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Apple Care for 27" iMac
- Thread starter KtothaEvin
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AppleCare for iMac is dirt cheap compared to the other portable AppleCare pricing. Plus it covers all internals and keyboard/mouse so its a no brainer.
The standard AppleCare coverage for iMac (not the new AppleCare+) can still be registered on 2017 iMacs. The shrink-wrapped package I bought references Snow Leopard and is about 9 years old.
You can no longer register these plans online but I called AppleCare and they set me up in about 5 minutes and my coverage is now active.
It is exactly that model, only the Japan market version so the last letters are J/A. (MA520J/A)
MA520LL/A is still perfectly usable for the 2017 iMac. It extends the warranty and telephone support to three years from date of purchase but has no accidental coverage.
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I purchased the "old" AppleCare from LA Computer for $135. Received it Saturday and called Apple to register it yesterday. It took about 15 minutes on the phone. The Apple rep was helpful but sounded like it wasn't a call they get very often and took a little time and fumbling to get everything set up. Needed to read the long and confusing serial numbers for both my 2017 iMac and for the AppleCare product. Took a couple tries on the second serial number but she finally was able to verify it as valid. They also needed to verify the order, ship and pickup dates for my iMac. But ultimately the registration was successful and I'm covered until August 2020.
Purchasing the new AppleCare Plus with online registration is no doubt faster and easier, but I didn't feel like the very limited accidental damage coverage was worth the extra $$.
I bought AppleCare+ for my 2017 27" iMac. Reasons:
* I'm not planning to ever repair this machine myself. The iMac replaces an aging classic Mac Pro. With the Mac Pro I could fix just about anything myself with similar ease as fixing something in a typical desktop PC (I even replaced it's logic board when it went bad). That is simply not the case with the iMac.
* There is the possibility that I may sell it within 3 years (waiting for modular Mac Pro), and I think AppleCare would help resale. I know personally when I'm looking to buy used Apple gear, I prefer to get something still covered under AppleCare, even if it only has a few months remaining, so if there is anything wrong with it I can get it fixed easily for free (I live close enough to an Apple store). I also like buying Apple refurbs because you can get AppleCare for them.
* $169 is a low enough price for 3-year warranty for a machine that costs over $2000
* The reason I bought an iMac instead of building a hackintosh is because I want to reduce the number of hassles that I have to directly deal with. I know I'm paying quite a bit of "Apple Tax", but I'm paying it to minimize the effort of having a working macOS desktop machine.
I'd venture to guess in a batch of 100 machines, AppleCare+ may not be worth it, but for an individual who doesn't buy machines frequently, I'd rather be on the safe side.
I wouldn't seek out accidental damage protection on an iMac, but I have a small child who occasionally throws things he's not supposed to, so it's a bonus in my case.
* I'm not planning to ever repair this machine myself. The iMac replaces an aging classic Mac Pro. With the Mac Pro I could fix just about anything myself with similar ease as fixing something in a typical desktop PC (I even replaced it's logic board when it went bad). That is simply not the case with the iMac.
* There is the possibility that I may sell it within 3 years (waiting for modular Mac Pro), and I think AppleCare would help resale. I know personally when I'm looking to buy used Apple gear, I prefer to get something still covered under AppleCare, even if it only has a few months remaining, so if there is anything wrong with it I can get it fixed easily for free (I live close enough to an Apple store). I also like buying Apple refurbs because you can get AppleCare for them.
* $169 is a low enough price for 3-year warranty for a machine that costs over $2000
* The reason I bought an iMac instead of building a hackintosh is because I want to reduce the number of hassles that I have to directly deal with. I know I'm paying quite a bit of "Apple Tax", but I'm paying it to minimize the effort of having a working macOS desktop machine.
I'd venture to guess in a batch of 100 machines, AppleCare+ may not be worth it, but for an individual who doesn't buy machines frequently, I'd rather be on the safe side.
I wouldn't seek out accidental damage protection on an iMac, but I have a small child who occasionally throws things he's not supposed to, so it's a bonus in my case.
I think the iMac still represents good value because 4K and 5K external monitors on their own are still quite expensive. You can find all-in-one computers from companies like Dell that come with 2K displays at similar price points to a comparable 27-inch iMac.
Might not be the case in the future, but right now the iMac is still pretty good value for what you're getting.
It is exactly that model, only the Japan market version so the last letters are J/A. (MA520J/A)
MA520LL/A is still perfectly usable for the 2017 iMac. It extends the warranty and telephone support to three years from date of purchase but has no accidental coverage.
How in the world did you guys get Apple to apply the old applecare to the 2017 iMac without the original receipt for the applecare? I bought one off ebay and just tried to get it registered and when they asked for proof of receipt I couldn't supply it.
Did you buy a serial number or a retail package? I have never heard of Apple asking for proof of purchase for the AppleCare product itself before! I've purchased and registered it for numerous Macs and other Apple products over the past 11 years and not once have I been asked for that. In the package is a card with the serial number on it. That number is all you need.
Apple does need a valid proof of purchase and date for the Mac itself.
retail package, opened it on the phone. verified both serial numbers and registration number and thought i was home free then they mention how old it is and sending email to provide further documentation, receipt for applecare.
Had they asked, I could just print out the receipt from Amazon. I bought it from a third party seller on Amazon Japan. It was 9 years old but still a new shrink-wrapped box.
Doesn't eBay generate receipts?
Doesn't eBay generate receipts?
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I guess I could try to do that, but I fully expect the 'ebay is not an authorized seller' speech.
You called Apple Support? No special number?
I only called Apple Support by telephone and do NOT accept any BS like "eBay is not an authorized seller". You could have bought it used from a friend for all that matters. It is not for them to decide where you purchased it. Being old is not a reason for them to deny registration.
I could see them denying you because the serial number had already been used but you say this is a shrink-wrapped, never before used product so that's not the case.
Appreciate the advice. I'm going to get it done somehow. There isn't an expiration date and I have pictures of the box sealed, with serial number showing, so I should be good.
I had the same experience as SaSaSushi with the exception that I did it in August of 2017 for a sealed AppleCare purchased from LA Computer. My posting about the details appears in this forum in August.
During the phone call with Apple to register it they did NOT ask for any proof of purchase. But they did go over the serial numbers of both the AppleCare and my iMac very carefully before registering it. Of course their policy might have changed since August. I don't know how many of these sealed unused original AppleCare products are still floating around.
During the phone call with Apple to register it they did NOT ask for any proof of purchase. But they did go over the serial numbers of both the AppleCare and my iMac very carefully before registering it. Of course their policy might have changed since August. I don't know how many of these sealed unused original AppleCare products are still floating around.
I purchased my 27" iMac in March. Recently had a problem when I tried to upgrade to High Sierra (black screen with a white circle and a line through it). I had to take it into the Apple Store to be fixed. They ended up doing some diagnostic tests and found a possible problem. I got it back the next day. This was covered under the regular warranty. I'll definitely be getting Apple Care incase I need it in the future -
661-03254 Memory, 8GB, 1866, DDR3L, iMac 27” $ 143.33 $ 0.00
661-03254 Memory, 8GB, 1866, DDR3L, iMac 27” $ 143.33 $ 0.00
S1490LL/A Hardware Repair Labor $ 79.00 $ 0.00
Total (Tax Not Included) $ 365.66 $ 0.00.
661-03254 Memory, 8GB, 1866, DDR3L, iMac 27” $ 143.33 $ 0.00
661-03254 Memory, 8GB, 1866, DDR3L, iMac 27” $ 143.33 $ 0.00
S1490LL/A Hardware Repair Labor $ 79.00 $ 0.00
Total (Tax Not Included) $ 365.66 $ 0.00.
Bumping this old thread -- just tried to register a MA520LL/A kit (sealed from eBay) and AppleCare refused to activate it. Saying eBay is not an authorized reseller, and they have since discontinued AppleCare in the box.
Any hits/tips on how to get it registered?
Any hits/tips on how to get it registered?
It is possible they've changed the rules in the past two years but I doubt it. The standard AppleCare coverage (AppleCare Protection Plan for Mac -not- AppleCare+ and no accidental damage coverage) is no longer advertised online but I am told it is still available for purchase by calling Apple directly and requesting it and is, of course, less expensive.
I'm not a lawyer but I fail to see the relevance of where one purchased the AppleCare if it is an unused and unopened, unregistered product. Call them back and tell them it was a gift and you don't know where it was purchased but it was unopened. Apple can easily confirm the AppleCare registration number. Coverage starts upon registration when you receive a plan confirmation and you should be able to complete that registration over the telephone. Tell them you are aware Apple is no longer selling it in boxes but since you already have one and aren't looking to buy it you fail to see the relevance.
I'm not a lawyer but I fail to see the relevance of where one purchased the AppleCare if it is an unused and unopened, unregistered product. Call them back and tell them it was a gift and you don't know where it was purchased but it was unopened. Apple can easily confirm the AppleCare registration number. Coverage starts upon registration when you receive a plan confirmation and you should be able to complete that registration over the telephone. Tell them you are aware Apple is no longer selling it in boxes but since you already have one and aren't looking to buy it you fail to see the relevance.
In the olden days…AC could easily be had at a discount. from both resellers like LA Computer Company, and secondary markets like eBay. One could simply make an online purchase, receive the code via email without any accompanying packaging (quick and easy!), then contact Apple, provide the code, and have the plan recorded.
But then a fraud problem emerged -- people had figured out how to generate false AC codes, so Apple started to demand either a physical proof of purchase, like the box, and/or a a purchase receipt from an Apple reseller. Not just an eBay transaction receipt.
The code-only AC plans being sold became very risky, with buyers not knowing whether they were fraudulent, or whether Apple would even accept them., so the market shifted to "boxed" plans, which stood a greater chance of acceptance. This was at least a decade ago and I guess persisted for some time.
(Another issue stemming from Apple's laxity, which nobody else could be blamed for, was that it would accept legitimate, but never redeemed codes from previous models, and apply them to more current models which called for more costly plans.)
I believe it was the shift to AC+ that resulted in an even bigger change -- no more standalone AC purchases, and no more old boxed plans, with AC only being sold by resellers accompanying a hardware purchase, on the same receipt, or from Apple directly within the allowable grace period if it was not purchased at that time.
Even though those little AC cards may still hang in some stores, they are worthless without being "activated" (like a gift card) by an accompanying hardware purchase, and cannot be purchased on their own.
I put that to the test not long ago with an older AC-only card, in trying to skip the AC+ accident coverage, and the card could not be rung up by itself without a hardware buy.
So now, the only real options for AC is to purchase it with the machine, or from Apple itself afterward.
Superficially at least, Best Buy still appears to offer it, but the inspection and proof of purchase requirement, as well as no assurance they'd accept proof of sale from another reseller make it not worth the hassle or the risk of wasting time if they refuse to sell AC to a machine not originally sold by them.
In short, Apple's clampdown of AC sales has completely upended how things used to be.
But then a fraud problem emerged -- people had figured out how to generate false AC codes, so Apple started to demand either a physical proof of purchase, like the box, and/or a a purchase receipt from an Apple reseller. Not just an eBay transaction receipt.
The code-only AC plans being sold became very risky, with buyers not knowing whether they were fraudulent, or whether Apple would even accept them., so the market shifted to "boxed" plans, which stood a greater chance of acceptance. This was at least a decade ago and I guess persisted for some time.
(Another issue stemming from Apple's laxity, which nobody else could be blamed for, was that it would accept legitimate, but never redeemed codes from previous models, and apply them to more current models which called for more costly plans.)
I believe it was the shift to AC+ that resulted in an even bigger change -- no more standalone AC purchases, and no more old boxed plans, with AC only being sold by resellers accompanying a hardware purchase, on the same receipt, or from Apple directly within the allowable grace period if it was not purchased at that time.
Even though those little AC cards may still hang in some stores, they are worthless without being "activated" (like a gift card) by an accompanying hardware purchase, and cannot be purchased on their own.
I put that to the test not long ago with an older AC-only card, in trying to skip the AC+ accident coverage, and the card could not be rung up by itself without a hardware buy.
So now, the only real options for AC is to purchase it with the machine, or from Apple itself afterward.
Superficially at least, Best Buy still appears to offer it, but the inspection and proof of purchase requirement, as well as no assurance they'd accept proof of sale from another reseller make it not worth the hassle or the risk of wasting time if they refuse to sell AC to a machine not originally sold by them.
In short, Apple's clampdown of AC sales has completely upended how things used to be.
Update…
With the 60 day clock almost expired, I contacted AppleCare/Support to see if plain AppleCare without the accident coverage alluded to above was available. FWIW, the rep I spoke to wasn't sure and couldn't find it in their system, so they contacted the Plan Administration folks, and the word came back that it has been discontinued in the U.S.
Others may wish to test those waters for themselves, but I took them at their word, and purchased AppleCare+ online from Apple, as the only option.
I've read that an in-person store inspection, or remote diagnostic to verify the good health of the machine is part of the process, but oddly, as of yet, I haven't had to submit to any such test.
I have received notice acknowledging the purchase, coverage is active, and Proof of Coverage will arrive within 24-48 hours, which I guess what is being "shipped" by the Store.
Maybe the diagnostic takes place in the background, or is part of the process when Proof arrives, but I'll see how it plays out.
On a side note, those with AMEX cards should be aware that, while the extended warranty coverage it offers supplements AppleCare, that benefit is being eliminated as of 2020 for the no-fee cards, and reduced to one year for others. Purchases made between now and the end of 2019 should still be grandfathered in.
As a whole, the credit card companies are reducing many of their benefits, except for the fee-based, or premium-level cards.
With the 60 day clock almost expired, I contacted AppleCare/Support to see if plain AppleCare without the accident coverage alluded to above was available. FWIW, the rep I spoke to wasn't sure and couldn't find it in their system, so they contacted the Plan Administration folks, and the word came back that it has been discontinued in the U.S.
Others may wish to test those waters for themselves, but I took them at their word, and purchased AppleCare+ online from Apple, as the only option.
I've read that an in-person store inspection, or remote diagnostic to verify the good health of the machine is part of the process, but oddly, as of yet, I haven't had to submit to any such test.
I have received notice acknowledging the purchase, coverage is active, and Proof of Coverage will arrive within 24-48 hours, which I guess what is being "shipped" by the Store.
Maybe the diagnostic takes place in the background, or is part of the process when Proof arrives, but I'll see how it plays out.
On a side note, those with AMEX cards should be aware that, while the extended warranty coverage it offers supplements AppleCare, that benefit is being eliminated as of 2020 for the no-fee cards, and reduced to one year for others. Purchases made between now and the end of 2019 should still be grandfathered in.
As a whole, the credit card companies are reducing many of their benefits, except for the fee-based, or premium-level cards.
Sad news if true. It may be different rules here in Japan that allowed me to register my standard plan or the policy may have changed in the two years since I did so.
It's too bad because I really don't see the need for accidental damage coverage for a machine that just sits on a desk.
Still, even if AppleCare+ is the only option going forward, I highly recommend it.
It's too bad because I really don't see the need for accidental damage coverage for a machine that just sits on a desk.
Still, even if AppleCare+ is the only option going forward, I highly recommend it.
I don't either, but that's not an option now. In the feedback survey, I did express that sentiment, and also suggested they reduce the cost, for kicks at least.
One side benefit of not purchasing AC with the machine that I didn't realize earlier was that the coverage extends for two years dating from the purchase of AC itself, not the original purchase date like I always assumed.
Apple said:
So though I may (hopefully) never need it, I have almost two extra months to not smash my mug into my screen, and have to make a claim.
Still a bit puzzled that the remote diagnostic never came up, unless it was done in the background. I made the purchase through the support portal, so they already knew the serial number.