The warranty gap

Every Apple device ships with a one-year warranty, but it only covers factory defects and hardware failures. Drop your phone and you're on your own.

“It won't cover accidental damage, like if you drop your iPhone and damage the display.”

$329 for a cracked screen

Shatter the display on an iPhone 17 and the out-of-warranty repair runs $329. That single number is the whole argument for buying coverage.

“If you crack the screen of your iPhone 17, brace yourself to spend $329 on a repair.”

Not the old flat fee

AppleCare used to be one $199 payment for a set term. Now it's monthly plans, theft protection and bundles, covering everything from Vision Pro to AirPods.

What it actually costs

AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss runs $13.99 a month for an iPhone 17 Pro, $9.99 for a 17e, and just $1.99 for AirPods Pro. Theft coverage skips Macs and accessories.

Deductibles still apply

Repairs are unlimited, but you pay $29 for a screen, $99 for other phone damage and $149 to replace a stolen or lost device. Still far below list price.

“While they sting a bit, these deductibles are still nowhere near what a repair costs without coverage.”

One plan, three devices

AppleCare One covers three devices for $19.99 a month, plus $5.99 for each extra. It's live in the US, UK, France, Germany and Australia.

Or just save the money

Carriers and SquareTrade undercut Apple on some plans, and SquareTrade covers four phones for $19.99. If you've never broken a phone, bank the cash instead.

“Then you have the cash in case you need repairs, but can also put it toward a new device if nothing happens.”