AppleCare is a service that extends the warranty of your Apple device and adds additional support options. Depending on the plan you choose, you can get unlimited incidents of accidental damage protection and up to two incidents of theft or loss coverage every 12 months. AppleCare+ for most Apple products, such as the iPhone and iPad, provides two years of coverage from the date the service was purchased, and for Mac or Apple Displays, it adds an additional three years of coverage. AppleCare also extends phone and chat support for the duration of the coverage, and adds priority access to Apple experts by chat or phone.
AppleCare+ covers up to an unlimited number of accidental damage incidents, such as liquid damage or broken screens, up to a service fee of $99 for screen damage or external enclosure damage, or $299 for other accidental damage, plus applicable tax. However, it does not cover everything. For example, it does not protect or repair any cosmetic damage like scuffs, scratches, or dings. It also does not cover pre-existing conditions, so if you walk out of the store, drop your phone and crack your screen, then walk back in and add AppleCare+ protection, it will not cover that cracked screen.
Whether or not you should purchase AppleCare depends on how you use your Apple device, and how much risk and expense you are willing to take. If you are prone to dropping or damaging your device, the argument moves towards adding AppleCare+. Similarly, additional loss and theft coverage will be dependent on how likely you believe you are to lose your device or have it stolen. Ultimately, some users are simply more careless with their devices, and for those people, AppleCare+ is worth it.
