Does AppleCare+ cover power cables?

[davidg4781]

My 2020 M1 MBP's power cable is starting to tear open near the connector. Will AppleCare+ cover this? Would I need to go to an Apple Store? The closest one is about 2 hours away. I don't mind making the drive in a couple of weeks when I'm on vacation.

And if it does, has anyone done this recently? I had read that AppleCare+ also covered the ear tips on AirPods Pro 2s so I made this long trip to an Apple Store only to be told they're not covered and I can buy replacements for $10. They did look to see if they had extras in the back they could give me but they didn't.

I'm thinking of getting a USB-C cable from Anker to use regularly with my MBP but would like this replaced if it's a covered item.

 

[haginile]

Yes, accessories are covered.

 

[raythompsontn]

It would seem that a new cable would be less than what AppleCare would charge.

 

[chrfr]

It would seem that a new cable would be less than what AppleCare would charge.

AppleCare doesn’t charge money to replace failed components unless it’s due to accidental damage.

 

[Tres]

I wouldn't be too hopeful: tried to get a lightning cable replaced under AC+ with similar damage (outside insulation tearing open) and the guy said it was accidental damage and not covered. He said the only time they'll do it under warranty is if the cable is perfectly fine on the outside but has otherwise failed.

 

[FreakinEurekan]

Generally speaking, they'll call that accidental damage so like others said - just buy a new one and save yourself the 2-hour-trip.

 

[raythompsontn]

AppleCare doesn’t charge money to replace failed components unless it’s due to accidental damage.

A physically damaged cable is considered accidental damage. My advice still stands.

 

[davidg4781]

Generally speaking, they'll call that accidental damage so like others said - just buy a new one and save yourself the 2-hour-trip.

I'm going to buy 1 or 2 from Anker but I'd like to have a new one if AC+ covers this. I mean, since I paid for it. I want to say I remember them replacing the charger on my old MBP when it failed.

I just need to look at which cable would be best. There are a few different types to choose from.

 

[MacCheetah3]

I want to say I remember them replacing the charger on my old MBP when it failed.

Very probable. The problem is what you describe with the cable is much easier to define as “regular wear and tear” rather than a defect. Defective components (while under the coverage period) are replaced for free whereas worn items, expected with regular, proper use, are not. As others have also noted, you might be able to make an accidental damage claim -- though I don’t see such an option for accessories -- but whatever deductible Apple might charge would probably not make it worthwhile.

 

[FreakinEurekan]

I want to say I remember them replacing the charger on my old MBP when it failed.

Failed is not damaged.

It would be HELPFUL if AC+ would cover damaged accessories at a lower rate - sort of like how it covers screen damage at a lower cost than other damage. But as of right now, it doesn’t. If screen damage is $99 and “other damage” is $299, a damaged power cord falls under “other damage” and you can obviously just buy a whole new one for a LOT less than $299!

So unless you manage to convince Apple that it simply “failed on its own” you’re out of luck.

 

[davidg4781]

Failed is not damaged.

It would be HELPFUL if AC+ would cover damaged accessories at a lower rate - sort of like how it covers screen damage at a lower cost than other damage. But as of right now, it doesn’t. If screen damage is $99 and “other damage” is $299, a damaged power cord falls under “other damage” and you can obviously just buy a whole new one for a LOT less than $299!

So unless you manage to convince Apple that it simply “failed on its own” you’re out of luck.

Sorry, by failed, I meant the outer coating near the MagSafe started fraying. I meant fail by not holding together, not as in it stopped charging.

I'll run it through support and see what happens.

 

[FreakinEurekan]

Sorry, by failed, I meant the outer coating near the MagSafe started fraying. I meant fail by not holding together, not as in it stopped charging.

I'll run it through support and see what happens.

Yes, strain relief “failure” is sometimes covered; and it typically HELPS if the cable still functions (I.e. that supports that it’s not “damaged”). Things like dog-chewing or door-closing “failure” generally is classed as ”damaqed” right out of the gate.

Devil’s in the details, and getting a friendly tech to examine it doesn’t hurt. Thankfully the cable & charger are no longer inseparable, so you CAN replace just the cable for a reasonable cost… what was the old MagSafe charger, $80-ish? 😳