What is AppleCare and why do I need it?

Services and support offers for Apple devices are offered through the in-house AppleCare products. AppleCare+ for Mac, AppleCare+ for iPhone and more is an optional warranty that includes technical support, service for Apple hardware and help with software problems for the period booked. If a repair or the replacement of a component is necessary during this period, this can be done cheaper or even free of charge in the Apple Store or at Apple partners - depending on the device and the underlying error. In this guide you get more details about AppleCare from Apple.

What is AppleCare / AppleCare+?

The entirety of the service and support offerings under the optional warranty are referred to as AppleCare products. However, the individual products for Apple devices bear the name AppleCare+. There are these offers for the currently most common devices:

• AppleCare+ for Mac from 119 euros for 3 years
• AppleCare+ for iPad from EUR 3,99 per month or EUR 79 for 2 years
• AppleCare+ for iPhone from EUR 4,49 per month or EUR 89 for 2 years
• AppleCare+ for Apple Watch from EUR 2,99 per month or EUR 65 for 2 years
• AppleCare+ for Apple Display from 139 euros for 3 years
• AppleCare+ for headphones (AirPods, AirPods Pro, etc.) from 39 euros for 2 years
• AppleCare+ for Apple TV from 29 euros for 3 years
• AppleCare+ for HomePod from 15 euros for 2 years
• AppleCare+ for iPod from 59 euros for 2 years

(Status: August 11, 2022; subject to change)

Explained with an example: Apple iPhone with AppleCare 

Is AppleCare for the iPhone worth it? Of course, this depends on how much support you need and whether damage will occur to the device. As with any warranty or insurance, it's only worth it if something goes wrong. The AppleCare product for the Apple iPhone covers up to two accidental damage repairs within 12 months with an additional payment of EUR 29 each (instead of EUR 229 without AppleCare). 

The protection only takes effect from the day of purchase. So AppleCare+ cannot be used retrospectively for existing damage. There is also an exchange service for the battery if it reaches a capacity of less than 80% during the runtime.

Additional protection: AppleCare+ including protection against theft and loss

Protection against theft and loss can be booked in addition to the support and repair services for AppleCare products. This slightly increases the monthly, annual or other billed costs. 

I have summarized what AppleCare+ for iPhone costs you and what the price for the additional protection looks like in the following table. First the note: In order to be able to take advantage of the additional security, “Where is?” must be activated on the devices in question, i.e. localization using your own Apple ID in the network of active Apple devices.

(Status: August 11, 2022; subject to change)

What about guarantees and warranties according to German law?

After purchasing a product, you are entitled to a warranty for 24 months according to the applicable law in Germany. The warranty obligation lies with the dealer. If you didn't buy your Mac, iPad, Apple Watch or the like from the Apple Store, but from MediaMarkt, Saturn, Cyberport or similar, you have to contact them in the event of a defect. 

But that's only possible in the first six months, because you don't have to prove that the defect already existed when you bought it. After this first six months, you bear the burden of proof. In addition to the dealer's guarantee, the manufacturer's guarantee is also completely voluntary. Details can be found here: Guarantee and warranty - the difference simply explained!

Other contact points on the topic

• Official website for AppleCare products: Here you can find all current information
• Most important individual pages for device protection: Mac / iPhone / iPad / Apple Watch / Headphones
• AppleCare Professional Support for Business: Information for helpdesks, IT and companies

Johannes Domke

After graduating from high school, Johannes completed an apprenticeship as a business assistant specializing in foreign languages. But then he decided to research and write, which resulted in his independence. For several years he has been working for Sir Apfelot, among others. His articles include product introductions, news, manuals, video games, consoles, and more. He follows Apple keynotes live via stream.