Apple care cost for iphone 13 pro

About to buy a new iPhone? If you're going for one of the new models, you're looking at a spend of at least $1,399 (yikes). Even if you're looking at a cheaper model like the iPhone SE, it'll still cost around $719. It certainly would be a shame if you broke an iPhone that cost that much, huh?

To cover you in the case of accidental damage and other mishaps, Apple offers an AppleCare Plus service on top of its free limited warranty. But do you really need AppleCare Plus? What does it cover how much money will it really save? In this guide, we'll look at the pros and cons.

What is AppleCare Plus?

When you buy a new phone, you're automatically covered by certain protections under Australian Consumer Law. On top of that, Apple includes a one-year Limited Warranty for both your phone and all Apple-branded accessories contained in the original packaging, plus 90 days of complimentary telephone support for hardware and software.

As of September 2021 Apple has also extended it's Apple Care Plus Theft and Loss to Australia. The additional coverage will cost you around $4 more per month, but covers you for two incidents of theft or loss each year.

AppleCare Plus is an extended warranty that provides additional cover on top of that. AppleCare Plus lasts for two years from the day you purchase your iPhone and provides:

• 24/7 priority access to technical support via phone and online
• Repair or replacement coverage for your iPhone, battery and accessories
• Cover for unlimited incidents of accidental damage (subject to a service fee)
• Cover for up to 2 incidents of theft of loss every 12 months (if adding the Theft and Loss package)

Technical support includes help for things like using iOS and iCloud, connecting to wireless networks, questions about your iPhone, FaceTime, Mail, Safari and other Apple-branded iPhone apps. Certainly handy to have if you're an iPhone newbie.

However, while your Australian Consumer Law and Limited Warranty protections are free, AppleCare Plus will cost you. Here's how much:

However, the costs of AppleCare Plus don't end with the purchase fee. If you're unlucky enough to do accidental damage your iPhone during the period of cover, you're looking at extra, albeit heavily reduced, repair costs:

• Screen or back glass replacement - $45
• Other repair - $149
• Theft or loss - $229
• Battery replacement - free

Note that back glass replacement is only valid for iPhone 12, 13 and 14 series.

You can buy AppleCare Plus protection directly from Apple when you purchase your new iPhone, or up to 60 days after your iPhone purchase. You’ll need to provide proof of your iPhone purchase via receipts if you decide to buy later, but you can sign up for AppleCare Plus online, over the phone, or in any Apple Store.

Consumer Law vs. Apple Warranty vs. AppleCare Plus

Confused about which covers what? Here's a quick summary of what cover you get from Australian Consumer Law, Apple's Limited Warranty, and AppleCare Plus:

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AppleCare Plus Theft and Loss

Although Theft and Loss packages have been available in the United States for a while now, this is the first time they have become available in Australia.

For $4 extra per month you can add on Theft and Loss cover directly through Apple. This kinda of pricing is much more affordable when compared to our Aussie telco's insurance policies.

The additional coverage lets you claim up to two incidents of theft or loss over each 12 month period. Each incident is subject to a service fee of $229, which we don't have to tell you is much cheaper than buying a brand new iPhone yourself.

In order for Theft and Loss coverage to be applicable, you'll need to have Find My iPhone enabled at the time your device is lost or stolen, and throughout the claims process. I guess it's bad luck if the person who steals yours figures out how to turn off Find My iPhone.

Is AppleCare Plus worth it?

If you're about to shell out over $1,399 for a new iPhone, you may not really want to pay any more, especially to protect it against accidental damage that might not even happen. On the other hand, if you do accidentally damage your phone, iPhone repair costs are a lot steeper without AppleCare+. 

To help you decide whether AppleCare+ will be worth it, we've compared the costs of repair with AppleCare+ against what you'd pay for repair without cover.

iPhone repair costs

• Screen
• Battery Replacement
• Other*

Note that if you have Apple Care Plus with Theft and Loss you'll pay $48 more per year. If you're paying for screen repair costs as above then minus $48 from the total savings to see the value. If on the other hand you've lost your iPhone, paying $229 for a brand new one is a substantial saving on any of these handsets.

*Examples of other repair include for liquid damage, home button problems, camera replacement or repair for an accessory.

As you can see, when it comes to repair costs, how much money you save with AppleCare Plus depends a lot on which iPhone model you choose and what kind of damage you might be expecting. (Hopefully none.)

If you're getting an iPhone 14 Pro Max and want to be prepared for all kinds of damage, like liquid damage (even the best iPhones are only considered water resistant), AppleCare Plus could save you up to $900 on a single repair.

It's worth noting that your savings will increase if you're expecting to need two repairs while covered, as the initial payment for AppleCare Plus happens once. Although, if you're expecting to break your iPhone twice in two years, maybe you should be shopping for an iPhone case. Hey, it's cheaper.

In the end, it's hard to know ahead of time whether or not AppleCare Plus will be worth it for you. You may choose to spend the money for your own peace-of-mind. Or you might decide to go without. Both are valid choices and, in the end, you're taking a chance either way.

Free protections for your iPhone

Even if you choose not to get AppleCare Plus, you're still protected by both Australian Consumer Law and Apple's Limited Warranty. Here's more detail on what's covered by each.

Apple’s Limited Warranty Coverage is provided free, applies to everything included in your product’s original packaging, and offers repair or replacement in the event of after-purchase defects. Coverage is included for faults or malfunctions in your phone’s "materials and workmanship", provided you’re using your device normally.

Customers also receive free telephone support for the first 90 days with their new iPhone. This support includes assistance with basic set-up, installation, assembly and connectivity, for both your Apple hardware and iOS software.

A customer’s right to seek reparations for faulty products is covered in Australia by the Australian Consumer Law, which applies to all states and territories and regulates fair trading and consumer protection.

What consumers need to know is that warranties issued by manufacturers do not restrict a customer's rights. Apple's warranty can't override or limit the Australian Consumer Law, and just because your coverage has expired - or a fault isn't covered by the manufacturer - doesn't necessarily mean you're not entitled to assistance or compensation from a retailer under Australian legislation.

The law states that:

• Consumers have the right to ask for a repair, replacement or refund for goods that are faulty, unsafe, look unacceptable, or don't work the way that they're supposed to.
• Australian consumers are entitled to a refund or replacement for a major failure and compensation for any other reasonably unexpected loss or damage.
• Consumers are also entitled to have goods repaired or replaced if they are not of acceptable quality, even if there is no major failure.
• For minor issues, businesses may choose whether to repair, refund or replace the faulty item, and any repairs must happen within a "reasonable time frame".
• For major problems, consumers are given the choice between a replacement or a full refund.

Phone manufacturers and telcos must ensure the goods they sell are fit for purpose, match the description provided and any sample or demonstration models, and have the same qualities and level of performance that have been advertised or promised by the seller.

Apple vs. the law

A key thing to remember regarding Apple's warranty options and your rights as a consumer is that, although Apple state they don't provide coverage for "non-Apple branded accessories" (even if they are packaged with an Apple product), under Australian consumer law you are still entitled to a refund, repair or replacement from your retailer where the product was purchased, if the accessory is faulty or damaged.

This includes Apple stores and resellers: the law states that if a product is not fit for purpose or faulty, the retailer who supplied it to a customer has an obligation to resolve the issue. Despite the company having a publicised history of referring customers to third party manufacturers, their terms and conditions don't overrule consumer law; it's Apple's job to assist you with any item you purchased from their stores.

However, there is a downside. Phone manufacturers such as Apple do not have to provide a refund or replacement if the customer: 

• doesn't have proof of purchase
• has simply changed their mind
• has caused the damage (intentionally or through obvious neglect)
• was aware of a fault prior to making the purchase.

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