Up until now, customers who bought an iPhone only had only 60 days to purchase AppleCare+ for their device however, a report via MacRumors now suggests that they will be able to do this for up to one year. Although Apple have yet to update the fine print on their website, a senior AppleCare advisor has confirmed the extension.
As long as the device is still under the one year warranty, users can add AppleCare+ to their iPhone bringing it in line with AppleCare+ for Mac and Apple TV. The advisor stated that this only applied to the iPhone and is retroactive meaning that all iPhones sold within the past year are eligible for the plan. Other sources have suggested that this will also apply to the iPad, iPod touch and the Apple Watch but this is yet to be confirmed.
The eligibility tool on the Apple U.S. site does seem to have been updated to reflect this but online stores in countries including the U.K, Canada, Hong Kong and elsewhere remain at the 60 day policy. This therefore suggests that this option is only available in the U.S. and may remain that way for some time. No country’s site currently states that AppleCare can be added to any other device.
For most iPhone models, AppleCare+ costs $129 and gives the user a 2 year extension from the date of the phone’s original purchase, adding two covers for accidental damage subject to a charge of $29 for screen damage and $99 for any other damage. It also covers EarPods, Lightning to USB cables and batteries that retain less than 80 per cent of their original capacity as well as giving users 24/7 priority access to AppleCare advisors. Without the plan, users only have a one-year warranty and 90 days of free telephone support.
In order for your iPhone to be eligible for AppleCare, Apple must thoroughly inspect your device to clear it of any previous damage and proof of purchase is also required. You can learn more about the service here.
