AppleCare+ Can Now be Purchased Up to One Year After Buying an iPhone

[MacRumors]

A customer that purchases a new iPhone now has up to one year to purchase AppleCare+ for the device, compared to 60 days previously, according to multiple people familiar with the matter. Apple has yet to update the fine print on its website, but MacRumors confirmed the extension with a senior AppleCare advisor.

The change means that AppleCare+ can now be added to an iPhone as long as the device remains within its standard one-year limited warranty period. This brings AppleCare+ for iPhone in line with AppleCare for Mac and Apple TV, which can also be purchased up to one year after those devices are purchased.

The senior advisor said the extension only applies to the iPhone, and it is retroactive, meaning iPhones sold within the past year qualify for AppleCare+ now. Multiple sources insist that the one-year AppleCare+ purchase window applies to the iPad, iPod touch, and Apple Watch as well, but we cannot confirm this info yet.

Apple's eligibility tool does appear to reflect the change for iPhones in the United States, but not in the United Kingdom, Canada, Hong Kong, or elsewhere, so it is possible the longer purchase window will be U.S. only. "Eligible for AppleCare+" did not appear for an iPad or Apple Watch in any country based on our check.

iPhone 7 Plus purchased on September 21, 2016 eligible for AppleCare+​

AppleCare+ costs $129 for iPhone 6s and newer and $99 for iPhone SE. The plan extends an iPhone's warranty coverage to two years from the original purchase date of the device, and adds up to two incidents of accidental damage coverage, each subject to a service fee of $29 for screen damage, or $99 for any other damage.

AppleCare+ for iPhone also provides 24/7 priority access to AppleCare advisors via chat or phone for up to two years after the device's original purchase date. Without the plan, iPhone owners are covered by a limited one-year warranty and 90 days of complimentary telephone support.

AppleCare+ for iPhone also covers EarPods, Lightning to USB cables, and batteries that retain less than 80 percent of their original capacity.

In order to purchase AppleCare+ after the fact, separately from the iPhone, Apple must physically inspect the device to ensure there is no existing damage. Proof of purchase, such as a receipt, is also required. If purchased online, Apple requires customers to verify their serial number and run a remote diagnostic test.

Update: Apple appears to have reverted back to a 60-day purchase window for AppleCare+ for iPhone, as confirmed with a support representative.

Article Link: AppleCare+ Can Now be Purchased Up to One Year After Buying an iPhone

 

[AppleFan360]

Well that's pretty darn awesome. Good work Apple.

 

[SoN1NjA]

glad to see someone is over there giving us what we want

This and letting 3rd party screen repairs are steps in the right direction

 

[yanki01]

good move here.

 

[pgiguere1]

Is there any measure in place to prevent people from buying AppleCare+ after accidental damage happened?

Edit: Should have read the article until the end...

 

[itsmilo]

Does it make sense to get AppleCare+ for my iPhone if bought in the US but live in Germany? I guess not, right?

 

[yanki01]

apple hasn't updated to see the terms but interested to know what if someone gets a replacement within a year? I've had one on my 4, 5 and 6. wife has on her 5s and 6. could we still be able to purchase apple care for the replacement device?

 

[DrewDaHilp1]

Is there any measure in place to prevent people from buying AppleCare+ after accidental damage happened?

"In order to purchase AppleCare+ after an iPhone, as a separate purchase, Apple must physically inspect the device, and proof of purchase such as a receipt is required. The purchase can also be completed online, in which case Apple requires customers to verify their serial number and run a remote diagnostic."

 

[pgiguere1]

"In order to purchase AppleCare+ after an iPhone, as a separate purchase, Apple must physically inspect the device, and proof of purchase such as a receipt is required. The purchase can also be completed online, in which case Apple requires customers to verify their serial number and run a remote diagnostic."

Uh, should have read until the end, my bad

 

[bbeagle]

"In order to purchase AppleCare+ after an iPhone, as a separate purchase, Apple must physically inspect the device, and proof of purchase such as a receipt is required. The purchase can also be completed online, in which case Apple requires customers to verify their serial number and run a remote diagnostic."

Right - but what if, for example, the screen is cracked or came unglued but the phone functions fine? Won't a 'remote diagnostic' succeed?

 

[DrewDaHilp1]

Right - but what if, for example, the screen is cracked or came unglued but the phone functions fine? Won't a 'remote diagnostic' succeed?

I'm not sure. Is there a way they can test the resistance? I'm not a techie, my thought is complete undamaged screen=certain resistance vs. damaged screen=different resistance.

 

[itsmilo]

Right - but what if, for example, the screen is cracked or came unglued but the phone functions fine? Won't a 'remote diagnostic' succeed?

well i sent them my log file on anJailbreaked device once which officially and technically voids the warranty and they didnt say anything

 

[WestonHarvey1]

Retroactive?

 

[RichTF]

Right - but what if, for example, the screen is cracked or came unglued but the phone functions fine? Won't a 'remote diagnostic' succeed?

I know of at least one person who has done that, and it worked. So I guess the answer is "maybe".

Probably depends on what the iPhone's internal sensors are able to pick up, and maybe this sort of thing will improve with new iPhone models etc.

 

[Swazaloo]

In the long run, it's always cheaper to pay WHEN something breaks, not IF something breaks. There's a reason these warranties exist, and it's not to help you.

 

[sbailey4]

Is there any measure in place to prevent people from buying AppleCare+ after accidental damage happened?

Edit: Should have read the article until the end...

Also if you think about it you would pay the $129 plus the $29/$99 at time you needed it and it starts from purchase date so you are not really getting anything by waiting and Apple isnt really loosing because you will pay for AC and DED and only have 1 more fix or year. Basically say if screen was cracked you pay $158 which is still more than just a screen replacement ($129 if I remember)

 

[Apple_Robert]

I like the new policy. I wish it was retroactive, seeing how I purchased said AC+ two months ago.

 

[Urban Joe]

I don't see the purpose if you wait too late. If you do you're essentially paying for 2 years of coverage and only getting one year. There's no better business than selling something for up to twice what it's worth. Apple gets 2 years of premiums for less than 2 years of risk. Very clever.
Last I checked (been a while though) Square Trade or Worth Ave. coverage is better. I am very careful with my devices so I save money by self insuring.

 

[Joe Rossignol]

I like the new policy. I wish it was retroactive, seeing how I purchased said AC+ two months ago.

I like the new policy. I wish it was retroactive, seeing how I purchased said AC+ two months ago.

I should have mentioned this. It's retroactive. AKA my iPhone 7 Plus bought last September is now eligible for AppleCare+ (again, technically ).

 

[LoliS]

I should have mentioned this. It's retroactive. AKA my iPhone 7 bought last September is now eligible for AppleCare+.

Awesome!!!!

Can you buy it on replacement devices? Meaning if I already got a warranty replacement, will they let me buy AC+?

 

[sbailey4]

I like the new policy. I wish it was retroactive, seeing how I purchased said AC+ two months ago.

Not sure how that would help. Coverage starts at phone purchase date so buying 2 months ago or 8 months from now is the same. You only get 2 yrs of coverage either way. The nice part is you have some time to decide if you want it or not rather than only 60 days.

 

[Apple_Robert]

Not sure how that would help. Coverage starts at phone purchase date so buying 2 months ago or 8 months from now is the same. You only get 2 yrs of coverage either way. The nice part is you have some time to decide if you want it or not rather than only 60 days.

Edited: I removed my original comment so that people would not continuously and needlessly quote the post, while ignoring subsequent posts I made and replied to.

 

[gugy]

About time Apple extended this. You can do it with Macs, never understood why the iPhone could not benefit the same the same treatment.

 

[Joe Rossignol]

Awesome!!!!

Can you buy it on replacement devices? Meaning if I already got a warranty replacement, will they let me buy AC+?

That I'm not sure about.

You're best to visit an Apple Store or contact Apple Support via phone.

 

[Apple_Robert]

I wonder if Apple is implementing this now, so that it can (possibly) increase sales with the new phones in October.
[doublepost=1489784927][/doublepost]

About time Apple extended this. You can do it with Macs, never understood why the iPhone could not benefit the same the same treatment.

Until recently, Macs were much more costly (compared to top tier iPhone) and (possibly) not used as mobile as the iPhones? Just a guess.