AppleCare is Apple's protection plan that covers hardware damage and technical support beyond your device's standard warranty

AppleCare extends your coverage from the standard one-year limited warranty to two or three years, depending on the plan. It covers accidental damage like drops and spills, hardware failures, and gives you priority access to Apple Support. You can add it within 60 days of buying your device, though some retailers let you add it at the point of sale.

The cost varies by device. An iPhone 15 AppleCare plan runs around $99 to $129 upfront, while a MacBook Pro plan can be $379 or more. AppleCare+ for iPad starts around $79. Each claim you file has a deductible — typically $29 for iPhones, $99 for MacBooks — and you get two incidents of accidental damage coverage per year.

Key Takeaways

  • AppleCare must be purchased within 60 days of your device purchase, though you can buy it the same day at an Apple Store or through Apple's website.
  • The plan covers hardware failures, accidental damage like drops and water damage, and includes priority phone and chat support.
  • Each repair or replacement has a deductible you pay out of pocket, ranging from $29 for iPhones to $99 for laptops.
  • You can check your AppleCare status and file claims through the Apple Support app or by visiting apple.com/support.

Adding AppleCare at an Apple Store

Walk into any Apple Store with your device and receipt. Tell a staff member you want to add AppleCare. They will verify your device serial number, confirm you are within the 60-day window, and show you the plan options for your specific model. You pay on the spot — cash, card, or Apple Pay all work — and the coverage starts when ready.

Bring your original receipt or proof of purchase. If you bought the device from Apple, they can look it up by your Apple ID. If you bought it elsewhere — Best Buy, Walmart, a carrier store — you may need the receipt to prove the purchase date. The staff will print a receipt showing your AppleCare coverage details.

Adding AppleCare Online Through Apple's Website

Go to apple.com/support and sign in with your Apple ID. Select "Buy AppleCare" and choose your device from the list. Apple will ask for your device serial number, which you can find in Settings > General > About on your device, or on the back of the box. Confirm the purchase date and proceed to checkout.

You can pay with any major credit card or use Apple Pay. Apple will email you a confirmation with your coverage details and a reference number. Your coverage takes effect the moment you complete the purchase. If you need to file a claim later, you can do it through the Apple Support app or by calling Apple Support directly.

Adding AppleCare Through a Carrier or Retailer

If you bought your iPhone from Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, or another carrier, you can often add AppleCare through their website or in-store. Best Buy also sells AppleCare at checkout or within 60 days of purchase. The process is similar — they verify your device and purchase date, you pay, and coverage begins right away.

Carrier and retailer plans sometimes bundle AppleCare into a monthly fee instead of a one-time payment. Ask whether you are paying upfront or monthly, and whether the plan includes AppleCare+ (which covers accidental damage) or just the basic AppleCare (which does not). The coverage is the same either way, but the payment structure matters for your budget.

What Happens If You Miss the 60-Day Window

If 60 days have passed since you bought your device, Apple will not let you add standard AppleCare. However, you may still be able to purchase AppleCare+ through a process called "out-of-warranty coverage" in some cases, though Apple evaluates this on a device-by-device basis and may require a diagnostic test first.

Your best option is to contact Apple Support directly at 1-800-MY-APPLE or through the Support app. Explain when you bought the device and ask whether you can still add coverage. They can sometimes make exceptions or offer you alternative protection options. If you cannot add AppleCare, consider whether a third-party protection plan makes sense for your situation.

How to Check Your AppleCare Status

Open the Apple Support app on your device and tap "My Support" at the bottom. Sign in with your Apple ID. You will see a list of all your devices and their coverage status. If AppleCare is active, it will show the expiration date and what is covered.

You can also go to apple.com/support, sign in, and select "Check Coverage" to see the same information. If you have multiple devices, you can check each one separately. This is also where you start a repair claim — tap "Get Support" next to the device, describe the problem, and follow the prompts to schedule a repair or mail-in service.

AppleCare Deductibles and What They Cover

When you file a claim, you pay a deductible for each incident. For iPhones, the deductible is $29 for accidental damage and $99 for hardware failure. For MacBooks and iPads, deductibles are higher — typically $99 for accidental damage and $99 for hardware issues. You get two accidental damage claims per year.

AppleCare covers drops, spills, cracked screens, battery degradation, and hardware failures like a broken charging port or failed logic board. It does not cover theft, loss, or intentional damage. If your device is stolen, you will need to file a police report and contact Apple, but AppleCare will not replace it. For theft and loss protection, you would need a separate insurance plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add AppleCare after I bought my device online?

Yes. Go to apple.com/support, sign in with your Apple ID, and select "Buy AppleCare." You have 60 days from the original purchase date. If you bought from another retailer like Best Buy or Amazon, you can still buy AppleCare directly from Apple within that window.

What is the difference between AppleCare and AppleCare+?

AppleCare+ is the more complete plan. It includes accidental damage coverage (with a deductible), while basic AppleCare covers only hardware failures and technical support. AppleCare+ costs more but is usually worth it if you are worried about drops or spills. For most devices, AppleCare+ is the only plan Apple offers now.

Do I lose my AppleCare if I sell my device?

AppleCare is tied to the device, not the person. If you sell your iPhone or Mac, the new owner can transfer the coverage to their Apple ID, or you can remove it before the sale. Contact Apple Support to handle the transfer or removal.

Can I get a refund if I change my mind about AppleCare?

Apple allows refunds within 14 days of purchase if you have not filed any claims. After 14 days, you are locked into the plan for its full term. If you bought AppleCare at a retailer like Best Buy, check their return policy — it may be different from Apple's.

What do I do if my device is damaged and I have AppleCare?

Open the Apple Support app, tap "Get Support," describe the damage, and choose your repair option — in-store at an Apple Store, mail-in service, or a Genius Bar appointment. You will pay the deductible at the time of repair. Apple will either repair your device or replace it depending on the damage.