iPad Pro Need to clarify AppleCare+ for iPad Pro 12.9" 2021

[hajime]

Hi, I always get AppleCare+ for MacBook Pro but for the iPad Pro, I did not get it for the 2017 model and have not decided for the 2021 model. Is it true that for those who own iPad Pro 12.9" 2021, it is better to get it this time because in general, it costs more to have this device repaired than previous models and the cost is like buying a new base model? I have a good protective case and a screen protector already. I only use it at home. Issues I could think of may be battery replacement, some hardware issues such as spotlights that showed up in the 2017 model.

When I picked up my iPad, the Apple guy tried to sell me AppleCare+. He told me that if I signed up at that time, he would give me a special offer of free AppleCare+ for that month. He also warned me that as soon as he put it in the bag, I would not get that offer. I found it hard to believe. Isn't my device covered in the first month? He also said that if there is any problem such as drop or need for battery replacement, I just bring in the device and they would replace a brand new one for me for free. Is it really true? I think we have to at least pay a service fee before they would do anything, such as replacing with a brand new one, if there is a problem with the device.

 

[hg.wells]

There’s a service fee of $49 each time:

AppleCare Products - iPad

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[fwmireault]

Having your 12.9 2021 iPad Pro serviced without Apple Care will cost you 699$US, so yes, it's a more expensive repair cost than previous models, probably because of the mini-LED screen. You can find more info here: https://support.apple.com/ipad/repair/service

I don't think that Apple Care is a no brainer in every use case. I have Apple Care on my iPad, but I travel heavily with it, so chances to break it are bigger. If you have a good case, a screen protector and your iPad stays in your house, I don't think it's worth it. It's your call to make, but you have to be willing to pay the 699$ fee if you somewhat damage your iPad.

Apple will replace the device for free if there's an issue with your unit that is Apple's fault (faulty screen, new battery draining, etc.). This applies for one year following the purchase of the device. If there are damages that are your fault, you will have to pay the deductible, which is 49$US with AppleCare.

 

[hajime]

Thanks. So if the spotlights issue like that happened in the 2017 model shows up on the 2021 model, then I get a brand new replacement for free. If the battery needs a replacement, I get a brand new iPad Pro replacement for free?

I only dropped the 2017 iPad Pro once on my MacBook Pro. It happened because the case was slippery and I picked it up single handed. A dent showed up on the Mac. Another time I dropped it on the floor. The Logitech case's corner broke but the iPad Pro had no damage.

 

[rui no onna]

Thanks. So if the spotlights issue like that happened in the 2017 model shows up on the 2021 model, then I get a brand new replacement for free. If the battery needs a replacement, I get a brand new iPad Pro replacement for free?

The replacement device will either be brand new or refurbished (which works as good as new). Yes, there’s no deductible for manufacturing defects as well as battery replacement.

It’s highly unlikely you can get a battery replacement within the first 4-5 years though since Apple requires battery to be degraded below 80% before they’ll issue a replacement. For some reason, whatever diagnostic they use in-store gives higher percentages than what one gets from iMazing, Coconut or analytics logs. Wish iPads were part of #batterygate so we could get more transparency similar to iPhones.

 

[hajime]

The replacement device will either be brand new or refurbished (which works as good as new). Yes, there’s no deductible for manufacturing defects as well as battery replacement.

It’s highly unlikely you can get a battery replacement within the first 4-5 years though since Apple requires battery to be degraded below 80% before they’ll issue a replacement. For some reason, whatever diagnostic they use in-store gives higher percentages than what one gets from iMazing, Coconut or analytics logs. Wish iPads were part of #batterygate so we could get more transparency similar to iPhones.

Thanks.

Did you buy AppleCare+ for your iPad Pro?

When people said that buying AppleCare+ covers not only the iPad Pro 12.9" 2021 itself but also the keyboard and Apple Pencil 2, do I have to buy them all at the same time to have all three devices covered. I bought the Ipad Pro with Pencil 2 and Magic Keyboard at the same time. However, I returned the Magic Keyboard and bought a Magic Keyboard with Touch ID later. Will this Magic Keyboard with Touch ID be covered by AppleCare+ as well?

Given that iPadOS is way behind the hardware, probably no need to upgrade the iPad for 2-3 years. How likely will they allow extended screen mode on external display with current iPad Pro hardware? This is the main thing that I wish the current device were capable of.

 

[rui no onna]

Did you buy AppleCare+ for your iPad Pro?

Yes, I did get AC+ for peace of mind. I would absolutely hate to be in a situation where my choices are either $749 (12.9” 5G) for OOW repair or $1,999 for a relatively minor upgrade or go without while waiting for the new model to be released.

I didn’t buy any accessories for my iPP aside from an Amazon case so no idea there.

As for future functionality, only Apple can tell.

 

[UBS28]

I carry my M1 12.9 iPad Pro everywhere I go. It is basically my M1 MBA / MBP (i hate being restricted to the touchpad outside on MAC’s. I only like laptops with an external mouse). So i got AppleCare+.

 

[GloriousAndrew]

It really depends on the kind of person you are. If you take your iPad with you on the go, absolutely. But this is going to be a laptop replacement, and will sit in one spot for pretty much forever, you may not need it. Me personally, this will be going with me around the house and in the subway to work. Not to mention, I have a toddler and a soon-to-be toddler. There was no way I was not going to get AppleCare. I cannot fathom paying $1099 for something, dropping it and then needing to pay another $699 to get it repaired. Hell to the no.

 

[FlyingDutch]

Not yet (I still have 45 days available), but I’m planning to buy AC+ on my 12.9” Pro.