
After spending at least a thousand dollars on a brand new iPhone X, you may be debating whether it's really worth it to spend an additional few hundred dollars on an AppleCare+ plan to insure your shiny new smartphone.
AppleCare+ is an optional, premium warranty plan that extends an iPhone's warranty coverage to two years from the original purchase date of the device, and adds up to two incidents of accidental damage coverage, each subject to a service fee of $29 for screen damage, or $99 for any other damage.
AppleCare+ for iPhone X costs $199 upfront, compared to $129 for the iPhone 8 and $149 for the iPhone 8 Plus. As with virtually any form of insurance, AppleCare+ only pays for itself in the event you accidentally damage your device.
To determine if AppleCare+ is worthwhile, we first must look at how much it will cost to repair the iPhone X without the coverage.
Apple recently confirmed it will charge out-of-warranty rates of $279 for iPhone X screen repairs, and $549 for any other damage to the device, unless it is a manufacturing defect covered by Apple's standard one-year limited warranty.
With AppleCare+ for iPhone X, the price of a repair would be the $199 upfront cost of the plan plus a $29 to $99 incidental fee.
If you shatter your iPhone X's screen once, for example, you would pay $279 out of warranty. With the upfront cost of AppleCare+ coupled with the screen repair incidental fee, you would pay $228, so purchasing the plan can save you money in the long run if an accident happens.
If you shatter your iPhone X's back glass, having AppleCare+ is even more worthwhile. Apple's flat rate is $549 for this type of damage, while the upfront cost of AppleCare+ coupled with a $99 incidental fee totals $298.
The chart below shows that AppleCare+ will save you money in the long run if you damage your iPhone X in any way just once in two years.
Even if you never damage your iPhone X, AppleCare+ has one additional perk that can be quite valuable: 24/7 priority access to Apple support advisors via phone or online chat for two years after your iPhone X's purchase date. Without it, iPhone users are covered by just 90 days of complimentary telephone support.
There is no one-size-fits-all answer as to whether AppleCare+ is worth it, as it very much depends on how careful you are. But given the iPhone X's out-of-warranty repair fees are quite high, it may be more worthwhile than ever.
AppleCare+ can be purchased through Apple's online or retail stores. If not purchased alongside the iPhone, it can be added within 60 days, pending a diagnostic test to ensure no damage has occurred in that time.
It's also worth noting that if you cancel your AppleCare+ plan before the two-year coverage period expires, you'll get a partial refund based on the percentage of unexpired coverage, minus the value of any service already provided. A cancellation fee of $25 or 10 percent of the pro-rata amount, whichever is less, applies.
All prices above are listed in U.S. dollars. AppleCare+ and Apple's out-of-warranty repair fees vary in other countries.
AppleCare+ is an optional, premium warranty plan that extends an iPhone's warranty coverage to two years from the original purchase date of the device, and adds up to two incidents of accidental damage coverage, each subject to a service fee of $29 for screen damage, or $99 for any other damage.
AppleCare+ for iPhone X costs $199 upfront, compared to $129 for the iPhone 8 and $149 for the iPhone 8 Plus. As with virtually any form of insurance, AppleCare+ only pays for itself in the event you accidentally damage your device.
To determine if AppleCare+ is worthwhile, we first must look at how much it will cost to repair the iPhone X without the coverage.
Apple recently confirmed it will charge out-of-warranty rates of $279 for iPhone X screen repairs, and $549 for any other damage to the device, unless it is a manufacturing defect covered by Apple's standard one-year limited warranty.
With AppleCare+ for iPhone X, the price of a repair would be the $199 upfront cost of the plan plus a $29 to $99 incidental fee.
If you shatter your iPhone X's screen once, for example, you would pay $279 out of warranty. With the upfront cost of AppleCare+ coupled with the screen repair incidental fee, you would pay $228, so purchasing the plan can save you money in the long run if an accident happens.
If you shatter your iPhone X's back glass, having AppleCare+ is even more worthwhile. Apple's flat rate is $549 for this type of damage, while the upfront cost of AppleCare+ coupled with a $99 incidental fee totals $298.
The chart below shows that AppleCare+ will save you money in the long run if you damage your iPhone X in any way just once in two years.
Even if you never damage your iPhone X, AppleCare+ has one additional perk that can be quite valuable: 24/7 priority access to Apple support advisors via phone or online chat for two years after your iPhone X's purchase date. Without it, iPhone users are covered by just 90 days of complimentary telephone support.
There is no one-size-fits-all answer as to whether AppleCare+ is worth it, as it very much depends on how careful you are. But given the iPhone X's out-of-warranty repair fees are quite high, it may be more worthwhile than ever.
AppleCare+ can be purchased through Apple's online or retail stores. If not purchased alongside the iPhone, it can be added within 60 days, pending a diagnostic test to ensure no damage has occurred in that time.
It's also worth noting that if you cancel your AppleCare+ plan before the two-year coverage period expires, you'll get a partial refund based on the percentage of unexpired coverage, minus the value of any service already provided. A cancellation fee of $25 or 10 percent of the pro-rata amount, whichever is less, applies.
All prices above are listed in U.S. dollars. AppleCare+ and Apple's out-of-warranty repair fees vary in other countries.
Related Roundup: iPhone X
Tag: AppleCare
[ 350 comments ]
Top Rated Comments
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23 months ago
Apple just hit a new low as far as I'm concerned, I always thought AppleCare + was a no questions and No cost replacement after you bought it. So if this is what it still costs.... why would I buy it? I would rather take the risk, which is a low risk as I've only ever dropped a phone once and that was my iPhone 5s.... which survived.
23 months ago
It isn't worth it.
Just don't break your phone. Seriously. If you use your phone every single day, use a decent case.
$200 upfront and if you never break your phone that $200 is out the window. If you do happen to break it you're only out an extra $50 compared to AppleCare. Plus most carriers offer some form of insurance that's cheaper and also covers loss or theft.
Just don't break your phone. Seriously. If you use your phone every single day, use a decent case.
$200 upfront and if you never break your phone that $200 is out the window. If you do happen to break it you're only out an extra $50 compared to AppleCare. Plus most carriers offer some form of insurance that's cheaper and also covers loss or theft.
23 months ago
Over the years I have never bought Applecare and never had any of their devices break on me. The amount of money I saved over the years payed for my iPhone X.
23 months ago
Having to pay an additional $200 to safeguard the device you just paid $1200 for is something the Mafia would be proud of.
23 months ago
Extended warranties are NEVER worth it.
Businesses don't sell products that lose money.
Businesses don't sell products that lose money.
23 months ago
My biggest decision factor is if I’ll keep this phone more han 1 year. I’m on Verizon’s annual upgrade program so if next yeae’s phone is better in any significant way, I’ll upgrade. Otherwise I could see myself hanging on to this 2-3 years.
I have two that I’d cover ($400) and likelihood of us both needing repair is low. Out of coverage cost is close to the cost of two apple cares.
I’ll be waiting close to my 60th day to decide.
I’ve only ever used apple care for second year warranty coverage and used it in almost(almost iPhone I kept that long (usually at 18-24 months.) One screen replacement only, ever.
What most people don’t know is that Apple will give you a refund for unused AppleCare+. Say you only use it for a year, if you keep your receipt, Apple will give you a store credit for the pro-rated amount remaining to spend as you like. I use it every year to buy my accessories for my next iPhone, Apple Watch, or MacBook
23 months ago
If you shatter your iPhone X's back glass, having AppleCare+ is even more worthwhile. Apple's flat rate is $549 for this type of damage
And that is because why? Apple decided to solder the black glass panel to the whole frame of the phone just so they can charge that kind of money, like they did on iPhone 8?
I totally understand screen replacement price, since its OLED, but back glass? For that amount of money you can get brand new Galaxy S8. This really is amazing how stupid Apple is becoming with that kind of pricing.
And that is because why? Apple decided to solder the black glass panel to the whole frame of the phone just so they can charge that kind of money, like they did on iPhone 8?
I totally understand screen replacement price, since its OLED, but back glass? For that amount of money you can get brand new Galaxy S8. This really is amazing how stupid Apple is becoming with that kind of pricing.
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