Should you get AppleCare+ for your Apple Watch?

AppleCare vs. AppleCare+

If you're going to know whether you should you get AppleCare+ for your Apple Watch, you'll need to understand what the standard AppleCare covers. Anyone and everyone who buys an Apple Watch Series 6 or Apple Watch SE from Apple automatically gets the standard level of AppleCare for free, which includes:

• 1 year limited hardware warranty
• 90 days of free technical support

Anyone who buys an Apple Watch Hermès and Apple Watch Edition from Apple also gets the standard level of AppleCare for free, though it lasts much longer:

• 2 years limited hardware warranty
• 2 years of free technical support

If you run into problems setting up or using your Apple Watch Series 6 or Apple Watch SE during the first three months of ownership (two years for Apple Watch Hermès or Edition), you can call 1-800-APL-CARE, and they'll help you troubleshoot. If any part of the device fails during the first year (two years for Apple Watch Hermès or Edition), and it's not due to accidental or intentional damage, Apple will likewise replace it.

For example, if the digital crown stops spinning or the screen won't come on, you're covered. If you drop it and break it or take it in the swimming pool and short it out, you're on your own unless you have AppleCare+.

It's also important to remember that AppleCare+ doesn't cover Apple Watch bands, only the actual device itself.

AppleCare+ prices and coverage

For an additional fee — which changes based on which model you buy — AppleCare+ for Apple Watch Series 6 and Apple Watch SE provides the following:

• 2 years limited hardware warranty
• 2 years of free technical support
• 2 incidents of accidental damage (subject to a $69 service fee)

The AppleCare+ for Apple Watch Series 6 —both with an aluminum and stainless steel case — will cost you an additional $79; however, the AppleCare+Apple Watch SE will only run your an additional $49.

For $149 extra, AppleCare+ for Apple Watch Hermès and Apple Watch Edition offers:

• 3 years limited hardware warranty
• 3 years of free technical support
• 2 incidents of accidental damage (subject to a $79 service fee)

This way, you get technical support from 1-800-APL-CARE for two full years (three years for Apple Watch Hermès or Edition); if, say, the strap mechanism gets stuck, or the side button gets loose, and it's not due to accidental or deliberate damage, Apple will likewise replace it for two years (three years for Apple Watch Hermès or Edition).

If it is due to accidental damage, like dropping and cracking the screen or soaking and shorting the electronics, Apple will still replace it — up to two separate incidents — for an additional service charge.

AppleCare+ service fee

If you use either of the two accidental damage incidents that come with AppleCare+, there's an additional charge. Currently, that charge is:

• $69 for Apple Watch Series 6, Apple Watch Nike+, and Apple Watch SE
• $79 for Apple Watch Hermès or Apple Watch Edition

This is likely because Hermès bands and ceramic casings are slightly more expensive to service.