Apple Care - who is it worth it for?

If you buy an Apple device online or in the store, you are also offered the purchase of the so-called Apple Care Protection Plan. Find out what this additional guarantee is and for whom it is worthwhile here.

What is the Apple Care Protection Plan?

• The Apple Care Protection Plan extends Apple's one-year warranty to two to three years (depending on the product). With the purchase of the Protection Plan you conclude a guarantee contract. In addition to the smooth replacement or repair of your Apple device in the event of a fault that is not your own fault, you will also receive telephone, software support and hardware service. This applies both to the device itself and to the accessories included with the purchase. Apple Care can also be purchased for software.
• The complete service is valid for a total of two to three years after the date of purchase of the product and must be purchased for each product individually. Devices such as iPhones, iPads or iPods then have an extended warranty for two years, Macs and MacBooks for three years. For Apple computers, the Protection Plan also protects associated hardware that you purchased with the MacBook or Mac - for example, Apple TV, an Apple monitor, or an airport.
• Support: Apple Care allows you to contact the Apple support team. This helps you either by phone or online in chat. It not only answers all of your questions, but also helps you to solve problems.
• Software support: Support is also available to assist you with problems or questions about software such as the operating system, individual programs or hardware to be connected.
• Express exchange service: If your iPhone has a defect, you can request the express exchange service via Apple Care. In this case you will receive a new or new replacement device. You only have to send your defective iPhone to Apple after you have received it. In this way, you never do without your iPhone.
• Hardware service: You can use the free repair service for up to three years. This happens either on site in the Apple Store, at an Apple-authorized repair center or by sending it in. The service can also be used abroad.
• By the way, you don't have to buy Apple Care immediately with your Apple devices. You can purchase and activate the Protection Plan at any time within the "normal" one-year warranty.
• Conclusion: In contrast to the legal guarantee and Apple's one-year guarantee, Apple Care gives you up to three years of full support and you can be sure that defects that are not your own fault will be repaired without problems. However, this service also has its price.

What does the Apple Care Protection Plan cost?

• However, such extensive support comes at a price. We have selected three Apple Care Protection Plans and their price as examples:
• The Apple Care Protection Plan costs a whopping 349 euros for the MacBook Pro, 69 euros for the iPhone and 79 euros for the iPad.
• You can find out the cost of all Apple products at this link.
• Tip: If you have chosen Apple Care, take a look at other shops as well. Apple resellers such as mactrade.de or gravis.de often offer a cheaper warranty extension. In online shops such as Amazon, the Protection Plan is sometimes available at reduced prices. The scope of support is still the same.

Who is Apple Care worth for?

• For very small devices like iPod shuffle or nano, buying Apple Care is less profitable. The risk that you have to procure such a cheap device in the event of a defect can usually be borne. However, if you buy a MacBook Pro for a whopping 1, 800 euros, you may consider investing a little more money to optimally secure the notebook.
• Even if you can't do without your Apple devices for work-related reasons, it is worth thinking about Apple Care. Especially if you use your iPhone for work, for example, the express exchange may be essential.
• If you decide against Apple Care due to the high costs, you will still receive support in the event of problems: online in forums or in our practical tips, you will often get helpful answers to your questions. The Apple Store will also be happy to help you with smaller matters.