What you need to know about AppleCare before buying an iPhone 4S

What you need to know about AppleCare before buying an iPhone 4S
Apple has made some changes to the AppleCare extended warranty plan for the iPhone 4S which you should understand before you buy one.

The new plan is called AppleCare+, and is the only extended warranty option available from Apple for the iPhone 4S. This is separate from any replacement plan which may be offered by your carrier.



The primary reason you will need to understand how AppleCare+ works before buying your phone is you can't wait until later to purchase it.

Every new iPhone comes with a limited warranty on the hardware for 1 year and 90 days of technical support. Previously you could purchase AppleCare for your iPhone any time during that first year.

With the iPhone 4S you won't have that option. AppleCare+ must be purchased with the phone.

There is an exception if you pre-ordered the iPhone 4S. In that case, you will have until November 14 to buy an AppleCare+ plan for your new iPhone by calling 1-800-275-2273.

Not every mobile provider will offer AppleCare+ plans to subscribers. An Apple rep told PCMag.com you will still be able to buy a plan directly from them, but you should make sure not to wait until after your phone is activated.

The plan will cost $99, which is an increase of $30 from the AppleCare plan offered for previous generation iPhones. It extends both hardware replacement and technical support to 2 years from purchase.

If the hardware is damaged due to an accident, rather than a defect, there will also be an additional $49 fee for replacement. You will be limited to 2 accidental damage replacements per plan.

It's worth considering that the cost to replace your iPhone out of warranty would only be $199. Obviously, if you are the type of person who upgrades every time Apple releases a new iPhone, you shouldn't expect to actually get 2 years of coverage from an AppleCare+ plan.

In fact, unless you want the additional tech support or are extremely hard on your phone, AppleCare+ is probably not a good investment.

Written by: Rich Fiscus @ 14 Oct 2011 3:17
Tags
warranty Apple iPhone 4S AppleCare tech support
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  • 10 comments
  • KillerBug

    Quote:In fact, unless you want the additional tech support or are extremely hard on your phone, AppleCare+ is probably not a good investment. Yeah...but neither is the 4S, so if you are buying one, you might as well buy AppleCare+, and a few dozen pet rocks, and some Enron stock.


    14.10.2011 03:40 #1

  • core2kid

    Originally posted by KillerBug: Quote:In fact, unless you want the additional tech support or are extremely hard on your phone, AppleCare+ is probably not a good investment. Yeah...but neither is the 4S, so if you are buying one, you might as well buy AppleCare+, and a few dozen pet rocks, and some Enron stock. $49 bucks for accidental damage isn't too bad, replacing the digitizer costs $50 in parts since Apple glued the digitizer and LCD together.

    14.10.2011 12:35 #2

  • Mysttic

    Either way, apple lost a good investment opportunity with this; as not everyone who orders an iphone has the $ right away up front for apple care. Most people will decline and if it breaks say the heck with it. After all out of the millions that are pre-ordering this phone, how many can really afford or should get one *I thinking on people on welfare who complain they have no $ to live on yet somehow have the $ saved up for these devices*.

    14.10.2011 14:29 #3

  • core2kid

    Originally posted by Mysttic: Either way, apple lost a good investment opportunity with this; as not everyone who orders an iphone has the $ right away up front for apple care. Most people will decline and if it breaks say the heck with it. After all out of the millions that are pre-ordering this phone, how many can really afford or should get one *I thinking on people on welfare who complain they have no $ to live on yet somehow have the $ saved up for these devices*. I agree but then again if you're getting an iPhone, you should have the extra $100 to put down for the service plan. Sounds like this plan is mainly for the people who don't care for their devices. I highly doubt an iPhone will break from "Normal wear and tear". My 2nd gen iPod Touch still works, never been opened or repaired.

    14.10.2011 15:49 #4

  • aw2600

    Originally posted by core2kid: Sounds like this plan is mainly for the people who don't care for their devices. I highly doubt an iPhone will break from "Normal wear and tear". My 2nd gen iPod Touch still works, never been opened or repaired. It really depends on how careful you are with your belongings. I am constantly amazed at how badly people seem to treat mobile phones and other electronic devices. I am not the type that walks around with my phone wrapped up in a blanket - but I am respectful. I have had a few work supplied Blackberrys over the last 10 years. The day that I trade up the old one always looks almost like new. I also have a 1st gen iPod Touch that has nothing more than some light scratches on the back. Look after your things and they will last a long time.

    14.10.2011 16:24 #5

  • Interestx

    The sooner the EU madates a minimum 2yr warranty on everything sold here the better.

    Then we can look at moving that to 3yrs as standard.

    14.10.2011 16:44 #6

  • Thoatih12

    company just dont stand behind there products like they used to.


    14.10.2011 22:17 #7

  • KillerBug

    Originally posted by Thoatih12: company just dont stand behind there products like they used to. Some companies do...but most others have realized that people prefer a low price to a quality build...and low quality devices just don't last very long.

    Remember...by the time the iPhone4S 1-year care plan is over, the thing will be 30 months out of date.


    15.10.2011 01:56 #8

  • snowlock

    it is quite comparable to most third party damage insurance, with the added benefit of warranty extension. it's a lot better than what verizon offers on the 4s, which costs several dollars per month and at least a $149 service fee for damage.

    I have had no trouble out of this iPhone 4, but my 3G model required service 3 times. only 2 were in warranty, and the other wasn't too expensive. I'm as careful as I can be, but something I constantly handle will regularly hit the floor or ground, considering how I am not a robot.

    16.10.2011 21:12 #9

  • Mrguss

    Why AppleCare+ $$$ ?
    http://bit.ly/qMyLl4

    +4000

    17.10.2011 14:06 #10

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