Is apple care worth it for macbook air

AppleCare may be worth it for your MacBook Pro if you are prone to accidents. But, if you’re a careful person and rarely break things, you probably don’t need it. 

I’m Jon, an Apple expert, and owner of a 2019 16-inch MacBook Pro. While I don’t have AppleCare for my Mac, I still see it as beneficial for some people. 

Read on to learn if AppleCare is worth it to you. 

The decision to purchase AppleCare for your MacBook Pro or not is ultimately up to you.

We will look at some advantages and disadvantages to try and help you make your decision here, but there is no right answer to the question. 

AppleCare is beneficial to people that often break things by accident. But, if you’re like me, and you’ve never even broken your phone (let alone a MacBook), you can probably pass on AppleCare. I hope I didn’t jinx myself!

AppleCare Advantages

Peace of mind – if you decide to purchase AppleCare, you won’t have to worry about much for three years after purchasing your new computer. If anything goes wrong, you can rest easy knowing that you will be able to get the help you need to figure it out for free or the repairs you need for cheaper than what you would pay if you didn’t have the coverage.

It is high-quality coverage – AppleCare really is top-notch coverage for your expensive device. Apple is known for excellent customer service, and it’s nice to know that in the event of your computer needing service, you have capable and friendly people around who are going to be willing and able to help you get things fixed.

Accidents happen – Unfortunately, accidents do happen. Even though it might seem rare, your new MacBook Pro could have some sort of defect, or you could accidentally drop it or spill water on it. If you don’t have AppleCare, you will be on the hook for the cost of repairing or replacing it. The accidental coverage that comes with the program is really nice.

Disadvantages

The cost – AppleCare is not cheap. The nearly $300 price tag is quite a bit of extra cash upfront, and then you’ll still need to shell out additional money to make any repairs that need to happen. It still might be cheaper than a new computer. However, if you have several issues over the life of the coverage, it will still cost you quite a lot of money to get your computer fixed and running again.

It doesn’t cover loss or theft – These are two significant concerns with such a valuable computer. I think it would be nice to have loss or theft as an option with AppleCare. However, your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance might cover the cost of a lost or stolen MacBook Pro, but AppleCare definitely will not.

It only lasts three years – MacBook Pros are designed to last quite a while. But AppleCare coverage will only last you for three years. Chances are, the longer you have your computer, the more likely a malfunction or accident will occur. Three years is an OK amount of time for coverage, but it would be nice if it lasted longer.

What is AppleCare?

AppleCare is a coverage plan for all new Apple devices purchased directly through Apple. Most new products from the company come with a one-year limited warranty and 90 days of free technical support. If you want more coverage than just a year, in case of an accident or malfunction, you will need to purchase extra AppleCare coverage to enjoy this luxury.

AppleCare+ will cost you an additional $269 for the 13-inch MacBook Pro and $379 for the current 15-inch model. If you decide to make this purchase, it will extend your warranty from 90 days to 3 years, and you will also have access to free technical support for that length of time as well.

For screen repairs due to accidents, it will cost you $99 to get it fixed with AppleCare. Other damage repair costs $299. This coverage will apply to your computer, display, battery, power adapter, RAM, AirPort, etc. AppleCare+ will not cover incidents of theft or loss to your MacBook Pro.

Final Thoughts

Hopefully, this helped you learn some valuable information about the AppleCare program and if it’s worth it for you.

Again, the decision is yours to make, and if money is no concern, I would probably say go for it. The peace of mind alone can be worth it. But it is expensive.

Ultimately, AppleCare is a good coverage option, but it just may not be for everyone due to the cost.

Do you have AppleCare on your MacBook Pro? What was your experience like with the coverage?

Jonathon is a mechanical engineer with over ten years of experience. He is an Apple fan who currently holds a Macbook Pro (512 GB, 16GB RAM), iPad Pro 12.9", iPhone 11 Pro Max, Apple Watch 3, and 4x Acer 23" monitors.

AppleCare+ now includes unlimited repairs for accidental damage protection.

Service and support from the people who know your Mac best.

Because Apple makes the hardware, the operating systems, and many applications, our experts understand how everything works together and can help resolve most issues in a single conversation.

  • Mac
  • Display

Enjoy peace of mind when you buy AppleCare+ for Mac.

Every Mac comes with one year of hardware repair coverage through its limited warranty and up to 90 days of complimentary technical support. AppleCare+ for Mac extends your coverage from your AppleCare+ purchase date and includes unlimited incidents of accidental damage protection, each subject to a service fee of $99 for screen damage or external enclosure damage, or $299 for other accidental damage, plus applicable tax.1 In addition, you’ll get 24/7 priority access to Apple experts by chat or phone.2

Apple-certified service and support coverage

24/7 priority access to technical support

Get unlimited incidents of accidental damage protection1

Battery service coverage1

One stop for support

Get global repair coverage for your Mac

Because Apple designs the computer, the operating system, and many applications, Mac is a truly integrated system. And only AppleCare+ gives you one-stop service and support from Apple experts, so most issues can be resolved in a single call.

  • 24/7 priority access to Apple experts by chat or phone
  • Global repair coverage1
  • Onsite service for desktop computers3: Request that a technician come to your work location or have a courier pick up your Mac for service
  • Mail-in repair for portable computers3: Mail in your Mac using a prepaid shipping box provided by Apple
  • Carry-in repair3: Take your Mac to an Apple Store or other Apple Authorized Service Provider

Hardware coverage

Get unlimited incidents of accidental damage protection1

Get battery service if it retains less than 80% of its original capacity

AppleCare+ for Mac provides global repair coverage, both parts and labor, from Apple-authorized technicians around the world.

Coverage includes the following:

  • Your Mac computer
  • Battery1
  • Included accessories such as the power adapter
  • Apple memory (RAM)
  • Apple USB SuperDrive
  • Unlimited incidents of accidental damage protection, each subject to a service fee of $99 for screen damage or external enclosure damage, or $299 for other accidental damage, plus applicable tax1

Software support

Get direct access to Apple experts for support using macOS and more

Whether you’re sitting in the comfort of your home or office or on the go, you can get direct access to Apple experts for questions on a wide range of topics, including:

  • Using macOS and iCloud
  • Quick how-to questions about Apple-branded apps, such as Photos, iMovie, GarageBand, Pages, Numbers, Keynote, and pro apps such as Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro, and more
  • Connecting to printers and wireless networks

Protect your Mac

You can buy coverage on a fixed-term plan or on an annual plan that will automatically renew until cancelled. Pricing below is for the latest Mac systems. For more details on the latest Mac systems, see apple.com/mac.

How to buy

  1. Purchase AppleCare+ with your new Mac.
  2. Or buy it within 60 days of your Mac purchase:
    • On your device (go to  > About This Mac > Support)
    • Online (requires you to verify your serial number)
    • At an Apple Store (inspection of Mac and proof of purchase are required)
    • By calling 800-275-2273

For information on how to renew an existing plan, click here.

Additional Support

Get support now by phone or chat,set up a repair, and more.

Call Apple Support at 1‑800‑APLCARE.

Contact Apple Support

Is AppleCare+ for Mac worth it?

In general, the editors at MacRumors feel that AppleCare is worth getting for Apple laptops that you plan on keeping for longer than one year, and ‌iPhone‌, iPads, and Apple Watches due to the accidental damage coverage.

Does AppleCare cover dropped Macbook?

AppleCare+ for Mac adds unlimited accidental damage protection subject to a service fee plus applicable tax.

How long does AppleCare+ last on Macbook?

The new coverage automatically renews until canceled. Your plan coverage may continue beyond 24 or 36 months, on a monthly or annual basis, until canceled. If you choose to continue coverage, your coverage will be subject to the then-current AppleCare+ Terms and Conditions.

Can you add AppleCare to Macbook after purchase?

In most countries and regions, you can buy AppleCare+ within 60 days of your device purchase.