# Is AppleCare actually worth paying for?

> A cracked iPhone 17 screen costs $329 to fix, or $29 with coverage. Here's when the math works.
- Title: Is AppleCare actually worth paying for? · Engadget | Shortify
- Summary: A cracked iPhone 17 screen costs $329 to fix, or $29 with coverage. Here's when the math works. AppleCare pays for itself the moment you break one thing, so…
- Keywords: applecare, apple, iphone, insurance, repairs, technology, actually, worth, paying, Engadget
- Source: Engadget — https://engadget.com/2250733/applecare-worth-extra-cost
- Author: Filipe Espósito
- Published: 2026-09-14T12:30:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: applecare, apple, iphone, insurance, repairs, technology
## 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.
## Key takeaway

AppleCare pays for itself the moment you break one thing, so buy it if you're clumsy and skip it if you're not.