AppleCare Covers What? | No-Nonsense Guide

Here’s the straight answer many buyers want before checkout: the basic Apple Limited Warranty handles defects in materials and workmanship, while AppleCare+ adds paid protection for drops, spills, and other mishaps, along with extended access to Apple’s support channels. Newer multi-device options also bundle protection across products. This guide explains what’s in, what’s out, and what fees to expect, so you can pick a plan that fits how you use your gear.

What Does AppleCare Include Today?

Think of Apple coverage in three layers. First, every new device ships with a one-year hardware warranty against manufacturing defects and a short window of complimentary tech support. Second, AppleCare+ extends the term and adds accidental damage protection with per-incident service fees. Third, select regions now offer a multi-device plan that rolls similar benefits into one subscription.

Core Protections In Plain Language

• Hardware defects: Repair or replacement when a part fails under normal use.
• Battery service: If capacity falls below Apple’s stated threshold for that product, Apple services or replaces the battery.
• Accidental damage (AppleCare+): Drops, cracked screens, liquid mishaps, and similar incidents are covered with a fixed fee per event.
• Priority support: Faster access to Apple advisors by chat, phone, or in store.
• Theft and loss (select iPhone/iPad/Watch plans): Available as a plan variant with a separate deductible per claim.

Coverage At A Glance Across Plans

Item	Limited Warranty	AppleCare+ / Multi-Device
Hardware Defects	Yes, for one year	Yes, extended term
Battery Service	Only if defective	Covered below set capacity
Accidental Damage	No	Yes, per-incident fee
Tech Support	Short window	Extended, priority access
Theft & Loss	No	Plan variant only
Express Replacement	Limited cases	Included on many plans
Where You Get Service	Apple & authorized providers	Same, plus mail-in options

Where Plan Coverage Starts And Stops

Coverage is broad, but not unlimited. These edges matter most when you file a claim.

Included Situations

• Component failure: Logic board, display panel, microphones, speakers, cameras, and similar parts that fail under normal use.
• Battery below threshold: If the device falls under Apple’s stated capacity threshold, battery service applies.
• Everyday mishaps (AppleCare+): Screen cracks, back-glass damage, dents to the enclosure, and liquid incidents, each with a fee.
• Accessory coverage: Apple-branded items shipped in the box are generally covered against defects; some plans add accessory service for iPad and Pencil.

Common Exclusions

• Cosmetic issues only: Scratches or scuffs that don’t affect function.
• Intentional or reckless damage: Tampering, unauthorized modifications, or non-Apple parts.
• Loss without a theft-and-loss plan: Misplaced devices aren’t covered unless you selected that variant.
• Third-party data recovery: Hardware repair may happen, but data retrieval isn’t guaranteed.

Device-Specific Notes You’ll Care About

iPhone

AppleCare+ covers unlimited accidental damage events with a per-incident fee, including a lower fee for display or back-glass repairs and a higher fee for other damage. A theft-and-loss variant adds claims for stolen or lost phones when Find My is enabled and other conditions are met.

Mac

Mac coverage under AppleCare+ includes battery service below threshold and accidental damage events. Screen or enclosure incidents carry one fee; other damage sits at a higher tier. Service is available in store, via mail-in, or through authorized providers.

iPad & Apple Pencil

Screen damage carries a lower incident fee; other accidental damage has a higher one. Some plans include service for Apple Pencil and Apple-branded iPad keyboards.

Apple Watch

Wearables have flat accidental damage fees that vary by model line. A theft-and-loss option exists in select bundles that include watch coverage.

AirPods & Beats

Coverage targets manufacturing defects and battery service where applicable; accidental damage handling and replacement pricing differs from iPhone or Mac tiers.

Apple TV & Home Accessories

These products skew toward defect coverage and support, with fewer accidental scenarios in play.

Two official resources worth bookmarking while you read: Apple’s service fees and deductibles page outlines current per-incident amounts, and Apple’s coverage checker shows your device status at checkcoverage.apple.com.

How Claims Work Step By Step

1. Confirm eligibility: Open Settings > General > AppleCare & Warranty on the device, or use the coverage checker link.
2. Pick a channel: Schedule a Genius Bar visit, use an authorized service provider, or start mail-in service.
3. Back up data: iCloud, Finder, or iTunes backup protects your photos and files before repair or swap.
4. Prepare the device: Turn off Find My where requested and bring a valid ID if filing a theft-and-loss claim.
5. Pay the fee: For accidental damage or theft/loss claims, you’ll pay the listed fee or deductible during service.
6. Track the repair: Apple provides status updates; pick up in store or receive a return shipment.

What The Extended Plans Don’t Do

These plans lower risk but don’t rewrite physics. Liquid exposure can still lead to data loss. A stolen device may need extra verification. Unauthorized repairs can void coverage for that repair. If you rely on your device for work or travel, consider a backup method for data and communication while the main unit is in service.

Accidental Damage Fees You Can Expect

Numbers vary by model and plan type, yet Apple publishes clear tiers. This table captures the standard pattern across categories so you can gauge costs ahead of time. Check Apple’s fee page for your exact model and plan variant before you book.

Device / Claim Type	What’s Covered Under AppleCare+	Typical Per-Incident Fee*
iPhone – Screen or Back Glass	Cracked front panel or back glass	$29
iPhone – Other Accidental Damage	Liquid, buttons, multiple parts	$99
iPhone – Theft or Loss (with plan)	Replacement after theft/loss claim	$149 deductible
Mac – Screen/External Enclosure	Display or casing damage	$99
Mac – Other Accidental Damage	Liquid on logic board and similar	$299
iPad – Screen Damage	Front glass cracks	$29
iPad – Other Accidental Damage	Liquid or multiple components	$49
Apple Watch – Accidental Damage	Cracked glass or enclosure	$69–$79 by model

*Fees reflect Apple’s published tiers; exact amounts can differ by model and plan. See the official fee page linked above for current figures.

Ways People Save Time And Money With Coverage

• Use the right incident type: A cracked display usually qualifies for the lower display or back-glass tier on phones and tablets.
• Bring accessories when asked: Some categories include accessory service; bringing the pencil or keyboard speeds things up.
• Enable Find My: Theft-and-loss claims require it on supported plans.
• Mail-in for convenience: If the nearest store is far, Apple mails a prepaid kit to your door.
• Know battery thresholds: If capacity drops below Apple’s stated line, battery service falls under your plan instead of out-of-warranty pricing.

Picking The Right Plan For Your Situation

Heavy Phone User Or Parent

If drops are a part of life, the lower fee for display or back-glass fixes often pays for itself within a single incident. Adding theft-and-loss can make sense if you commute, ride-share, or attend crowded events.

Mobile Professional With A Mac

One spill can take down a laptop. The accidental tiers for Mac are higher than phone tiers, yet still below many out-of-warranty repair totals. Mail-in service and express options reduce downtime.

iPad In The Classroom Or Field

Screen incidents dominate tablet mishaps. The lower screen tier helps when devices are shared or used outdoors.

Wearables And Audio

For Apple Watch, per-incident fees are flat and simple. For earbuds, the value often comes from defect coverage and battery service over time.

Plan Timing, Add-Ons, And Renewals

You can buy a plan when you purchase the device or add it soon after, subject to Apple’s eligibility checks. Many plans offer monthly or prepaid terms, with options to renew. Apple also offers a multi-device subscription in select regions that mirrors AppleCare+ benefits across several products under one bill. If you like keeping paperwork simple, that bundle can be your one-stop option.

Quick Scenarios And Straight Answers

• Cracked iPhone screen? Covered under AppleCare+ with the display tier fee.
• Phone slipped into a pool? Covered as accidental damage with the higher tier fee.
• Mac keyboard stops registering keys with no spill? Covered as a defect during the plan term.
• Watch face scuffed but works fine? Purely cosmetic issues aren’t covered.
• Lost iPhone on a trip? Covered only if your plan includes theft and loss and you meet the conditions.

How To Check Your Status And Start Service

On iPhone or iPad, open Settings > General > AppleCare & Warranty. On Mac, open System Settings > General > AppleCare & Warranty. Or use Apple’s web checker to see coverage dates and plan type. When you’re ready, book a store visit, begin mail-in service, or contact an authorized provider. Keep your Apple ID handy, and back up first.

Final Take

The basic warranty guards against factory defects for a year. AppleCare+ adds paid help for the mishaps that happen in real life and keeps expert support within easy reach. If you juggle several Apple products, a multi-device subscription can keep coverage tidy. Match the plan to your risk profile, glance at the fee table for your category, and you’ll set the right expectations before anything breaks.

Links: Official fees and deductibles — Apple legal; Coverage lookup — checkcoverage.apple.com.