Apple Releases AppleCare+ for iPhones

Recently we published an article about AppleCare and what it did and did not cover. One of the things AppleCare does not cover is accidental damage—for example, a cracked screen on an iPhone that got dropped. When we have to inform a customer that their broken screen voids the warranty, the general reaction is not too positive; most of the responses heard from customers are not printable in our blog.

Fear not, Apple has heard your cries! Yesterday, Apple responded with the new AppleCare+.

With an availability to coincide with the new iPhone 4S (available October 14th), AppleCare+ extends your iPhone’s warranty coverage to 2 years, but also adds coverage for accidental damage. The price is $99, and replaces the currently available coverage of $69.

With AppleCare+, Apple will cover up to two repairs relating to “handling errors.” Whether this also covers an accidental drop into a swimming pool is unclear, but if you break the screen, Apple will repair or replace your phone for the low, low price of $49 per incident. Definitely cheaper than $150-200 charged by some websites, and you no longer have to buy a new phone due to an “oops!” moment.

There are only two downsides to this: First, it only covers iPhones. Second, Apple’s site says “AppleCare+ must be purchased together with new covered equipment,” which means you can’t add it to an iPhone 4 that you already own. Still, a lot of people will be lining up to upgrade to the new iPhone 4S, and it’ll be nice to have the peace of mind that if they drop it on their way out of the store, they are covered.