Should you buy AppleCare+ for your iPhone?

AppleCare+ can greatly reduce the cost of repairing or replacing your Apple device and includes 24/7 priority technical support. You also get help from Apple experts, but there are some potential caveats to be aware of.

For one, it doesn't come cheap, especially once you factor in excess fees when making a claim. Standard AppleCare+ doesn't cover loss or theft, either. For that, you'll need AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss, available for iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch, or AppleCare One, which can cover multiple eligible Apple devices in one plan.

Below, we examine Apple's schemes and some money-saving alternatives – from home contents insurance to network providers and third-party insurers. Read on to find out which insurance policy could be right for you.

What's covered with AppleCare+?

You can take out AppleCare+ for a range of new Apple products, including iPhones, iPads, Macs and Apple Watches. AppleCare+ includes 24/7 priority access to technical support.

Here are the main features included with AppleCare+:

How much does AppleCare+ for iPhone cost?

You can add AppleCare+ when you buy a new iPhone or within 60 days of purchase. Depending on the device, Apple may require a device check before confirming that it's eligible for cover.

The cost of AppleCare+ varies by iPhone model. Apple lists prices on its website, with the option to pay monthly or annually. You can also check which AppleCare options are available for your device through its AppleCare & Warranty settings or Apple's website. Cover isn't available in the Channel Islands or Isle of Man.

Here are AppleCare+ prices for recent iPhone models:

Here are the main benefits with AppleCare+ for iPhone:

• Battery service – if your phone's battery retains less than 80% of its original capacity, Apple will replace it at no additional cost under AppleCare+. You can check your battery's condition under Settings > Battery. Apple's standard one-year warranty also covers defective batteries, but not batteries that have worn down through normal use.
• Express Replacement Service – Apple can send you a replacement iPhone before you return your original device, so you don't have to wait for it to be repaired. If your iPhone has accidental damage, you'll need to pay the applicable AppleCare+ excess fee.
• Unlimited accidental damage protection – AppleCare+ will fix or replace your iPhone if it's accidentally damaged, including by liquid. However, each claim is subject to excess fees – screen or back glass damage costs £25 and any other accidental damage costs £79.
• 24/7 priority access to Apple experts – you can get round-the-clock help with hardware and software issues by text, through the Apple Support app, by phone, online or in an Apple Store. However, if you only want technical support during the first three months after buying your iPhone, you get complimentary support from Apple for the first 90 days without needing AppleCare+.

Our experts help you bag a bargain on an Android handset or iPhone – see our guide to the best mobile phone and Sim-only deals.

What's covered with AppleCare+ Theft and Loss?

AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss is Apple's single-device insurance plan for iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch. It includes the benefits of standard AppleCare+, plus cover for up to two incidents of theft or loss every 12 months. Cover also applies while you're travelling abroad.

The cost varies depending on your device and model. You'll also pay an excess if you make a successful theft or loss claim: £109 for an iPhone, £99 for an iPad or £89 for an Apple Watch.

To make a theft or loss claim, you'll need to have Find My enabled on your device when it's lost or stolen and throughout the claims process. Don't remove the device from your Apple Account until your claim has been fully approved.

If your device is lost or stolen while you're travelling, Apple can arrange a replacement in countries where theft and loss coverage is available.

What is AppleCare One?

Launched in the UK in August 2026, AppleCare One is an alternative if you have several Apple devices you want to insure. Rather than paying for AppleCare+ separately on each one, you can cover up to three eligible devices for £16.99 a month, then pay £4.99 a month for each extra device.

The cover is broadly the same as AppleCare+, with accidental damage protection, battery replacement and 24/7 access to Apple support. One notable difference is that you can add some devices you've owned for a while: most eligible products can be up to four years old, provided they're in good condition, while headphones must be less than one year old.

Our mobile phones hold so much of our lives, so make sure you know what to do if your phone gets stolen.

Alternatives to AppleCare+

Home Contents Insurance

Before taking out any type of gadget insurance, check what's already included in your home insurance cover, or what add-ons you might be able to buy to cover your devices.

Standard home contents insurance could include cover for gadgets that are stolen or damaged in your home. You might also be able to add personal possessions cover to claim for items that have been lost, damaged or stolen away from home. One policy can also cover multiple possessions, rather than just your Apple device.

The cost of contents insurance and personal possessions cover varies depending on factors such as where you live, the value of your belongings and the level of cover you choose. If you already have contents insurance, check how much it would cost to add your iPhone before paying for separate cover.

Unlike AppleCare+, home contents insurance won't give you benefits such as Apple expert support or battery replacement. You'll also usually have to pay an excess when making a claim, plus a claim could affect the price you pay for insurance in future.

Explore our guide on the best contents insurance for more details.

Network Provider and Third Party Insurers

Home contents or personal possessions insurance might not be a practical option if you don't currently have a home insurance policy. But there are still alternatives to AppleCare+.

You might get phone insurance as a perk with your bank account. If you buy your iPhone through a network provider like O2 or Vodafone, you can also consider the insurance it offers. Cover and benefits vary between providers, so check what's included and compare the excess fees and exclusions. EE, for example, offers iPhone insurance with AppleCare Services, which includes Apple-certified repairs, Express Replacement Service and 24/7 access to Apple experts.

Other third-party insurers might suit you if you don't buy your phone through a network provider. But always take extra steps to ensure you're dealing with a reputable, authorised firm. The FCA recommends using its Firm Checker to check that a firm is authorised and has permission to provide the insurance you're considering.

Check that the firm's details match those shown by the FCA, too. Fraudsters can impersonate authorised companies and even use genuine Firm Reference Numbers. Bear in mind that a provider may also use a trading name that's different from its registered company name.

Read our guide on how to get the best mobile phone insurance.

Travel Insurance

If you travel a lot, you may be tempted to take out AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss, which covers your device if it's lost or stolen while you're abroad.

Alternatively, you could look into travel insurance that includes cover for personal belongings. Check the policy carefully, as there may be a limit on how much you can claim for a single item, which might not be enough to cover an expensive iPhone. Some insurers offer additional gadget cover for higher-value devices.

Should you get AppleCare+?

Given the cost involved, you should think carefully about whether you need AppleCare+ and which benefits you're most likely to use.

One benefit is battery service if your iPhone's capacity drops below Apple's 80% threshold. However, it's worth comparing the cost of AppleCare+ with what you'd pay for an out-of-warranty battery replacement. Accidental damage can be expensive to fix, too, particularly on newer iPhones.

Theft and accidental damage are other concerns, but with alternative options available through routes like home contents or personal possessions insurance, these are definitely worth exploring too. Third-party insurers and network providers are also worth comparing, particularly when you consider the excess fees as well as the cost of cover.

In short, shop around, and make the most of the 60 days you have after purchasing an iPhone to decide whether AppleCare+ is right for you.

Check the best contract deals on iPhones with Which? mobile switch, or read our mobile phone reviews to see how the iPhones compare to their rivals.

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