AppleCare+

All Apple computers come with a one-year limited warranty for hardware and 90 days for phone support. Within the first year it is possible to purchase AppleCare. AppleCare is not an extension of the warranty, but rather it is a service contract. The contract extends the hardware and phone support by two additional years.

The hardware warranty generally covers the device and included accessories such as the power adapter, battery, cables, Apple-supplied memory (RAM), Apple USB SuperDrive (for MacBook Pro with Retina Display, MacBook Air, and Mac Mini only), Apple displays (purchased at same time as a Mac), and AirPort Express Base Station, AirPort Extreme Base Station, or Time Capsule (the AirPort device or Time Capsule must be purchased up to two years before a Mac purchase or during the term of the AppleCare Protection Plan coverage).

For Macs, the included software support currently includes: OS X; iLife; iWork; and connecting to printers and AirPort networks. For Mac computers running OS X Server, support covers server administration and network management issues using the graphical user interface of OS X Server. For iPods and iOS devices, included software support currently includes iOS and iCloud; iTunes syncing; downloading from the iTunes Store; HD video recording and FaceTime; connecting to Wi-Fi networks; using Apple-branded iOS apps.

Other Apple accessories each have their individual similar precise cover inclusions and exclusions.

If the Apple device requiring service is carried into a retail Apple Store and needs fixing, the product can typically be repaired on-site, which often means a short turnaround time; often same-day repair. Currently Apple recommend the user reserve a Genius Bar appointment before turning up with their device in store. Alternatively, after speaking to and organizing with AppleCare representatives on the phone/Internet, devices may be mailed-in to an Apple repair center for service, typically this is Apple themselves, but can in some territories be third-party authorized Apple repairers.

Products that cannot be repaired are replaced with new or refurbished products, with identical or superior hardware specifications, depending on the circumstances involved.

AppleCare does not cover accidental damage such as drops, spills, or liquid immersion. This is usually the same for iPhones and iPads, except in some territories (including the US and Canada) where the product is branded "AppleCare+" for iPhone and iPad, offering slightly different cover (see next section).

Unlike traditional insurance policies, AppleCare does not cover for loss or theft of devices.

AppleCare Protection Plan

Users wanting longer coverage than the standard amount included have the additional option to extend this cover by purchasing an AppleCare Protection Plan.

The AppleCare Protection Plan is sold by Apple and its authorized resellers. It is available for purchase with every major piece of Apple hardware, including smaller devices and computers, along with many of their accessories. An AppleCare Protection Plan can be purchased at the same time as the hardware, or separately after the original hardware purchase, as long as the original Apple hardware warranty is active, usually this means within the first year (see AppleCare and EU legislation section for exclusions). However for iPhones and iPads, in territories where the product is branded AppleCare+, the plan has to be purchased within 60 days of buying the device concerned.

For all hardware devices, following the included 90-day telephone/Internet support and one year hardware warranty, buying the AppleCare Protection Plan for a Mac computer or a separate AppleCare Protection Plan for Apple displays extends both support and hardware to three years, while buying an AppleCare Protection Plan for iPods and other iOS devices (sold as AppleCare+ in some territories for iPhones and iPads) can extend both support and hardware to two years. Other Apple hardware accessories have similar AppleCare Protection Plans available, generally these extend cover for up to two years following purchase.

AppleCare does not cover accidental damage (such as drops, spills, or liquid immersion), but in territories where the extended AppleCare Protection Plan product is branded AppleCare+ for iPhone and iPad, higher cover is offered for accidental handling damage, for an additional service fee per incident, at up to two incidents per plan holder.

Included Mac accessory coverage

Users who purchase an AppleCare Protection Plan with any Mac computer are also automatically entitled to receive coverage for some other related Apple accessories. Along with coverage for the Mac, any additional Apple display is covered (must be purchased at same time as the Mac though), and/or any Apple AirPort device, e.g. AirPort Express Base Station, AirPort Extreme Base Station, or Time Capsule (although the AirPort device or Time Capsule must be purchased up to two years before the Mac purchase or during the term of the AppleCare Protection Plan coverage).

AppleCare Extended Service

In some countries or areas, such as parts of Latin America, where there are no Apple offices, the "AppleCare Extended Service" product is instead available, which offers the same hardware warranty without the phone/Internet support.

AppleCare and EU legislation

Local regulations in parts of Europe gives consumers a minimum of two years warranty on hardware defects, which overlaps the benefits of AppleCare. This effectively means that an AppleCare Protection Plan still extends phone/Internet support from 90 days on all devices. However no additional benefit is derived from purchasing an Apple Protection Plan on those devices where the Plan would only cover hardware for two years anyway. However, for Mac computers with or without any additional included covered Mac accessories, (or separately purchased Apple monitors with their own purchased Apple Protection Plan) this still extends cover to a third year from the statutory two years.

In Italy, Apple has been accused of failing to inform customers about their rights. In other countries consumer organizations are also threatening to sue Apple for not informing customers about their rights.

Competition

There are several third-party warranty providers, along with traditional insurance providers, that will also cover Apple products. Some may include accident, loss, and theft coverage as well as hardware failure. Some major retailers that sell Apple products sell their own extended service plans as well.

External links

• Apple - AppleCare products and services
• Apple Products and Statutory Warranty
• European Consumers Centres Network
• APP Mac North America
• Embedded Mac Warranty USA