applecare+ guide

AppleCare+ Australia: Is it Worth It?

Updated on

Apple products, especially iPhones, are significant investments. If you're someone who tends to drop, scratch, or even lose your phone, you might be wondering how to protect yourself from costly repairs or replacements. That's where AppleCare+ comes in. In this guide, we break down what AppleCare+ offers in Australia and whether it's worth the extra cost.

What is AppleCare+?

AppleCare+ is Apple's premium service and support plan that acts as a type of insurance for your device. It provides extended coverage beyond the standard Apple Limited Warranty and Australian Consumer Law protections.

AppleCare+ can be purchased for a range of Apple products, including iPhones, iPads, MacBooks, Apple Watches, and more. Coverage details and pricing will vary depending on the device.

Applecare+ Information

What Does AppleCare+ Cover for iPhones?

AppleCare+ provides the following benefits:

  • Apple-certified repairs and service
  • 24/7 priority access to Appleā€™s technical support team
  • Unlimited accidental damage coverage (service fees apply)
  • Battery service coverage if battery health drops below 80%
  • Express Replacement Service for quick device replacements

While AppleCare+ covers accidental damage, a service fee will still apply. However, these fees are generally lower than out-of-pocket repair costs without coverage. AppleCare+ customers in metro areas may also be eligible for same-day service.

How Much Does AppleCare+ Cost?

AppleCare+ pricing depends on your iPhone model and whether you choose to include Theft and Loss protection.

Apple Care+ iPhone Cost
iPhone ModelAppleCare+ (Monthly)AppleCare+ (Two Years)AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss (Monthly)AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss (Two Years)
iPhone 16$11.49$229$15.99$319
iPhone 16 Plus$13.99$279$18.49$369
iPhone 16 Pro$15.99$319$20.49$409
iPhone 16 Pro Max$15.99$319$20.49$409
iPhone 16e$9.99$119$14.49$319
iPhone 15$11.49$229$15.99$289
iPhone 15 Plus$13.99$279$18.49$369
iPhone 15 Pro$15.99$319$20.49$409
iPhone 15 Pro Max$15.99$319$20.49$409
iPhone 14$11.49$229$15.99$319
iPhone 14 Plus$13.99$279$18.49$369
iPhone 14 Pro$15.99$319$20.49$409
iPhone 14 Pro Max$15.99$319$20.49$409
iPhone 13$11.49$229$15.99$319
iPhone 13 Mini$11.49$229$15.99$319
iPhone 13 Pro$15.99$319$20.49$409
iPhone 13 Pro Max$15.99$319$20.49$409
iPhone SE$6.49N/A$10.99$219

Prices accurate as of April 2025., sourced from Apple Australia.

Sign Up for Apple TV Plus

What is AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss?

For additional peace of mind, AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss provides coverage for up to two incidents of theft or loss every 12 months. However, to be eligible, Find My iPhone must be enabled at the time the device is lost or stolen and remain enabled throughout the claims process.

AppleCare+ Theft and Loss
FeatureAppleCare+AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss
Apple-certified service and support

āœ…

āœ…

24/7 priority access to Apple Support

āœ…

āœ…

Unlimited accidental damage cover

āœ…

āœ…

Battery service coverage

āœ…

āœ…

Express Replacement Service

āœ…

āœ…

Theft and loss coverage (up to 2 incidents per year)

āŒ

āœ…

 

šŸ” How to Check if You Have AppleCare+

If you're unsure whether your iPhone is covered by AppleCare+, follow these simple steps to check your coverage details:

  1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
  2. Tap General, then select AppleCare & Warranty.
  3. Here, you'll find details about your coverage, including the expiration date.

If you donā€™t see AppleCare+ listed, your device may not be covered. You can also check on Appleā€™s website using your deviceā€™s serial number.

 

What If You Donā€™t Have AppleCare+?

If you choose not to purchase AppleCare+, your iPhone is still covered by:

  • Apple Limited Warranty (1 year for iPhones, 2 years for Apple Watch)
  • Australian Consumer Law, which protects against defective products for a "reasonable period"

However, these protections do not cover accidental damage, theft, or loss.

How to Make an AppleCare+ Claim

If you need to make a claim, you can do so by:

  • Visiting Appleā€™s Support Portal and selecting ā€˜Apple Repairā€™
  • Booking an appointment at the Apple Store Genius Bar
  • Calling Apple Support

For Theft and Loss claims, you must:

  • Ensure Find My iPhone is enabled
  • File a claim through Appleā€™s online portal
  • Provide proof of purchase and any other required documentation
Applecare+ claim

How to Buy AppleCare+

AppleCare+ is available for purchase:

  • At the time of buying your device
  • Online through Settings > General > AppleCare & Warranty
  • Over the phone or in-store at an Apple Store

For iPhones, AppleCare+ must be purchased within 60 days of device activation.

Are you looking for a refurbished phone?

Click Below for the best deals in Australia!

Is AppleCare+ Worth It?

AppleCare+ is an additional expense that might not be necessary for everyone. If you:

  • Tend to damage your phone frequently
  • Want peace of mind for unexpected accidents
  • Are concerned about theft or loss

Then AppleCare+ might be worth it. However, if youā€™re careful with your devices and donā€™t anticipate needing frequent repairs, you may find the cost unnecessary.

Tip: 

Consider setting aside an emergency repair fund if you decide not to purchase AppleCare+.

Compare iPhone Plans in Australia

If youā€™re purchasing a new iPhone, you may want to bundle it with a mobile plan from Telstra, Optus, or Vodafone. Compare the latest iPhone 16 series plans below to find the best deal for you.

iPhone Plans by Provider

iPhone 16 128GB Plans

 

iPhone 16 128GB Plans
RankProviderDescriptionPrice
#1
Vodafone logo

$49 Small Plan

  • 50GB of data / month
  • 36 months device payments
  • Save $200 on this device + get 3 months of BINGE. T&Cs apply.
$82.30 / month

(plan + phone)
Min. cost $1,393.40

Buy Now

#2
Optus Logo

$52 Medium Plan

  • 50GB of data / month
  • 36 months device payments
$90.86 / month

(plan + phone)
Min. cost $1,398.96

Learn more

#3
Telstra Logo

$65 Medium Plan

  • 50GB of data / month
  • 36 months device payments
$103.38 / month

(plan + phone)
Min. cost $1,398.96

Learn more

 

iPhone 16 Plus 128GB Plans

 

iPhone 16 Plus 128GB Plans
RankProviderDescriptionPrice
#1
Vodafone logo

$49 Small Plan

  • 50GB of data / month
  • 36 months device payments
  • Save $200 on this device + get 3 months of BINGE. T&Cs apply.
$87.85 / month

(plan + phone)
Min. cost $1,593.20

Buy Now

#2
Optus Logo

$52 Medium Plan

  • 50GB of data / month
  • 36 months device payments
$96.40 / month

(plan + phone)
Min. cost $1,598.40

Learn more

#3
Telstra Logo

$65 Medium Plan

  • 50GB of data / month
  • 36 months device payments
$109.41 / month

(plan + phone)
Min. cost $1,598.76

Learn more

 

iPhone 16 Pro 128GB Plans

 

iPhone 16 Pro 128GB Plans
RankProviderDescriptionPrice
#1
Vodafone logo

$49 Small Plan

  • 50GB of data / month
  • 36 months device payments
  • Save $200 on this device + get 3 months of BINGE. T&Cs apply.
$93.41 / month

(plan + phone)
Min. cost $1,793.36

Buy Now

#2
Optus Logo

$52 Medium Plan

  • 50GB of data / month
  • 36 months device payments
$101.96 / month

(plan + phone)
Min. cost $1,798.56

Learn more

#3
Telstra Logo

$65 Medium Plan

  • 50GB of data / month
  • 36 months device payments
$114.97 / month

(plan + phone)
Min. cost $1,798.92

Learn more

 

iPhone 16 Pro Max 256GB Plans

 

iPhone 16 Pro Max 256GB Plans
RankProviderDescriptionPrice
#1
Vodafone logo

$49 Small Plan

  • 50GB of data / month
  • 36 months device payments
  • Save $200 on this device + get 3 months of BINGE. T&Cs apply.
$103.13 / month

(plan + phone)
Min. cost $2,143.28

Buy Now

#2
Optus Logo

$52 Medium Plan

  • 50GB of data / month
  • 36 months device payments
$111.68 / month

(plan + phone)
Min. cost $2,148.48

Learn more

#3
Telstra Logo

$65 Medium Plan

  • 50GB of data / month
  • 36 months device payments
$124.69 / month

(plan + phone)
Min. cost $2,148.84

Learn more

 

AppleCare+ can be a valuable investment for some, but itā€™s important to weigh up your own needs and habits before committing to the extra cost. Whether you opt for AppleCare+ or decide to rely on standard warranties and consumer protections, being informed will help you make the best decision for your device.