Apple's iPhone warranty and AppleCare plans provide distinct levels of coverage for hardware defects, accidental damage, and technical support. The standard one-year limited warranty covers manufacturing defects and hardware failures at no additional cost, while AppleCare+ extends this protection to include accidental damage, theft/loss (on select plans), and priority support for a monthly or annual fee. Understanding the differences helps users determine whether the basic warranty suffices or if AppleCare+ offers valuable additional protection for their needs.

Key findings from the search results:

• The standard warranty lasts 1 year and covers only manufacturing defects and hardware failures, excluding accidental damage ^[3][6].
• AppleCare+ extends coverage to 2–3 years (depending on the plan) and includes accidental damage (e.g., cracked screens, liquid spills) with service fees ranging from $29–$149 per incident ^[2][4][5].
• Theft/loss coverage is available under AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss or AppleCare One, allowing 2–3 claims per year with a $149 deductible for iPhones ^[2][4].
• Battery replacements are covered under both warranty and AppleCare+ if the battery retains less than 80% of its original capacity ^[5][10].
• Technical support is included for 90 days under the standard warranty and 24/7 priority support with AppleCare+ ^[6][10].

iPhone Warranty and AppleCare Coverage Details

Standard One-Year Limited Warranty

Apple’s standard warranty is automatically included with every new iPhone purchase and covers hardware defects and manufacturing issues for 12 months from the purchase date. This warranty does not require additional payment but has strict limitations on what it covers.

The warranty applies exclusively to Apple-branded hardware (the iPhone itself and included accessories like charging cables and power adapters) and does not extend to third-party accessories or software issues ^[3][6]. To qualify for service, users must provide proof of purchase, and coverage is non-transferable—it remains tied to the original device ^[6]. Key inclusions and exclusions are as follows:

• Covered under standard warranty:
• Manufacturing defects, such as a faulty camera, non-responsive touchscreen, or dead pixels ^[6].
• Hardware failures, including issues with the logic board, storage, or buttons ^[3].
• Battery defects if the battery fails to hold at least 80% of its original capacity within the warranty period ^[5].
• Included accessories (e.g., Lightning/USB-C cables, power adapters) if they malfunction due to defects ^[10].

• Not covered under standard warranty:
• Accidental damage, including cracked screens, liquid spills, or drops ^[6][8].
• Cosmetic damage that does not affect functionality (e.g., scratches, dents) ^[5].
• Software-related issues, unless directly caused by a hardware defect ^[10].
• Normal wear and tear, such as battery degradation over time (unless below 80% capacity) ^[6].
• Theft or loss of the device ^[9].

Users can check their warranty status by navigating to Settings > General > About > Coverage on their iPhone or by visiting checkcoverage.apple.com ^[1][8]. The standard warranty also includes 90 days of complimentary technical support for software and connectivity issues, accessible via phone, chat, or in-store appointments ^[6].

AppleCare+ and AppleCare One: Extended Coverage

AppleCare+ and the newer AppleCare One plan provide significantly broader protection than the standard warranty, covering accidental damage, theft/loss (on select plans), and extended technical support. These plans are optional but highly recommended for users prone to accidents or those who want long-term peace of mind.

AppleCare+ is available for individual devices, while AppleCare One allows users to cover multiple Apple products (iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch) under a single plan starting at $19.99/month ^[2]. Both plans extend coverage to 2–3 years (depending on the device and region) and include the following benefits:

• Accidental damage coverage:
• Screen repairs cost $29 per incident under AppleCare+ (vs. $279–$379 without coverage) ^[4].
• Other accidental damage (e.g., liquid spills, drops) incurs a $99 service fee per incident ^[5].
• Unlimited incidents are allowed, but each requires a service fee ^[2].

• Theft and loss protection (AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss or AppleCare One):
• Up to 2 claims per year for theft/loss, with a $149 deductible for iPhones ^[2][4].
• AppleCare One increases this to 3 claims per year across all covered devices ^[2].
• Requires Find My iPhone to be enabled and may require a police report for theft claims ^[4].

• Battery replacements:
• Covered if the battery holds less than 80% of its original capacity, with no additional fee if under warranty or AppleCare+ ^[5][10].

• Technical support:
• 24/7 priority access to Apple experts via phone, chat, or in-store ^[2][10].
• Support for software issues, connectivity problems, and Apple services (e.g., iCloud, Apple ID) ^[5].

• Additional features:
• Express replacement service for faster turnaround on repairs ^[5].
• Coverage for existing devices (if purchased within 60 days of the device’s original sale and in good condition) ^[2].
• Transferable coverage if the device is sold or gifted (remains tied to the serial number) ^[9].

Exclusions under AppleCare+:

• Intentional damage or misuse (e.g., deliberate destruction) ^[4].
• Pre-existing conditions (damage present before purchasing the plan) ^[5].
• Cosmetic damage that does not impair functionality ^[10].
• Third-party accessories or unauthorized modifications (e.g., jailbreaking) ^[5].

Users can purchase AppleCare+ within 60 days of buying an iPhone, provided the device undergoes a remote diagnostic check to confirm eligibility ^[2]. The plan can be canceled within 30 days for a full refund or prorated afterward ^[5]. For those who frequently upgrade devices, AppleCare+ may not be cost-effective, but for users keeping their iPhone for 2+ years, it often pays for itself after a single repair ^[4].