Apple is making changes to the window of time that customers will need to purchase their AppleCare + extended warranty for the iPhone, iPad, Mac, and other products. According to Bloomberg, the company qualified for AppleCare + after a full year after the purchase of which device you cover, extended retail staff and customer support staff were informed of the change on Monday, although the Apple website does not yet reflect an update.
Mac buyers once had a one-year window to make a decision on buying Apple’s extended warranty, but when the company accidentally added damage coverage to the plans, that time frame was penalized up to 60 days. Apple has repeatedly gone over how long iPhone customers have, switching between a year and the current 60 days more than once. So if you did not get the extended warranty with your iPhone 11 last September, you now have a new chance to extend coverage – and repairs are much cheaper than having AppleCare +.
Some Apple stores had already explored the extended time frame for purchasing AppleCare +, e.g. MacRumors reported last year.
When purchased in advance, AppleCare + provides one year warranty coverage for iPhones and iPads and an additional two years for Macs, plus covers accidental damage. (There is always a deductible for physical damage, regardless of product.) AppleCare + is also available for Apple Watch, AirPods and Beats headphones, HomePod, the Pro Display XDR and iPod touch. Apple has said that the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting AppleCare + demand as consumers reflect their spending on an economic downturn. Giving them more time could help further boost the company’s service.
If you buy AppleCare + for a device you already have, you will need to write it off at an Apple store or through a diagnostic test when you order over the phone.
