Should you get AppleCare+ for your new AirPods Max?

Should you get AppleCare+ for your new AirPods Max?
Best answer: Yes, for most people, AppleCare+ provides enough value and peace of mind that's it's worth adding to your purchase; however, if you're extra careful with your devices and really don't think device failure or damage will be a factor, you could skip it.Apple's best: AirPods Max ($549 at Apple)Extend your protection: AppleCare+ ($59 at Apple)
AppleCare vs. AppleCare+
Most Apple hardware comes with a free limited warranty (AppleCare) that you can extend (AppleCare+) if bought at the same time or soon after your original purchase. The free warranty covers a 1-year limited hardware warranty and 90 days of free technical support.
If you run into problems setting up or using your AirPods Max during the first three months of ownership, you can call 1-800-APL-CARE, and they'll help you troubleshoot. If any part of the device fails during the first year and not due to accidental or intentional damage, Apple will likewise replace it.
AppleCare+ prices and coverage
For an additional fee — $59, paid-in-full or over six months — AppleCare+ for AirPods Max provides the following:
- 2 years limited hardware warranty
- 2 years of free 24/7 priority access to Apple experts via chat or phone
- 2 incidents of accidental damage (subject to a service fee), once every 12 months
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:
- $29 for Apple AirPods Max
Available now
The AirPods Max is available to pre-order now and launches officially on Tuesday, December 15, in the United States and 25 additional countries and regions.
A game changer
The latest AirPods are also the most expensive. The AirPods Max is available in five different colors, including space gray, silver, green, pink, and sky blue.
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Bryan M. Wolfe has written about technology for over a decade on various websites, including TechRadar, AppAdvice, and many more. Before this, he worked in the technology field across different industries, including healthcare and education. He’s currently iMore’s lead on all things Mac and macOS, although he also loves covering iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch. Bryan enjoys watching his favorite sports teams, traveling, and driving around his teenage daughter to her latest stage show, audition, or school event in his spare time. He also keeps busy walking his black and white cocker spaniel, Izzy, and trying new coffees and liquid grapes.