Is AppleCare Worth It for MacBook Pro?

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AppleCare may be worth it for your MacBook Pro if you are prone to accidents. But, if you’re a careful person and rarely break things, you probably don’t need it.

Is AppleCare worth the additional cost considering the varying price points, deductibles, and the fact that most Apple products include a one-year limited warranty covering hardware failures and manufacturing defects, along with 90 days of complementary technical support?

Read on to learn if AppleCare is worth it to you.

Is AppleCare Worth It for a MacBook?

AppleCare is beneficial to people that often break things by accident. But if you’ve never even broken your phone (let alone a MacBook), you can probably pass on AppleCare.

Whether AppleCare is worth it for a MacBook depends on various factors. AppleCare extends warranty coverage, offering peace of mind and potential cost savings for repairs, especially considering the premium nature of MacBooks. It also includes coverage for accidental damage, which can be valuable for those who frequently travel or use their MacBook in risky environments. Additionally, AppleCare provides access to technical support, which can be helpful for software issues.

However, if you have a higher risk tolerance, can afford potential repair costs, or prefer self-insuring, AppleCare may be less necessary. Ultimately, the decision hinges on individual priorities, budget, and level of risk tolerance. Considering the potential benefits, repair costs, personal usage patterns, and financial circumstances can guide the decision-making process.

Is AppleCare Worth It for the MacBook Pro?

AppleCare is worth it for MacBook Pro owners. The cost of AppleCare+ at $299 is significantly lower compared to the price of the MacBook Pro, resulting in potential savings of over $2000. This plan becomes even more appealing for individuals who choose to upgrade the CPU, RAM, and storage since the warranty coverage does not increase with these hardware modifications.

Is AppleCare Worth It for the MacBook Air?

Purchasing AppleCare+ for MacBook Air may not be the most cost-effective option. The warranty cost of $299 makes up about 30% of the MacBook Air’s price, which is $999. Moreover, the likelihood of needing a battery replacement within 3 years is low. Additionally, there are affordable hardshell cases available for protecting against accidents, which is especially beneficial for students who can buy the MacBook Air for $899. Considering these factors, exploring alternative solutions may be a more economical approach.

What Is AppleCare?

AppleCare is a coverage plan for all new Apple devices purchased directly through Apple. Most new products from the company come with a one-year limited warranty and 90 days of free technical support. If you want more coverage than just a year, in case of an accident or malfunction, you will need to purchase extra AppleCare coverage to enjoy this luxury.

AppleCare is Apple’s extended warranty and technical support plan for their devices. It extends the standard one-year manufacturer’s warranty and includes telephone support for either two or three years from the date of purchase, depending on the product.

Please note that terms and conditions may vary by region and device. It’s always best to check the specific terms and conditions for your region and for the device you’re interested in covering with AppleCare.

What Does AppleCare Cover for Macs?

AppleCare coverage varies depending on the product and the type of AppleCare plan you purchase, but generally, it provides the following:

1. Extended hardware repair coverage: AppleCare extends the standard one-year warranty to two or three years, depending on the product. This includes the device itself, the battery, and included accessories. The plan covers parts and labor for Apple-authorized repairs.
2. 24/7 technical support: You get priority access to Apple experts via chat or phone for any questions about Apple software, hardware, and services like iCloud and iOS.
3. Accidental damage protection: If you purchase AppleCare+, which is a more comprehensive version of AppleCare, you get coverage for up to two incidents of accidental damage every 12 months, each subject to a service fee. This includes screen damage and other types of accidental damage.
4. Express Replacement Service: If your device needs to be replaced, Apple will send you a replacement device before you send your original device to them.

It’s important to note that AppleCare does not cover loss or theft of your device. Also, remember the specifics of what’s covered can vary depending on the type of device and the region, so it’s always best to check the specific terms and conditions for your device and region.

How Much Does AppleCare Cost?

The cost of AppleCare plans varies based on the device it covers. Typically, higher-priced devices have higher AppleCare costs. Apple provides AppleCare plans for a variety of devices.

Here’s a rundown of the AppleCare cost:

Device	AppleCare+ Pricing (One-time Purchase)
Mac	$99 – $399
Apple Display	$499
iPad	$69 – $129
iPhone	$129 – $199
Apple Watch	$49 – $149
iPod	$59
Headphones	$29
HomePod	$39
Apple TV	$39

AppleCare+ will cost you an additional $269 for the 13-inch MacBook Pro and $379 for the 15-inch model. For screen repairs due to accidents, it will cost you $99 to get it fixed with AppleCare. Other damage repair costs $299. This coverage will apply to your computer, display, battery, power adapter, RAM, AirPort, etc.

How Much Does AppleCare+ Cost for Macs?

Unlike iPhones, AppleCare+ for Macs requires a one-time upfront payment and does not offer a monthly payment option. Here are the costs for different Mac models:

Mac Model	AppleCare+ Cost
Mac mini	$99
MacBook Air	$249
13-inch MacBook Pro	$249
14-inch MacBook Pro	$279
Mac Pro	$249
16-inch MacBook Pro	$379
iMac	$169

How Much AppleCare Costs for Battery Service? 

If you frequently run CPU-intensive applications and games on your MacBook without connecting it to power, repeatedly recharging the laptop throughout the day may lead to a shorter battery lifespan. However, under normal usage conditions, it is likely the battery will last for at least 3 years.

In the event that you do need to replace the battery, the table below provides the costs for battery service once your warranty has expired:

Mac Model	Battery Service Cost
13-inch MacBook Air	$129
13-inch/15-inch MacBook Pro	$129
17-inch MacBook Pro (vintage)	$179
12-inch MacBook	$199
13-inch/15-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display	$199
16-inch MacBook Pro	$199
11-inch MacBook Air	$129

Does AppleCare+ Cover Cosmetic Damage on MacBook?

Yes, AppleCare+ for MacBook does cover certain types of cosmetic damage. It provides coverage for up to two incidents of accidental damage, including damage caused by drops, spills, or other accidents. This coverage extends to both the internal components and the external enclosure of the MacBook.

However, cosmetic damage, such as minor dents, is unlikely to be eligible for coverage under AppleCare+. If the damage is more significant, its qualification for coverage will depend on its severity and may be classified as either a Tier 1 or Tier 2 Service Event.

It’s important to note that there may be deductibles or service fees associated with each incident of accidental damage, depending on the specific terms and conditions of the AppleCare+ plan. Additionally, deliberate damage or cosmetic damage that does not affect the functionality of the MacBook may not be covered.

Pros & Cons of AppleCare

While AppleCare offers several advantages, it also has its drawbacks. In this section, we will explore the pros and cons of AppleCare to help you make an informed decision about whether it’s the right choice for your MacBook Pro.

Pros of AppleCare

1. Peace of mind: By purchasing AppleCare, you can enjoy three years of worry-free ownership. Knowing you have coverage, you can have peace of mind, as any issues that arise will be promptly addressed without additional costs.
2. High-quality customer service: AppleCare provides top-notch coverage for your expensive device. Apple is renowned for its excellent customer service, ensuring you have access to capable and friendly professionals who can assist you with any problems and ensure your device gets fixed properly.
3. Accidental damage coverage: Accidents can happen, and AppleCare includes coverage for accidental damage. Whether your MacBook Pro has a defect or you accidentally drop it or spill liquid on it, you won’t have to bear the full cost of repairs or replacements.

Cons of AppleCare

1. Upfront Cost: AppleCare comes at a significant price, with nearly $300 upfront, and additional expenses for repairs. While it may still be cheaper than purchasing a new computer, if you experience multiple issues during the coverage period, it can still be quite expensive to maintain and repair your device.
2. No coverage for loss or theft: AppleCare does not cover the loss or theft of your MacBook Pro. While your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance might cover these scenarios, AppleCare itself does not provide protection in such cases.
3. Limited duration: AppleCare coverage lasts for three years, which may not be sufficient considering the expected lifespan of MacBook Pros. As your computer gets older, the likelihood of malfunctions or accidents increases. It would be beneficial if the coverage duration extended beyond three years to provide long-term protection.

AppleCare vs. AppleCare+

AppleCare and AppleCare+ are two different service plans offered by Apple for their devices. Here’s a brief comparison of AppleCare with AppleCare+:

1. AppleCare: This is the basic service plan. It extends the standard one-year manufacturer’s warranty to two or three years, depending on the product. It covers hardware failures and issues that arise under normal use. It also provides access to technical support for software and connectivity issues.
2. AppleCare+: This is a more comprehensive service plan. In addition to the extended warranty and technical support provided by AppleCare, AppleCare+ includes coverage for up to two incidents of accidental damage every 12 months, each subject to a service fee.

This means if you accidentally drop your device and the screen breaks, or if you spill something on it, you can get it repaired for a much lower fee than the out-of-pocket cost. AppleCare+ also includes 24/7 priority access to Apple experts via chat or phone.

It’s worth noting that AppleCare+ needs to be purchased within a certain time frame from when you buy or receive your new device. The exact timeframe can vary, but it is usually within 60 days for devices in the United States.

Please note that AppleCare or AppleCare+ don’t cover theft or loss of your device unless you specifically purchase AppleCare+ with a Theft and Loss plan.

If you wish to cancel your AppleCare & get refund back, Go through this article.

Final Thoughts

Determining whether AppleCare is worth it for your MacBook Pro depends on your individual circumstances and preferences.

If you’re prone to accidents or prefer the peace of mind that comes with extended warranty coverage and accidental damage protection, AppleCare may be worth considering. However, if you’re generally careful with your devices and rarely experience issues, you can pass on AppleCare.

While AppleCare provides extended warranty coverage, technical support, and accidental damage protection, it comes with an upfront cost and may not cover all types of cosmetic damage. Ultimately, the decision to purchase AppleCare for your MacBook Pro should be based on your personal needs, budget, and usage patterns.

Do you have AppleCare on your MacBook Pro? What was your experience like with the coverage?

About Jonathon Jachura