Every MacBook comes with two levels of protection: the standard Apple One Year Limited Warranty and the optional AppleCare+ extended plan. The standard warranty covers manufacturing defects and hardware failures for 12 months, while AppleCare+ extends this to three years and adds protection against accidental damage, battery degradation, and theft/loss (depending on the plan). Apple also introduced AppleCare One, a subscription model covering multiple devices under a single plan.

Key distinctions between the two:

• Standard Warranty: Covers hardware defects for 1 year + 90 days of technical support ^[2][5].
• AppleCare+: Extends coverage to 3 years, adds accidental damage protection (with deductibles), and includes 24/7 expert support ^[1][4][6].
• AppleCare One: Monthly subscription covering up to 3 devices, including accidental damage and theft/loss protection ^[1][9].
• Repair Costs: Screen damage repairs cost $99, other accidental damage $299 under AppleCare+ ^[4].

MacBook Warranty and AppleCare Coverage Details

Standard One-Year Limited Warranty

Every new MacBook includes Apple’s One Year Limited Warranty, which covers hardware defects and manufacturing issues for 12 months from the purchase date. This warranty is automatically included with the purchase and does not require additional fees. Technical support is provided for the first 90 days, during which users can contact Apple for troubleshooting assistance ^[2][5].

The standard warranty explicitly covers:

• Hardware defects: Malfunctions due to faulty materials or workmanship, such as a failing logic board or defective RAM ^[5].
• Apple-branded accessories: Issues with included accessories like the power adapter or USB-C cable, provided they were packaged with the MacBook ^[5].
• Repair or replacement: Apple may repair the defective part, replace the entire unit, or refund the purchase price if repairs are not feasible ^[5].

Limitations of the standard warranty:

• Does not cover accidental damage (e.g., drops, spills, or cracks) ^[5].
• Excludes non-Apple branded peripherals or software issues ^[5].
• Requires users to back up data before service, as repairs may result in data loss ^[5].
• Void if the device has undergone unauthorized modifications or repairs ^[5].

Users can verify their warranty status by checking their device settings or visiting checkcoverage.apple.com ^[3]. The warranty is non-transferable and governed by local consumer laws, which may vary by region ^[5].

AppleCare+ and AppleCare One Extended Protection

AppleCare+ and AppleCare One are paid extensions of the standard warranty, offering broader coverage and longer support periods. AppleCare+ is a fixed-term plan (typically 3 years total), while AppleCare One is a monthly subscription covering multiple devices ^[1][9].

AppleCare+ for MacBook

AppleCare+ extends the standard warranty to three years from the original purchase date, adding protection against accidental damage and battery degradation. Key features include:

• Accidental damage coverage: Repairs for drops, spills, or cracks, subject to a service fee ($99 for screen/enclosure damage, $299 for other damage) ^[4][7].
• Battery replacement: Covered if capacity drops below 80% of original specification ^[4].
• 24/7 priority support: Access to Apple experts via chat or phone for technical issues ^[4][6].
• Global repair coverage: Service available in most countries, including onsite, mail-in, or carry-in options ^[4].
• Theft/loss protection (select regions): Some AppleCare+ plans include coverage for lost or stolen devices, though this varies by country ^[1].

Costs and purchasing details:

• Pricing varies by MacBook model, with plans typically ranging from $200 to $400 for three years ^[4].
• Must be purchased within 60 days of the MacBook’s original purchase date (subject to inspection) ^[7].
• Covers unlimited accidental damage incidents, but each repair is subject to the service fee ^[4].

AppleCare One (Multi-Device Plan)

Introduced in 2025, AppleCare One is a subscription-based plan covering up to three Apple devices (e.g., MacBook, iPhone, iPad) under a single monthly fee. Benefits include:

• Accidental damage and theft/loss protection: Similar to AppleCare+, but with the flexibility to add or swap devices ^[1][9].
• Lower monthly cost: Pricing starts at $15–$30 per month, depending on the devices included ^[1].
• No long-term commitment: Users can cancel anytime, unlike the fixed-term AppleCare+ ^[9].
• Same repair benefits: Service fees for accidental damage ($99–$299) and battery replacements apply ^[1].

Comparison to third-party insurance: While third-party insurers (e.g., SquareTrade) may offer lower premiums, AppleCare+ and AppleCare One provide Apple-certified repairs, original parts, and seamless integration with Apple Stores. Third-party plans often have higher deductibles or exclusions for certain damage types ^[6][9].

Is AppleCare Worth It?

The value of AppleCare depends on individual risk tolerance and usage patterns. Considerations include:

• High repair costs: Without AppleCare+, a cracked MacBook screen can cost $600–$1,200 to replace, while AppleCare+ reduces this to $99 ^[4][10].
• Accident-prone users: Those who frequently travel or use their MacBook in high-risk environments (e.g., coffee shops, construction sites) benefit most ^[10].
• Long-term ownership: AppleCare+ is cost-effective if keeping the MacBook for 3+ years, as it covers the period when hardware failures become more likely ^[7].
• Peace of mind: 24/7 support and guaranteed Apple-authorized repairs can justify the cost for users reliant on their device ^[6].

Critics argue that MacBooks have low failure rates, and many users never need repairs beyond the standard warranty. However, the reduced repair costs and convenience of AppleCare often outweigh the upfront expense for heavy users ^[10][9].