Boom, boom, boom! Something fell down the stairs.
Mac's Rants & Raves Episode #302. According to its website, CleanMyMac X is: an all-in-one package to awesomize your Mac. It cleans megatons of junk and makes your computer run faster. Apple ha rilasciato le versione aggiornate dei seguenti software per Mac iMovie, Final Cut Pro, Compressor e Motion per Mac. IMovie 10.2.3 risolve problemi che potevano verificarsi durante l.
Immediately I saw my son running down with a high-pitched scream. I hurried to him, worrying that he was hurt. Luckily, he was ok.
Download the latest version of Apple iOS for Mac - The latest version of Apple's mobile OS. Read 324 user reviews of Apple iOS on MacUpdate. Download the latest version of Apple iOS for Mac - The latest version of Apple's mobile OS. Read 324 user reviews of Apple iOS on MacUpdate.
My son picked up my MacBook Pro and gave it to me. I opened the laptop expecting a black screen, but everything was alright.
'Is it good that the MacBook is from alumenemenem? Right?' asked my son, looking into my eyes.
In situations like these, you wish to have insurance that would pay for repairs.
Luckily, there is one for MacBooks, and it's called AppleCare+. The question is do you need it or not?
So, let me make two bold claims, which I will explain below in detail. Let's start with a MacBook Air.
AppleCare+ for MacBook Air is not worth it because the warranty cost ($249) adds 25% to the MacBook Air price ($999). It is unlikely that the battery will need a replacement in 3 years, and a hardshell case is a cheap solution for accidents, especially for students who buy MBA for $899.
What about MacBook Pro 16?
AppleCare+ plan is worth it for the owners of MacBook Pro 16' because the cost of the AppleCare+ ($379) is at least $2000 less than the MacBook Pro price. The plan is even more attractive for people who upgrade CPU, RAM, and storage because the warranty does not increase with hardware upgrades.
The choice is not clear cut, however, for the owners of the most popular MacBook, MBP 13″; but below, you will find all the data you need to make an informed decision.
High-Level Overview of AppleCare plans for Macs
There are currently two main warranties Apple has to offer for Mac users:
AppleCare is a standard manufacturer warranty, kind of what you expect when you purchase any electronics. Each Mac (and each Apple device) comes with it, and you don't have to pay a dime for it.
Basically, Apple stands by its products and guarantees that they will work as expected for a limited time.
In the case of AppleCare (without the plus), the time is limited to one year. This standard warranty does not cover any accidentals, only manufacturer defects.
Sometimes Apple may recall some products if they find out a defect in the way the device was built.
For instance, most MacBooks had issues with butterfly keyboards. Apple recalled all MacBooks that had issues even when they were out of basic warranty.
Additionally, each Mac comes with complimentary technical support during which you can call Apple support and ask them to help with hardware and software issues.
If you are new to Macs, I strongly encourage you to use it in case you are struggling with the configuration or daily computer usage.
If there is a problem with the configuration, then Apple tech person can ask you to share the screen, and they can lead you through the process. I used it a couple of times, and I had a very good experience.
To reiterate the points above, each Apple product comes with a basic warranty that is free and lasts for one year from the date of purchase.
AppleCare+ is an additional (hence, the plus) warranty that extends the coverage beyond basic AppleCare.
There are two major differences between AppleCare and AppleCare Plus: the length of coverage and type of coverage. This post is entirely devoted to AppleCare+ and whether it is worth it or not for MacBooks.
AppleCare+ is available for:
- MacBook Air
- 13' MacBook Pro
- 16' MacBook Pro
- Mac mini
- iMac
- Mac Pro.
In other words, everything written here applies to Apple laptops and desktop computers.
How Much Does AppleCare+ Cost for Macs?
Unlike iPhones, AppleCare+ must be paid in advance with a single payment. There is no monthly payment option.
What Does AppleCare+ Cover for MacBook Air And Pro
Battery When It Loses 80% Of Its Capacity
The first thing AppleCare+ covers is a battery.
If the battery in your MacBook holds less than 80% of original capacity. To know the current capacity check my other blog post.
How likely could this happen?
I have 5 MacBooks currently.
Two of my five-year-old MacBook Air need battery replacement, but I can still use it for more than 2 hours without charge.
Two others: four-year-old 13-inch Pro and 3-year-old 15-inch Pro, are still running strong and hold more than 80% of capacity.
I've read a couple of stories on Apple forums when people complained that Apple would not change the battery with 81% capacity at the end of 3 years of the warranty.
How to know if a battery replacement feature is worth it?
If you are running applications that use a lot of CPU, e.g., games, without plugging MacBook into the power, if you keep recharging the laptop several times a day, there is a chance that the battery will not last long. Otherwise, it is likely that the battery survives a 3-year mark.
But, let's assume that you need the battery replaced. Here is a table with battery replacement costs if your warranty expired:
As you can see from the table above, if you have a 13-inch MacBook Pro and you believe that you will have to replace the battery before AppleCare+ expires, then the cost of a battery replacement ($199) will be close to what you pay for AppleCare+ ($269).
In all other cases, I don't see much benefit.
Up to 2 Accidental Damages (Liquids, Falls)
Does AppleCare+ for MacBook cover water damage?
AppleCare+ covers all types of liquids, including water, coffee, and orange juice. There is, however, a deductible that needs to be paid every time the MacBook suffers damage from liquids. The deductible is the same for all MacBook models: US$299.
Apple has a name for accidents: Service Event.
Every time the Mac needs to be repaired due to an accident, it's called a Service Event.
If you spill water or coffee on MacBook, it's called Tier 2 Service Event. You pay $299, and Apple will replace the entire motherboard.
Despite the high deductible, it really worth it because the same repair will cost you around $700 in the Apple Store.
Accidental Damage from Handling (ADH)
Besides water damage, AppleCare+ covers your MacBook if it gets damaged when you drop it.
These accidents are called Accidental Damage from Handling or ADH.
There are two tiers for Service Events.
The screen only damage or external exposure damages are classified as Tier 1 Service Events, and the deductible for them is only US$99.
Anything more serious is called Tier 2 Service Event, and the deductible is US$299.
Limitations
You allowed only two Service Events before AppleCare+ expires.
For instance, if you damaged the screen, it counts as one Service Event. If you spill water on MacBook after the repair, then it counts as a second Service Event, and you are out of allowances.
Does AppleCare+ cover cosmetic damage MacBook?
Cosmetic damage, such as a small dent, it is unlikely to be covered. However, if the damage is more serious than depending on the severity, it will be qualified either Tier1 or Tier2 Service Event.
Check my post on what can you do in case of MacBook dent.
Chargers And Other Included Accessories
Does AppleCare cover Mac chargers? According to Apple, AppleCare Plus covers 'accessories such as the power adapter.'
Start of Art Apple Tech Support
With AppleCare+, you also get priority support from Apple. It may include help with installation, troubleshooting of the software, and help with covered hardware.
Who Should Buy AppleCare+ for MacBook Pro
People With History Of Breaking Laptops
Some people worry too much about too many things. AppleCare+ provides peace of mind for those individuals.
If you are one of them, then it makes sense for you to spend the extra money and know that you are covered.
People Who Like To Drink Coffee Next To MacBook
I've been using laptops for decades and the only time I lost a laptop (not Mac) is when my wife accidentally spilled orange juice on it. Orange juice and coffee are lethal threats to any electronics.
So, if you are someone who likes to drink at the workplace and your desk is messy, then maybe AppleCare+ is for you.
After all, fixing damage from the liquid spills will cost you around $700, very close to the price of the entry-level MacBook.
Kids In The House
If you have little kids in your house and they are at the age when they break everything they touch, then having extra insurance is not a bad idea.
Owners of 16-inch MacBooks
As we all know, Apple allows customizing MacBooks before purchase. If you go for all available upgrades with a 16-inch MacBook, you may end up paying close to $5K for the laptop.
Compared to the price of the MacBook, extra for AppleCare+ does not seem to be too high.
If I had such a MacBook, I think I would pay for an extra warranty.
Alternatives To Buying AppleCare+
When thinking about the benefits of an extra warranty, think about what's the worst could happen?
If you are afraid of spilling water on your MacBook, then buy a cheap keyboard cover.
If you are the one who often drops stuff, it makes sense to invest in a military-grade laptop case (Amazon). I would also suggest investing in good skin and a laptop bag.
How I Saved $3851
Let me give you the final example (from my own experience).
About twelve years ago, my neighbor bought a new Toyota Camry with an extended warranty. The car price was $25K, and the extended warranty was around $10K. I am not kidding; my neighbor was actually bragging about the amount he paid for his vehicle's warranty.
For comparison, my friend who knows how to haggle bought Lexus ES for $33K the same year (during the Great Recession, people reduced spending on luxury cars). Call of duty release modern warfare.
If it were you, would you prefer to buy Camry or Lexus for the same money? I think the answer is obvious.
I am not a strong negotiator, but even I was able to buy Nissan Altima for $20K, including taxes and all fees (freight, dealer, etc.). I am still driving the same car, and I only spent $1K once on brakes.
The fact is that even if I had an extended warranty on my car, I would still pay the same amount for repairs.
Why?
Because the warranty is usually good for five years, and I had to repair breaks in year 6.
On the other hand, another friend of mine bought a used Chrysler PT Cruiser. Fortunately, he had an extended warranty because after one year, his car was in a repair shop almost every month.
Why did I go with the examples above?
If your car is in the Consumer Report's list to avoid it's well worth having an extended warranty, but if you have a quality vehicle, then it's not worth it.
The same principle applies to computers.
Apple computers are known for superior quality, and the chances that you will need a repair in the first three years are pretty low.
And don't forget that you get a basic warranty when purchasing an iPhone or MacBook. If the device is defective, you will know it in a very short time, and in this case, Apple will replace it.
For instance, when I had an iPhone 5, it started having issues with the screen after several months. I took it to the Apple Store, and they replaced the display for free.
Still not convinced?
Let me show on my example how much would it cost me to pay for AppleCare.
Over the span of many years, I owned the following Apple devices: Mac mini, iPad, Apple Watch, 5 MacBooks, and 11 iPhones (yes, we are an Apple fan family).
If I use the latest AppleCare rates (assuming that I purchased warranty at the time I bought the devices) then in seven years I would pay:
99 + 69 + 79 + 379 + 2 * 269 + 2 * 249 + 11 * 199 = $3851.
$3851 for the warranty I never used!
If every time I buy an Apple, I put the warranty money into a separate bank account, I can easily buy 2-3 new MacBooks or several iPhones from my savings.
However, as you understand, not all apples are created equal (pun intended).
I firmly believe that it does not make sense to pay $269 for a 13-inch MacBook Pro, which costs $1199, because you essentially pay 22% of the laptop price for the warranty.
But if you buy a 16-inch MacBook and get all upgrades, the cost of such a laptop will be around $5000. In this case, $379 will be less than 8% of the purchase price, and investing in additional insurance well worth the money.
Related Questions
Does AppleCare+ for Mac cover theft or loss?
AppleCare+ does not cover theft and loss for Macs.
If you are worried about theft or loss (as you should), there are things you have to do now so that your MacBook gets back to you.
In the worst case, you will be able to protect data, such as photos and passwords, on the drive.
How to check if I have Apple Care or not?
If you purchased an iPhone or a Mac from someone else, it is possible that the original owner had active AppleCare+.
To check if your device is covered under an additional warranty, go to the Apple warranty status page. All you need is to provide the device's serial number.
Can I transfer AppleCare+?
If the plan was paid in full, i.e., not a monthly plan, and if it is still active (3 years for Macs, and two years for all other devices), you have two options:
- You can transfer the plan to the new owner
Can I Use AppleCare+ In Another Country?
There is zero information about this topic, so I had to pick up my phone and call Apple Support.
According to Apple Advisor, the AppleCare+ plan bought in the US is good in any other country where Apple provides support. However, the type of repairs differs from country to county.
For instance, Turkey has a different plan than the US, whereas Mexico and UK have the same rules.
Cleanmymac For Ipad Pro
When I asked about the deductibles you have to pay with each accident, e.g., $99 for screen repair in the US, he said that it depends on the country again.
In Canada, for instance, the deductible will be $129 CAD.
When I asked if there is a customer-facing document on the Apple site, which I could refer to, he was not able to find one. Everything he said was based on the internal documents he could access in their database, but he couldn't share them with me.
Cleanmymac For Ipad Problems
And finally, there is still the option of sending the Apple device over mail back to the country where you bought the plan (shipping not included).
