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Is Apple Care necessary?
- Thread starter Penni
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It'd have cost the same without AppleCare too.
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So you payed in more than it payed out for you. Apple Care sounds like a huge Ponzi scheme where the repairs of the few are payed for by the one time pay off to be a large pool of members. It's hugely profitable for Apple and gives happiness to those who have peace of mind. That's fine, but generally most won't come out ahead financially from it.
Regular (not AppleCare+) coverage is still applicable to the 2017 iMac and even Apple themselves will sell it to you if you call them. As mentioned, it's cheaper elsewhere though.
For standard AppleCare you have one year from the date of purchase to register.
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It is insurance and its purpose is not to come out ahead financially.
If that's your goal try Vegas or the stock market.
My opinion go for AppleCare. Bought last year a Mac Mini and in two weeks since the purchase, the hard drive had broken down. With AppleCare it cost me nothing to have the hard drive replaced. In fact a took to opportunity to get an SSD (which i bought at the apple assistance store) and the replacement hard drive became my external drive.
For me is always a safe bet, since we don't know what might happen in the future.
In regard to your MacMini failure, the 1 year standard warranty covered the repair. AppleCare would have covered the repair after the first year.
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Then purchase the regular AppleCare if you don't want the accidental damage coverage. For me, the regular AppkeCare would be enough as I don't move the desktop.
Due to it happening two weeks in. If it had happened two years in...
You're describing the entire insurance industry.
I've never bought Applecare for any of my personal devices before, but strongly considering it on my new iMac. I never purchased it before because I've never had a hardware issue and any software issues (like issues with Time Machine) could usually be fixed by myself with a few hours of Google's help.
At my last job we had Applecare on everything and I will admit that it was nice to not have to spend hours Googling Time Machine issues. A quick 5 minute call to Apple and it was resolved. Having used that numerous times in 2 years, I'm considering buying for my new machine.
The few posters implying that because you're only likely to use it once or twice (and perhaps not get your full money's worth unless you have hardware issues) that you should avoid it just for that reason I feel have missed the point. Applecare isn't supposed to put money back in your pocket. It's to avoid potentially costly repairs down the road, and be a convenience. It's a very small fee for 3 years worth of no issues. It's no different from other insurance, only this is actually useful and is a fraction of the cost.
At my last job we had Applecare on everything and I will admit that it was nice to not have to spend hours Googling Time Machine issues. A quick 5 minute call to Apple and it was resolved. Having used that numerous times in 2 years, I'm considering buying for my new machine.
The few posters implying that because you're only likely to use it once or twice (and perhaps not get your full money's worth unless you have hardware issues) that you should avoid it just for that reason I feel have missed the point. Applecare isn't supposed to put money back in your pocket. It's to avoid potentially costly repairs down the road, and be a convenience. It's a very small fee for 3 years worth of no issues. It's no different from other insurance, only this is actually useful and is a fraction of the cost.
I used to buy AppleCare with every laptop because you could get it cheap from eBay or as student it was heavily discounted (maybe even free). Pretty much every issue I have seen was with hard drives failing or known problems that got fixed out of warranty (2010 MacBook Pro graphics card for example.) so it never really paid off but I know I've been lucky and like I say it wasn't full price anyway.
These days however, in the UK specifically, Apple are pretty much at the mercy of our fairly spectacular laws which protect us from things failing after unreasonable amounts of time. I've had a few issues with iPhones I've bought direct from Apple and when talking to the genius they just say you're covered by EU law and the work is free.
So I'd suggest anyone in the UK or EU really consider if the AppleCare coverage is really worth it anymore.
I would say though my father has his laptop fail 3 months past the end of his AppleCare and as he had never used any element of the service they did the work for free anyway.
These days however, in the UK specifically, Apple are pretty much at the mercy of our fairly spectacular laws which protect us from things failing after unreasonable amounts of time. I've had a few issues with iPhones I've bought direct from Apple and when talking to the genius they just say you're covered by EU law and the work is free.
So I'd suggest anyone in the UK or EU really consider if the AppleCare coverage is really worth it anymore.
I would say though my father has his laptop fail 3 months past the end of his AppleCare and as he had never used any element of the service they did the work for free anyway.
That's what I always thought, and today, eleven months after I bought a 5K late 2015 iMac, I tried to buy Applecare and Apple told me I'm too late, it's a 60-day deadline.
If I buy it from B&H, will Apple honor it?
Good question. I would think so but maybe they now hard code the 60 days in their registration system. There is a Apple website where you go to register the AppleCare to the serial number of your computer: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204293
EDIT: See what this returns for you: https://checkcoverage.apple.com/
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Thanks, Taz. This page tells me I'm eligible for AppleCare and must purchase before July 5. "Time is running out!" But there's no way to buy.
It's not necessary. I think a better question would be whether or not AppleCare is a good value.
In the case of the iMac, I think it's a great value. It's relatively inexpensive and covers the machine, which has a deplorable "repairability" score, for the three year window. iMacs are very reliable and may not be likely to require any repairs, but what makes it really a great value is that you get full three years of technical support.
You can call Apple and get help for three years. If you think about it, that's insane value. You can literally call Apple every week with a new question and still pay only $170 for three years. It's like having an IT guy on standby 365 days a year for three years. During that time, three different version of macOS and iOS will be introduced with new features. All with tech support any time you need it.
That makes Applecare dirt cheap in my opinion.
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I think you are right. I've seen them being sold on Amazon, too. But why would someone want the regular AppleCare? It doesn't cost any less and the AppleCare + covers accidental damage, albeit with a co-pay.
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Interesting idea. I never considered this option. AppleCare offers insane value in terms of tech support alone. I never really use it though, so this could be an option.
Do you know what it costs and what this policy type is called? Is it part of the home insurance?
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Are you one of those people who think they should get a refund on auto insurance premiums because they didn't have an accident?
AppleCare is essentially an insurance product (although not classified that way for a reason). Basically everyone pays just a fraction of what it costs to repair common problems to pool the risk. All participates pay a little, some benefit more than others, but all benefit. Seems pretty awesome to me.
In the case of the iMac, I think it's a great value. It's relatively inexpensive and covers the machine, which has a deplorable "repairability" score, for the three year window. iMacs are very reliable and may not be likely to require any repairs, but what makes it really a great value is that you get full three years of technical support.
You can call Apple and get help for three years. If you think about it, that's insane value. You can literally call Apple every week with a new question and still pay only $170 for three years. It's like having an IT guy on standby 365 days a year for three years. During that time, three different version of macOS and iOS will be introduced with new features. All with tech support any time you need it.
That makes Applecare dirt cheap in my opinion.
[doublepost=1497992131][/doublepost]
I think you are right. I've seen them being sold on Amazon, too. But why would someone want the regular AppleCare? It doesn't cost any less and the AppleCare + covers accidental damage, albeit with a co-pay.
[doublepost=1497992271][/doublepost]
Interesting idea. I never considered this option. AppleCare offers insane value in terms of tech support alone. I never really use it though, so this could be an option.
Do you know what it costs and what this policy type is called? Is it part of the home insurance?
[doublepost=1497992578][/doublepost]
Are you one of those people who think they should get a refund on auto insurance premiums because they didn't have an accident?
AppleCare is essentially an insurance product (although not classified that way for a reason). Basically everyone pays just a fraction of what it costs to repair common problems to pool the risk. All participates pay a little, some benefit more than others, but all benefit. Seems pretty awesome to me.
Good question! I'd also like to know.
Regarding buying AppleCare, the correct answer is, "It's up to you." In general buying AppleCare is executing a transaction. By definition free market transactions create wealth for both parties. (The world becomes richer!)
For Apple the revenue it earns from AppleCare exceeds the costs of the program (Post #23 from dogslobber).
For the buyer the value of [peace of mind for being covered] plus [Apple's expected cost per unit covered] exceeds the price. The first item, the peace of mind (POM), is different for each individual. For AppleCare buyers the POM is greater, they are relatively "risk averse." For non buyers the POM is less, they are relatively "risk prone."
Sorry, ECON101 just came out... I'd still like to know about the "Education Discount."
Thom
You can purchase the regular AppleCare from LA Computer for $139 which is $30 cheaper.
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Sure there is. Purchase from LA Computer for $139.
EDIT: Full disclosure. I have no affiliation with LA Computer. Just wanted to clarify that since I have brought them up a few times.
Also keep in mind that if you bought your computer with a credit card the credit card company may cover your warranty for another year. That and AppleCare you now have a 4 year warranty on your computer.
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Due to it happening two weeks in. If it had happened two years in...
You're describing the entire insurance industry.
But it was two weeks after new. I had the same thing happen with my 2006 Mini which broke after a month but I still wouldn't buy AppleCare for it then nor now. Yes, insurance companies, correct. I was just laying it bare for all to see what AppleCare actually is.
I never bought any Apple Care because my Mac always broke after three years.
Will do it if it is five year coverage. but I double Apple would ever offer, or the buyer might think it is too much to pay as insurance.
Apple charge less for desktop because they calculate statistically the risk is lower for a machine that is less moving than a laptop.
In theory, one should buy Apple Care for laptop as all are prone to repairs. And Apple charge a higher % over MacBook.
In the end, I rather use my Mac till it dies or go some third party repair to prolong its life ghen buy a new one. And mentally and financially I feel it is much better.
.Will do it if it is five year coverage. but I double Apple would ever offer, or the buyer might think it is too much to pay as insurance.
Apple charge less for desktop because they calculate statistically the risk is lower for a machine that is less moving than a laptop.
In theory, one should buy Apple Care for laptop as all are prone to repairs. And Apple charge a higher % over MacBook.
In the end, I rather use my Mac till it dies or go some third party repair to prolong its life ghen buy a new one. And mentally and financially I feel it is much better.
Doing that would require a $500 deductible for me and it'll likely make your insurance rates go up.
Better to just use AppleCare in my opinion.
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As someone else said, in the United States, you can only purchase AppleCare+ for the iMac now. We don't have a choice. Not sure if it's different in other regions of the world.
See the Legal page for the standard APP (Applecare Protection Plan) at the Apple US website. Note that it says January 04, 2016 to Present.
Apple is pushing users towards the new AppleCare+ but if you call them directly they will help you to purchase the standard AppleCare coverage.
Better yet, get it from L.A. Computer or somewhere else at a discount.
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On what legal basis would they not honor it? See the legal page for the AppleCare Protection Plan from the Apple website above.
Don't try using the Apple website, call them directly.
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Most hardware failures happen in the first few months, so your expected failure rate will be lower during the time your AppleCare is in effect.
The right calculation to do here though is the fixed cost of AppleCare plus the expected net present value of any repairs occurring in years 2 or 3 minus some accounting for the depreciation of the machine itself, etc.For me is always a safe bet, since we don't know what might happen in the future.
I short cut most of that math by assuming Apple has access to their repair rate data and the actuarial skills to ensure they don't lose money on AppleCare policies. If Apple isn't losing money on the policies, then I'd do better self-insuring assuming that replacing the machine won't bankrupt me.
If it ever gets to the point that I'm encountering enough failures in Apple hardware that this logic breaks down, then it's time for me to seriously reconsider who I'm buying from.
I agree. Ask any agent and they will tell you it's not worth making any claim for damage less than $2000. Your rates go up, and too many claims get you blacklisted for 3 to 5 years, which makes it almost impossible to find another company to insure your home. So you would be stuck paying the higher rates of your current insurer.
I agree completely. I buy it on iMacs but not on iOS devices. The price of the coverage vs. the value of the device is much more in my favor on a $3500 iMac than on a $500 iPad. If I do something stupid (haven't yet) like drop an iPhone in the toilet, then "my bad". I can self-insure and buy a new one. But most problems on an iMac can be repaired rather than buying a new machine. Problem is, even a simple repair is costly due to the complicated access to the interior of the machine.
And, 3 years of first class tech support (which I HAVE used several times).
And, coverage on connected Apple accessories also.
The last AppleCare case I filed was when the wired keyboard of my Late 2013 iMac failed. Best of all they just sent me a new one and asked me to hand the dead one to the courier when he arrived with it.
This also extends to items like Airport Base Stations which is great.
Here in Denmark it is usually called an electronics insurance, although the name sometimes varies between insurance companies. For example mine is called "Failure and accident insurance" (freely translated from Danish). I pay DKK600 (roughly $90) a year including 25% VAT. Paying for AppleCare on multiple iPhones, Macs, Apple TV's and all the other stuff would be a lot more than my insurance premium and that is not including all of my other electronics, furniture, etc. which is all covered by that same insurance. The deductible for my plan is DKK500 (~ $75) for a "warranty" repair and DKK1,000 (~ $150) for an accident like, for example, dropping a laptop or spilling coke on it.