What is AppleCare+?
AppleCare+ is Apple's extended warranty and accidental damage protection plan, available for iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch and other Apple devices. It's separate from the standard one-year limited warranty every new Apple device already includes — AppleCare+ extends and expands that cover.
What AppleCare+ actually covers
Accidental damage. Up to two incidents of accidental damage every 12 months, each subject to a service fee (typically £25-£95 for iPhone depending on the type of damage and model). This is the headline feature — screen cracks, drops, and liquid damage are all covered under this.
Battery service. If your battery's maximum capacity drops below 80% of its original capacity, AppleCare+ covers a free battery replacement. Without AppleCare+, Apple charges a flat fee for battery replacement out of warranty.
Priority technical support. Direct access to Apple technical support via phone or chat, without needing to book a Genius Bar appointment for simple issues.
Express replacement service (on some plans). A replacement device is shipped to you before you need to send back the faulty one, minimising downtime.
What AppleCare+ does NOT cover
Theft or loss — unless you specifically bought "AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss," which is a separate, more expensive tier. Standard AppleCare+ will not replace a stolen or lost phone.
Cosmetic damage that doesn't affect function — minor scratches or scuffs that don't impair the device's use typically aren't covered as a "repair," since there's nothing to actually fix.
Damage from unauthorised repairs — if the device has been opened or repaired by a non-Apple-authorised technician, AppleCare+ coverage can be voided.
Normal wear and tear — this is expected and not treated as a defect.
How much does AppleCare+ cost in the UK?
Pricing varies by device and plan length. For iPhone, expect to pay either a one-off upfront fee (roughly £150-£230 for two years, depending on model) or a monthly subscription (roughly £7-£13/month). Pro and Pro Max models sit at the higher end of these ranges.
Does AppleCare+ affect resale or trade-in value?
Not directly. UK recyclers price your device based on its actual physical condition and functionality at the point of inspection — they don't ask whether AppleCare+ was ever active, and it doesn't appear as a line item on any recycler's quote form.
Where it helps indirectly: if you cracked your screen a year ago and had it repaired affordably through AppleCare+, your device is likely in better cosmetic condition today than if you'd paid full price for a repair (or skipped it) and just lived with the damage. Better condition at the point of sale means a better recycler offer — that's the actual mechanism, not AppleCare+ itself.
Selling a phone with AppleCare+ still active
You don't need to do anything special. AppleCare+ coverage is tied to the device's serial number, not to your Apple ID or ownership. If you sell your phone, the remaining coverage period simply transfers with it — the new owner can check how much time is left using the serial number on Apple's coverage checker page.
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