Should you get AppleCare+ or insurance for your new iPad Pro?

12.9-inch iPad Pro
12.9-inch iPad Pro (Image credit: Joseph Keller / iMore)

Should you get AppleCare+ or insurance for your new iPad Pro?

Best answer: Yes, most people should buy AppleCare+ for their iPad Pro. The extended warranty is the cheapest way to repair your iPad Pro should something go wrong.Biggest, fastest, and most powerful iPad: iPad Pro (From $799 at Apple)Extend your coverage: AppleCare+ ($129 at Apple)

What is Apple's standard warranty?

Every iPad Pro comes with a standard-level warranty for free, which includes:

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

If something isn't working right or your built-in software programs aren't running the way they should during the first three months of owning your iPad Pro, you can call 1-800-APL-CARE and get help over the phone troubleshooting your issue.

If your physical computer, the battery, RAM, hard drive, keyboard, mouse, or power cord fails, and it's not due to accidental or intentional damage, Apple will repair or replace it. This covers you if your iPad suddenly won't turn on, can't hold a charge, or a button randomly breaks within the first year of ownership. But the basic version of AppleCare does not protect against any kind of accidental damage, so if you drop your iPad or get it wet, you're not covered. That's where AppleCare+ comes into play.

AppleCare+ extension

iPad Pro (2018)

iPad Pro (2018) (Image credit: iMore)

AppleCare+ costs an additional $129 (or $5.99 per month for two years) for the iPad Pro and must be purchased within 60 days of purchasing your iPad; most buy it when first acquiring an iPad from Apple, but the extra time is provided for those unsure of the program's benefits. Best Buy will also let you add AppleCare+ to your purchase at the same rate as Apple Retail.

It extends the iPad's standard one-year warranty to two years, and also provides you with complimentary phone support for those years. As such, if you ever run into an issue with your iPad, you can dial 1-800-MY-APPLE and ask for AppleCare, or you can call 1-800-APL-CARE directly.

Moreover, if you break your iPad or drop it in water, you've got a few options: AppleCare+ includes two accidental damage incidents where, for a $49 deductible, you can exchange your broken iPad for a replacement on the spot. The only thing AppleCare+ won't protect you against is outright theft or loss.

The good news is AppleCare+ also covers any Apple Pencil you've purchased with your iPad. The same device defects are covered, and the two accidental repairs cost you a $29 deductible.

Best Buy will also let you add AppleCare+ to your purchase at the same rate as Apple Retail. To buy AppleCare+ after buying an iPad (remember, you have 60 days), you can visit checkcoverage.apple.com. You'll have to verify your serial number and run a remote diagnostic, by bringing the iPad and proof of purchase to an Apple Store, or by calling 800-275-2273, where you'll also need a proof of purchase and to run a remote diagnostic.

Are they other options apart from AppleCare+?

Some credit cards offer warranty extensions, programs that protect against breakage, or even replacement in case of theft. Different credit card providers have different requirements, but typically you need to have an account in good standing and to have paid for your iPad entirely on the card in question. Premium cards, like gold or platinum, often have additional benefits that go with their higher fees.

If you're on the fence about buying AppleCare+, it's worthwhile to see what benefits your current credit card company offers first. Some automatically extend the manufacturer's warranty (in this case, stock AppleCare) for an additional year. As such, the credit card company may reimburse you should your iPad have a defect in that second year, but it wouldn't offer AppleCare+'s extra benefits like accident coverage and phone support. To find out if your card offers these sorts of benefits, you can visit your bank's website or call the toll-free number on the back of your card.

Who should buy AppleCare+?

Most people should consider getting AppleCare+ with their purchase of an iPad Pro.

For $129, you get peace of mind in knowing that you're covered against defects for two years, and if you do break your iPad, you only have to pay $49 for an Apple-certified replacement. Plus, if anything should go wrong with your Apple Pencil, that's also covered, which means you don't have to worry about losing the ability to use your favorite accessory.

Rene Ritchie
Contributor

Rene Ritchie is one of the most respected Apple analysts in the business, reaching a combined audience of over 40 million readers a month. His YouTube channel, Vector, has over 90 thousand subscribers and 14 million views and his podcasts, including Debug, have been downloaded over 20 million times. He also regularly co-hosts MacBreak Weekly for the TWiT network and co-hosted CES Live! and Talk Mobile. Based in Montreal, Rene is a former director of product marketing, web developer, and graphic designer. He's authored several books and appeared on numerous television and radio segments to discuss Apple and the technology industry. When not working, he likes to cook, grapple, and spend time with his friends and family.