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Love-hate 🍏 relationship

macrumors 68040
Sep 19, 2021
3,057
3,235
You got it right. 👍

The butterfly keyboard is a great example. It didn't take long for the problems to surface, so only those willing to jump on purchasing them within the first few months of release were the ones who got caught. What dragged things out were the customers who made excuses for the defective keyboard, believing the claims that they themselves were responsible for the problems with their keyboards.

My first-hand experience of "getting caught" was when I purchased 2 15" 2011 Macbook Pros (one for my wife, the other for myself) back in 2011. They suffered a premature demise due to the GPU issue. Apple's refusal to acknowledge the problem was the last time I bought a Macbook Pro. If they're not going to be honest and stand behind their products, then I won't buy them. Sure, years later they grudgingly admitted to the problem but then set up a repair program that was so restrictive that many who suffered from that issue could not get a resolution.

After that, I bought Macbook Airs for the family. They were great devices. Rock-solid reliable. When Apple changed the design after the 2017 model, that was the last time I bought Macbook Airs.

Looking at the entirety of Apple's product line, there are definite minefields for customers. Except for those Macbook Pros, I've been able to navigate through the minefields and end up with great reliable devices at decent prices... none of which would benefit from AC+. 😀
oh i thought it took like a year or so , didnt know issues occured in first monthgs holy ****

so you never buy on release do ya ?

yeah i also discovered an issue with m1 lanes, which according to a lawyer i contacted does fall within hidden deffect. I sent them a letter and got a call, but didn't have enough money to fight them in court , though i wished i could . they don't aknowledge **** it's maddening.

so you say " If they're not going to be honest and stand behind their products, then I won't buy them" but you kept on buying their products nonetheless
 

Shanghaichica

macrumors G5
Apr 8, 2013
14,725
13,245
UK
I have Apple Care plus for my AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods Max. I have my carriers insurance for my iPhone and Apple Watch. I have third party insurance for my iPad mini one OG HomePods.
 

JD2015

macrumors 6502a
Sep 16, 2014
849
526
I have AC + for my Iphone as always dropping it. Not had to use it but gives me some comfort knowing it is there. I have it also on my MacBook Pro and it saved me a fortunate when someone spilled water all over it. I have never got AC+ though for IPads as never damaged one and they are quite robust I find.
 

*~Kim~*

macrumors 65816
May 6, 2013
1,178
470
UK
At £69 for two years, I bought it on my Mini 6 since the Mini 5 had had a few close shaves. Probably won’t roll onto monthly though, since I would be open to upgrading if it failed and unlike with the Mini 5, we can be quite confident that it isn’t the final Mini. Also bought it on an Air I gifted, but the continuation or not onto monthly won’t be my department. Glad I did given to buy another would be £100 more than when I got it (not sure if OOW costs also went up at that time.)

AC+ for me is a tool to ensure I’m not forced to pay for a new device at the wrong time in the product lifecycle, since I don’t have another device to use in the meantime to enable waiting for a new release if anything happened.

Had it on my iPhone 5s, but shouldn’t have since there was no loss/theft coverage available then and I had to buy that separately. In that situation it was a tax on the fear that a claim would take ages/be a different colour, whereas Apple would be instant and in the unlikely event they couldn’t provide the exact same phone in replacement, I would have options to pick from.

Didn’t have it on the iPad 3. The right choice, it was the least heavily used of my devices and hardly ever left the house as it was too heavy.
 

cwosigns

macrumors 68020
Jul 8, 2008
2,266
2,744
Columbus,OH
I get AppleCare+ on everything except ear buds, but don’t pay extra for the theft and loss protection. Right now I’m carrying it on both iPads, my phone, and my Ultra. I do not have it on AirPods or either HomePod.
 

iStorm

macrumors 68020
Sep 18, 2012
2,034
2,441
but you can't know in advance whether a product is likely to require ac+ ...or did i get you wrong ?

I mean take butterfly, it took time before we know it could be problematic with use
True, but in the case of a wide-spread issues that necessitates a repair program, such as this one...Apple is usually good about giving a refund to those that had to pay out-of-pocket for repairs done earlier. People that had to pay to get their keyboard fixed can request a refund.
 

Love-hate 🍏 relationship

macrumors 68040
Sep 19, 2021
3,057
3,235
True, but in the case of a wide-spread issues that necessitates a repair program, such as this one...Apple is usually good about giving a refund to those that had to pay out-of-pocket for repairs done earlier. People that had to pay to get their keyboard fixed can request a refund.
Sorry ! Did you see how long it took for them to admit it ? Money has only started to be "refunded" partially 3 months ago
 

Matthew.H

macrumors 6502a
Sep 16, 2015
779
970
Norwich, UK
I've never bought AC+ for any of my Apple products. I've had 2 Macbook Pro's, 5 iPhones and 2 iPods.
Had the dodgy battery with the 6S which was covered under the repair program. Also had the trackpad die on my 2014 rMBP over a year out of warranty but it was covered under UK consumer law.
 

dmr727

macrumors G4
Dec 29, 2007
10,667
5,766
NYC
I don't have it on anything. I've been really fortunate over the years with Apple products, so I've been happy to roll the dice. I'll sure I'll be burned eventually. :D
 

Mlrollin91

macrumors G5
Nov 20, 2008
14,172
10,187
If the product costs more than $500, I get AC+ because its cheaper than a replacement. Also, I've had amazing customer service with computers with AC+ even after it had expired. Apple has yet to deny me a warranty claim if AC had expired within 6 months of the issue arising. Apple has completely replaced computers after the expiration of AC. YMMV, but that alone makes it worth it for me.
 

Surfsalot

Suspended
Mar 18, 2023
2,049
2,028
Only thing I have Apple scare for is iMacs as they send someone to your house for repair, closest Apple Store is 5 hour drive, had a 2015 27" screen replaced twice for pink tinge, so got it for my 24".
Australia has 2 year warranty on all apple products.
Forgot, on my AirPods pro 2 too incase they have a swim.
 
Last edited:

muzzy996

macrumors 65816
Feb 16, 2018
1,116
1,061
For me it depends on the device.

I typically leverage savings on refurbished macbooks on AC+ coverage for them. Haven't really had any issues with the few that I've done this for, and I didn't extend the AC coverage beyond 2 years so I suppose one could say I wasted money on that coverage but the peace of mind was worth it for me personally and that's all that matters.

For my ipads and watches I typically do not get AC+ since those devices are relatively cheap (under 1k). The one exception was for my 2017 iPad Pro 12.9 which I was VERY THANKFUL to have had AC+ on. I had issues with touch screen sensitivity on multiple units of 2017 iPP 12.9 and had the ipad pro replaced 3x because of that issue at no charge.

For my iPhones I do get AC+ for the peace of mind. I've used it 3x already for my son's iPhone.
 

TheRealAlex

macrumors 68030
Sep 2, 2015
2,982
2,248
AC+ 2 years just before it expires I get a new device just to fend off 2 years of battery degradation.
 

Student of Life

macrumors 6502a
Oct 13, 2020
791
913
I get it on everything i can for peace of mind and accidents happen with toddlers but i understand everyone has different situations.
 

Choco Taco

Suspended
Nov 23, 2022
615
1,065
Yes. On everything. And it's paid for itself 10 times over. I also do the subscription model of AC+ because it's transferrable to whoever buys my devices down the road, which is a good selling perk.
 

boss.king

macrumors 603
Apr 8, 2009
6,394
7,647
Nope. I think I had a year of Apple Care for my Series 3 Apple Watch (it was my first one, wasn't sure how fragile it was) but it's largely a waste of money for my needs. I've saved more over the years by not having it than I would have gained in savings on Apple's overpriced repairs.
 

Ghost31

macrumors 68040
Jun 9, 2015
3,464
5,396
Absolutely not. I’ve had Apple devices since the first iPhone and have never broken one. I did the math awhile back with all the iPhones and Apple Watches and iPads and what not and over the years I’ve saved thousands of dollars

“But what if you drop your phone. You can’t always predict it!”

Then I’ll pay for a replacement. Which will be thousands cheaper than having AppleCare all these years. Imagine over a lifetime. Imagine 50 MORE years of buying AppleCare and never using it. Car insurance? Makes sense. Device insurance for me personally when I’m careful with my stuff? Better off without it
 

fatTribble

macrumors 68000
Sep 21, 2018
1,795
4,645
Dayton
I’ve always bought Apple Care on everything, but lately I’ve been rethinking that. I’ve never used it. Everything is more expensive already. I’m due for a Watch upgrade and at this point I doubt I’ll get AC.
 

ssledoux

macrumors 601
Original poster
Sep 16, 2006
4,412
4,243
Down south
I’ve always bought Apple Care on everything, but lately I’ve been rethinking that. I’ve never used it. Everything is more expensive already. I’m due for a Watch upgrade and at this point I doubt I’ll get AC.

I used to pay for it on my grandkids’ devices, and it’s been used a couple times on those, but even then I think it’s probably kind of a waste. I think I’ve had one screen replaced (awkward hit that shattered it completely), and the deductible is $50 or $60 with tax. Add the deductible to the cost of the AC monthly, and factor in what I could get for an iPad even with a cracked screen, and I can almost buy another.

Lots of good food for thought here. I think I’ll cancel some of mine - probably keep it on my phone at least until after my upcoming trip just in case of a loss.
 
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okkibs

macrumors 65816
Sep 17, 2022
1,070
1,005
I also do the subscription model of AC+ because it's transferrable to whoever buys my devices down the road, which is a good selling perk.
The subscription model is the one that is not transferable. Only the one-time purchase with full payment up front can be transfered. The AC+ conditions state the subscription plans are not eligable for transfer and that the plan has to be transfered by Apple to the new owner to remain valid. Otherwise if the new owner ends up needing AC+ services and explains that they are the new device owner, yet the AC+ plan is under someone else's name, Apple is bound by the insurance terms to refuse the service.
 

ssledoux

macrumors 601
Original poster
Sep 16, 2006
4,412
4,243
Down south
The subscription model is the one that is not transferable. Only the one-time purchase with full payment up front can be transfered. The AC+ conditions state the subscription plans are not eligable for transfer and that the plan has to be transfered by Apple to the new owner to remain valid. Otherwise if the new owner ends up needing AC+ services and explains that they are the new device owner, yet the AC+ plan is under someone else's name, Apple is bound by the insurance terms to refuse the service.

I can verify this - spent lots of hours on the phone with Apple discussing the transferring of the monthly AC+. They said it can’t be, but did say it would still cover repairs even with it still in my name because it’s linked to the serial number of the item.
 
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skottichan

macrumors 65816
Oct 23, 2007
1,143
1,387
Columbus, OH
Yup, have it on my phone, watch, iPad and Mac Mini. It's already saved my butt twice, I took a tumble while hiking and cracked my watch screen and shattered the back of my iPhone. The out of pocket with AC+ is much easier to swallow, than without.
 

Choco Taco

Suspended
Nov 23, 2022
615
1,065
The subscription model is the one that is not transferable. Only the one-time purchase with full payment up front can be transfered. The AC+ conditions state the subscription plans are not eligable for transfer and that the plan has to be transfered by Apple to the new owner to remain valid. Otherwise if the new owner ends up needing AC+ services and explains that they are the new device owner, yet the AC+ plan is under someone else's name, Apple is bound by the insurance terms to refuse the service.
You’re right. I have those reversed. They’ll still repair it under warranty regardless of whose name is on the device though. But when the AC+ expires … that’s it.
 
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