Buying an Apple device feels exciting. I unbox the Apple device, I set up the Apple device, I admire how smooth the Apple device looks. Then reality hits. What if the Apple device drops? What if the Apple device stops working? Repairs are not cheap anymore. Apple’s protection plans help.
Most people hear AppleCare and AppleCare+. They think AppleCare and AppleCare+ are the same. AppleCare and AppleCare+ are not the same. AppleCare and AppleCare+ sound similar, but they cover different situations. We will break it down for you, so you can understand why cheap apple repairs can cost you later.
1. AppleCare provides the protection you already have
I notice that AppleCare is the warranty that comes free with every Apple device. I notice that you do not need to sign up for AppleCare. I notice that you do not need to pay for AppleCare. AppleCare simply exists from the moment you buy your phone, laptop, or tablet.
The coverage only applies to problems that Apple causes, not problems you cause. If your iPhone suddenly does not turn on, if your MacBook has a keyboard issue, or if your software starts acting strangely for no clear reason, Apple will repair the device. I have seen the coverage steps when a keyboard fails. The warranty covers manufacturing defects and system problems.
Here is the catch. I have learned that the moment you cause the damage, AppleCare steps back. Drop your phone? Crack the screen? Spill water? That is on you. AppleCare does not help with those situations.
2. AppleCare+: Extra protection for real life
In my experience, AppleCare+ changes the way things work. AppleCare+ is a paid plan. AppleCare+ works like insurance. AppleCare+ still gives you everything that AppleCare gives, and AppleCare+ also covers accidents. That is why I choose AppleCare+.
I have dropped my phone on concrete. Cracked the screen. I have spilled coffee on my laptop too. AppleCare+ can help you in these situations. AppleCare+ does not give free repairs, but AppleCare+ makes you pay a service fee instead of the full price.
That is why many people pick AppleCare+. They do not pick AppleCare+ because they are careless. They pick AppleCare+ because life can be unpredictable. I have seen phones slip. I have seen hands shake. I have seen tables get bumped. Those moments happen to everyone at some point.
3. AppleCare vs AppleCare+: What is the real difference?
In simple terms, I notice that AppleCare covers the mistakes that Apple makes. I rely on AppleCare when Apple goes wrong. AppleCare+ also covers your mistakes.
AppleCare is free and limited. I know AppleCare+ costs money, but AppleCare+ gives you peace of mind.
If a device stops working on its own, both plans will help. I have seen that happen many times. But if you damage your device, only AppleCare+ can help. AppleCare+ is the help you get when the device is broken by accident.
4. Accidental damage is the reason people upgrade
Let us be honest. I think accidents are the real reason people buy AppleCare+.
I think about phones slipping out of pockets when getting out of cars. I think about phones falling off beds in the middle of the night. I have seen that happen. Your kid could grab your phone and drop it. I have watched that happen in my own house.
Without AppleCare+, a cracked screen can cost hundreds to fix. I have paid that cost before. With AppleCare+, you pay a service fee and move on. That difference alone makes AppleCare+ worth it for many people.
5. Theft and loss coverage (not everywhere, but useful)
In some countries, AppleCare+ also offers theft and loss protection. This means if your phone is stolen or goes missing, AppleCare+ lets Apple replace your phone. I have seen AppleCare+ work this way.
If you live in a city, travel a lot, or use public transport daily, you see how easy losing a phone can be. Losing a phone costs money and causes stress. Having coverage for theft or loss gives you peace of mind.
6. Costs, service fees, and what people don’t expect
I know AppleCare+ is not free. The price depends on your device. AppleCare+ offers monthly payments or upfront payment options.
There are also service fees. Each time you use AppleCare+, you pay a small amount depending on the damage. I notice that small amount is still far cheaper than paying full repair prices.
It happens. I hear people say, “I will be careful, I don’t need it.”
Then something happens.
Then they regret it.
7. Who should actually consider AppleCare+?
AppleCare+ makes sense if you use your phone constantly and it never leaves your side. It makes sense if you have broken a phone before. It makes sense if you travel often. It makes sense if you have kids. It also makes sense if you hate surprise expenses that hurt your budget.
When my phone is always in my hand and my day is busy, AppleCare+ feels like a safety net. It helps me feel prepared.
8. Who might be fine without it
AppleCare+ makes sense if you use your phone constantly and it never leaves your side. It makes sense if you have broken a phone before. It makes sense if you travel often. It makes sense if you have kids. It also makes sense if you hate surprise expenses that hurt your budget.
When my phone is always in my hand and my day is busy, AppleCare+ feels like a safety net. It helps me feel prepared.
Frequently Asked Questions
AppleCare is the original extended warranty plan, mostly covering manufacturer defects and technical support. AppleCare+ (the newer plan) includes all that plus accidental damage protection, often with low repair fees for drops, screen cracks, and liquid damage.
Yes — AppleCare+ covers accidental damage such as drops and spills. Standard AppleCare typically won’t cover accidental damage on its own, only defects or manufacturing issues.
Yes — under AppleCare+ plans (including AppleCare+ with Theft & Loss), if your battery holds less than 80% of its original capacity, Apple will replace it at no additional cost.
AppleCare+ generally allows a set number of accidental damage incidents (often up to two) per year, with associated service fees — which is much cheaper than out-of-warranty repairs
This enhanced version adds coverage for theft or loss of your device — usually up to two incidents per year — on top of the usual AppleCare+ benefits, if you have Find My enabled