Apple's standard warranty and AppleCare+ plans provide distinct levels of coverage for iPads, with clear differences in what they protect and for how long. The standard one-year limited warranty covers manufacturing defects and hardware malfunctions but explicitly excludes accidental damage, liquid exposure, or battery degradation beyond 80% capacity. AppleCare+, by contrast, extends coverage to two years and includes protection for accidental damage (with service fees), theft/loss options, and priority technical support. Notably, AppleCare+ now offers flexible multi-device plans through AppleCare One, allowing coverage for up to three devices under a single subscription.

Key findings from the search results:

• Standard warranty duration: 1 year for hardware defects + 90 days of technical support ^[4][7][8]
• AppleCare+ accidental damage: Covers unlimited incidents (with service fees of $49 per iPad repair) ^[2][7][8]
• Battery coverage: Standard warranty only covers defects; AppleCare+ replaces batteries dropping below 80% capacity ^[1][4]
• Accessory inclusion: Apple Pencil and Apple-branded keyboards are covered under AppleCare+ but not the standard warranty ^[2][7]

iPad Warranty and AppleCare Coverage Details

Standard Limited Warranty Scope

Every new iPad includes a one-year limited warranty that activates automatically upon purchase, requiring no additional registration. This warranty strictly covers defects in materials and workmanship under normal use, with Apple authorized to repair or replace defective units at no cost. The coverage begins on the purchase date and includes 90 days of complimentary technical support via phone, chat, or in-store appointments. However, the warranty explicitly excludes several common issues: accidental damage (such as cracked screens), liquid exposure, battery degradation from normal use, and software problems unless directly caused by manufacturing defects.

Critical exclusions under the standard warranty:

• Accidental damage: Cracked screens or physical damage from drops are not covered ^[5][6]
• Liquid damage: Any exposure to liquids voids warranty claims ^[4]
• Battery replacement: Only covered if the battery fails to hold charge due to a manufacturing defect, not normal capacity reduction ^[4][6]
• Accessories: Apple Pencil and keyboards require separate coverage unless purchased with AppleCare+ ^[7]
• Software issues: Problems with iPadOS or apps are only covered during the initial 90-day support period ^[4]

To initiate a warranty claim, users must provide proof of purchase, and Apple may either repair the device or replace it with a refurbished unit of equivalent functionality. The warranty does not extend to cosmetic damage or issues arising from unauthorized modifications ^[4]. For iPads purchased in regions with mandatory consumer protection laws (like the EU), the warranty period may extend to two years for certain defects, but accidental damage remains excluded ^[6].

AppleCare+ Enhanced Protection

AppleCare+ significantly expands coverage beyond the standard warranty, offering up to two years of protection from the original purchase date. The plan includes unlimited incidents of accidental damage coverage, though each repair requires a service fee ($49 for iPads, $29 for accessories like Apple Pencil). For newer iPad models, AppleCare+ also provides theft and loss protection as an optional add-on, with deductibles applying to replacement devices. The plan covers the iPad itself, its battery (with free replacement if capacity drops below 80%), and Apple-branded accessories purchased simultaneously.

Key benefits of AppleCare+ for iPads:

• Accidental damage: Unlimited claims for drops, cracks, or liquid damage (with service fees) ^[1][2][7]
• Battery service: Free replacement if battery health falls below 80% capacity ^[1][7]
• Theft/loss option: Available for select iPad models with up to two claims per year (additional premium required) ^[1]
• Priority support: 24/7 access to Apple experts via chat, phone, or in-person at Apple Stores ^[1][7][8]
• Express replacement: Option for mail-in repairs or immediate replacement at Apple Stores ^[7][10]

AppleCare+ pricing varies by iPad model, with current rates at $55 for iPad 8th Gen/iPad Mini 5th Gen, $69 for iPad 10th Gen, and $79 for iPad Air 5th Gen ^[7][8][10]. The plan must be purchased within 60 days of the iPad's original purchase date, and users can verify their coverage status through Apple's support website or device settings ^[3]. Notably, AppleCare One now allows bundling multiple devices (up to three) under a single plan, including iPads, iPhones, and Apple Watches, with shared accidental damage coverage limits ^[1].