Plan offers support for two years, two incidents of accidental damage

Jul 2, 2014 09:28 GMT  ·  By

Apple is discontinuing its traditional AppleCare service today, while pushing the more expensive AppleCare+ option onto iPhone, iPad, and iPod buyers, providing two years of support from the original purchase date and accidental damage coverage.

The company states on its web site, “Every iPhone comes with one year of hardware repair coverage through its limited warranty and up to 90 days of complimentary support.”

“AppleCare+ for iPhone extends your coverage to two years from the original purchase date of your iPhone1 and adds up to two incidents of accidental damage coverage, each subject to a $79 service fee plus applicable tax.”

The service itself hasn’t changed, but Apple is giving iPhone and iPad buyers a 60-day window to opt for AppleCare+. Previously, that timeframe was limited to 30 days. Moreover, the cheaper, standard AppleCare service is being discontinued.

“Because Apple designs the iPhone, iOS, and many applications, the iPhone is a truly integrated system. And only AppleCare+ provides one-stop service and support from Apple experts, so most issues can be resolved in a single call,” the company explains.

With AppleCare+ you get direct access to Apple experts, mail-in repair service where you send in your iPhone using a prepaid shipping box provided by the company, carry-in repair service where you take your iPhone to an Apple Retail Store or other Apple Authorized Service Provider for assistance, and Express Replacement Service.

AppleCare+ for iPhone costs $99.00 / €99.00. One of the options listed by Apple is to “Buy it within 60 days of your iPhone purchase,” as highlighted in the screenshot above.

The service includes repair and replacement coverage from Apple-authorized technicians for both parts and labor. Service coverage includes the device itself as a whole, the battery, the included earphones and accessories, and coverage for up to two incidents of accidental damage, each subject to a $79 / €79 service fee plus applicable tax.

The service even extends to software as well as any assistance you may require to set up and use iCloud.

“With AppleCare+ for iPhone, Apple experts can help troubleshoot issues with your iPhone, iOS and iCloud, and Apple-branded apps, including: Using iOS and iCloud Questions about Apple-branded iPhone apps such as FaceTime, Mail, and Calendar Connecting to wireless networks,” the company adds.

Visit Apple’s online store to see the AppleCare+ plan up close. Rumor has it that Tim Cook and his troops want to expand the service to Macs as well, but these plans are currently in their early development stages.