AppleCare+ vs Out-of-Warranty Repair: A 2026 Cost Breakdown
Is AppleCare+ worth the monthly fee, or is paying out of pocket for repairs the better play? A clear framework, without trying to sell you anything.
The Repair Lab Team2 July 20266 min read
Every time you buy a new iPhone or MacBook in the UK, Apple presses the AppleCare+ decision on you. Sign up monthly. Sign up for two years. Sign up later, but only within 60 days. And it's not cheap, especially on the Pro models. The question every buyer asks themselves: is it actually worth it?
We can't be 100% impartial. If you sign up for AppleCare+, you're less likely to need us. But we'll give you the framework we genuinely think is right, and what we'd tell a friend.
What AppleCare+ actually covers (in plain English)
The standard AppleCare+ plan for iPhone gives you:
Hardware coverage that extends the standard 12-month limited warranty.
Two accidental damage incidents per 12-month period. Each incident has a fixed service fee that's well below out-of-warranty repair pricing.
24/7 priority technical support via phone or chat.
Battery service if capacity drops below 80% during the cover period. Typically free.
Theft and Loss cover on the more expensive plan tier. Replaces the device if it's stolen or lost, with a service fee.
The service fees vary by component (screen, back glass, "other damage") and by model. Apple publishes current figures on their support page. Always check the live figures before deciding, as they change with model refreshes.
When AppleCare+ is clearly worth it
You're getting a Pro or Pro Max model. Out-of-warranty Apple Store screen repair on Pro models runs into the high hundreds. Two AppleCare+ incidents over two years can easily save you well over £300 vs out-of-warranty pricing.
You break phones. If your last two phones have had screen repairs in their lifetime, the third one probably will too. AppleCare+ is built for you.
You're hard on devices. Pockets full of keys. Builders, vets, people whose phones live a tough life.
You travel a lot. Theft and Loss cover is genuinely valuable if you're frequently out of the country with a phone in your bag.
You hate dealing with repair shops. AppleCare+ is one phone call. Genius Bar appointment. Done. If that simplicity is worth the monthly cost to you, that's a totally rational call.
When AppleCare+ probably isn't worth it
You're on a base or non-Pro model. Out-of-warranty repair pricing on these is much more modest. Self-insuring (just paying if it breaks) often costs less over time.
You've never broken a phone. If you've gone 5+ years on the same iPhone with no incidents, you're not going to start now. The two-year cost of AppleCare+ vastly exceeds the expected cost of a single repair you're statistically unlikely to need.
You use a thick case and tempered glass screen protector. You've already insured the phone with physical protection. Adding AppleCare+ is paying twice.
You plan to trade in or sell within a year. Two-year AppleCare+ is sunk cost. Rolling monthly may still pay off, but the maths gets tighter.
The break-even maths
Here's the basic shape of the calculation:
(Monthly AppleCare+ price × months of cover) plus (Service fees if used), versus (Probability of damage × Out-of-warranty repair cost).
For most people on most non-Pro phones, that probability isn't high enough to justify the monthly cost. If you've not had an incident in 3 years, your personal probability is much lower than the population average.
For Pro models, the maths flips, because out-of-warranty Apple Store pricing is dramatically higher. Even one incident effectively pays back the cover.
Where third-party repair fits in
If you don't have AppleCare+, your two main routes are:
Apple Store out-of-warranty pricing. Genuine parts, factory process, but at full retail. Often £200+ for a screen on newer models, scaling up sharply for Pro and back glass.
Reputable third-party repair (us, and shops like us). OEM-grade parts, lifetime craftsmanship warranty on screens, same-day turnaround. iPhone screen repairs start from £49 at our Birmingham lab. Even the most expensive Pro screens are well under Apple's out-of-warranty pricing.
Most of our customers fall into one of two categories. Either they didn't have AppleCare+ to begin with (and we're saving them most of the Apple Store cost), or their AppleCare+ has expired (and they want to keep the phone going).
Are you buying a Pro or Pro Max model? AppleCare+ is usually worth it.
Do you break phones regularly? AppleCare+ is worth it.
Is the device the only one you have (no backup phone, work-critical)? AppleCare+ gives you peace of mind worth paying for.
Are you on a base or standard iPhone with a strong track record of not breaking phones? Skip AppleCare+, self-insure, use a reputable repair shop if and when needed.
Did you already buy without AppleCare+ and the 60-day window has passed? Doesn't matter. You're now in the self-insure path by default, and that's fine. A reputable third-party shop covers most realistic damage scenarios for less than the Apple Store would have charged you anyway.
What we'd tell a friend
If you're getting a Pro model with a serious price tag and you have any doubt about your accident track record, get AppleCare+. The maths usually works and the peace of mind is real.
If you're getting a standard iPhone and you've never broken one in your life, skip it. Save the money. Use us or another reputable repair shop if anything happens.
If you've made it this far through the article and you still can't decide, default to NO AppleCare+. You can sign up within 60 days of purchase, so use the first month or two to settle into the phone and decide based on how you actually treat it.
What about other coverage options?
Mobile carrier insurance (EE, Vodafone, O2, Three). Generally more expensive than AppleCare+ for less coverage. Almost never the right call when AppleCare+ is available.
Home contents insurance with personal possessions extension. Sometimes covers phones outside the home, often doesn't. Excess is typically £100+ and a claim affects future premiums. Best for theft and loss. Ill-suited for cracked screens.
Specialist phone insurance (Protect Your Bubble, Insurance2Go, etc.). Some genuinely competitive plans exist. Read the small print. Many exclude liquid damage despite the "comprehensive" branding.
FAQs
Can I add AppleCare+ after I bought the phone?
Yes, within 60 days of purchase. After that, no.
Does AppleCare+ work in the UK on an iPhone bought abroad?
Generally yes for hardware coverage, but theft and loss provisions may be country-specific. Worth checking with Apple if you bought outside the UK.
Is AppleCare+ for MacBook worth it?
Different maths. MacBook keyboards and screens are very expensive to repair out of warranty, and accidental damage from spills (covered by AppleCare+ for Mac) is a leading failure mode. Generally a stronger case for MacBook than for iPhone.
Can I cancel monthly AppleCare+?
Yes, with no contract. You can cancel any time without penalty. That makes the monthly plan less of a commitment than the up-front 2-year purchase.
If I have AppleCare+ but you're faster, can I still come to you?
Of course. AppleCare+ doesn't prevent you using a third-party repairer. But if you do, you've forfeited that incident's coverage. Generally if you've paid for AppleCare+, use it.
Whichever side you land on, we're here if you need us. Get a quote for any current repair. Even if you have AppleCare+, sometimes the speed makes paying us directly worth it.
