The AppleCare+ Protection Plan terms for the iPhone, iPad, iPod and Apple Watch just got a little better. Apple has now included language that would cover batteries with less than 80% of their original capacity within the extended warranty period, whereas it previously covered batteries that retained less than 50 percent of their original capacity. The change applies to AppleCare+ purchased for iPhone, iPad, iPod and all Apple Watch models on April 9th, 2015 or later.
The new criteria will allow for the replacement of defective batteries that do not live up to the 80 percent specification free of charge as long as the device is within its AppleCare+ coverage period. Otherwise, Apple charges US$79 for out-of-warranty battery service for all Apple Watch batteries that retain less than 80 percent of their original capacity per Apple’s diagnostic testing, plus a US$6.95 shipping charge if required.
The new language reads as follows:
“If during the Plan Term, you submit a valid claim by notifying Apple that (i) a defect in materials and workmanship has arisen in the Covered Equipment, or (ii) the capacity of the Covered Equipment’s battery to hold an electrical charge is less than eighty percent (80%) of its original specifications, Apple will either (A) repair the defect at no charge, using new parts or parts that are equivalent to new in performance and reliability, or (B) exchange the Covered Equipment, with a replacement product that is new or equivalent to new in performance and reliability.”
AppleCare+ for iPhone extends the smartphone’s warranty coverage to two years from the original date of purchase and provides up to two incidents of accidental damage coverage for a US$79 service charge each time. Without AppleCare+, iPhone customers are covered by a limited one-year warranty and 90 days of complimentary phone support.
AppleCare+ for iPad and iPod have the same terms and conditions, although the accidental damage service charges are US$49 and US$29 per incident respectively.
AppleCare+ retails for US$49, US$59 and US$1,500 for the Apple Watch Sport, Apple Watch and Apple Watch Edition models respectively, while accidental damage coverage is subject to an additional service charge of US$69 for Sport, US$79 for Watch and $1,000 for Edition. Apple also sells AppleCare+ combo plans for Apple Watch and iPhone for US$149 (Sport and iPhone), US$169 (Watch and iPhone) and US$1,600 (Edition and iPhone).
So, it ain’t cheap, but at least this does a better job of covering the batteries on your devices.
Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.
Via MacRumors