AppleCare+ while Mac is stuck in China

[vjpulp]

I ordered a Mac Studio with AppleCare+ three weeks ago. 6 days ago, I got the notification that it had left the factory in China and was about to be shipped. Delivery was estimated for April 6th (Switzerland, Europe).
At the same time, AppleCare coverage started, as soon as the item left the factory. The coverage ends April 7th 2025.
Now, my package seems to be stuck in China due to Covid Lockdown. Nobody knows when they're gonna be able to really ship it to Europe. Could be couple of weeks. Or a month. Depending on how things develop in China...
So now, I have AppleCare+ running for an item that I do not have yet. Potentially, my Mac Studio could arrive in May 22. So theoretically I could have a technical problem with my machine, say, mid April 2025, and they will tell me that AppleCare has run out, although I did not "have" the Mac for the whole 3 years...

My point is: AppleCare+ coverage should start only the moment the item is being delivered, and not when it leaves the factory. What do you guys think about that? Fair?

 

[Random_Matt]

Contact Apple?

 

[vjpulp]

Contact Apple?

I did. All the service person said was confirm to me that this regulation was actually not fair. And that there is no solution for this.

 

[MarkC426]

I did. All the service person said was confirm to me that this regulation was actually not fair. And that there is no solution for this.

The representative sounds like a moron.
I would send an email complaint.

Applecare in-reality shouldn't start until you run the setup on your Mac.
FYI you don't need to buy AC at time of purchase, you have 60 days.

 

[vjpulp]

The representative sounds like a moron.
I would send an email complaint.

Applecare in-reality shouldn't start until you run the setup on your Mac.
FYI you don't need to buy AC at time of purchase, you have 60 days.

The representative just told me what Apple's politics are – it's not her fault...
But yes, you're right, I could have waited to buy AC until the item has arrived. I just thought it was so easy setting up the order all at once.

 

[njvm]

In Australia all products come with 7-day AppleCare - you can't buy AppleCare until after this 7-day period is up. Whilst I am not totally in agreement with this approach, it would stop @vjpulp's problem from occurring!

 

[MarineBand5524]

So from what I read, you've prepaid the 3 years of Apple Care+. At time of purchase, did they have the option for yearly Apple Care+ or is that just here in the States? If so, no need to worry, they will allow you to migrate to that program after your prepaid expires.

 

[jav6454]

I did. All the service person said was confirm to me that this regulation was actually not fair. And that there is no solution for this.

In all fairness, I wouldn't put too much mind into it at the moment as circumstances are outside of your control.

Once you receive it, go to Apple and explain the situation. But not before, as there is little you can do.

 

[ZMacintosh]

Apple has agreement specialists that can correct this no problem.

 

[jparker402]

The representative sounds like a moron.
I would send an email complaint.

Applecare in-reality shouldn't start until you run the setup on your Mac.
FYI you don't need to buy AC at time of purchase, you have 60 days.

One has 60 days from when? Purchase? Delivery? Setup?

 

[MarkC426]

One has 60 days from when? Purchase? Delivery? Setup?

From Apple site:

1. Purchase AppleCare+ with your new Mac.
2. Or buy it within 60 days of your Mac purchase

 

[vjpulp]

Thanks for all your comments.
The item arrived April 10th, so 4 days later than previously estimated. My worries were hypothetical and completely exaggerated... Next time, I will just try to be patient a little bit longer...