Whether you’re considering purchasing a new Apple Watch or already have one, it’s important to understand the warranty process. The standard limited one-year warranty typically covers manufacturer defects. However, third-party manufacturers may offer different warranty coverage for their products. In some cases, these warranties may cover repair or replacement expenses.
Warranty Period
Apple Watch Series 8 and later models come with a one-year limited warranty from the date of purchase. That covers manufacturing defects but not accidents. If something goes wrong, you can get your watch repaired or replaced free of charge if you’re under the warranty. AppleCare is an optional Apple watch extended warranty plan that extends the repair coverage to two years and adds accidental damage protection (subject to service fees). You can buy it for any Apple Watch model except the Hermes and Edition versions, which already have two-year hardware coverage through their warranties.
Whether or not an extended warranty is worth the cost depends on the product and the specific coverage details. For example, most warranty plans include some form of accidental damage protection, but some of them have hefty deductibles that can add up quickly. The market leader Upsie, for example, covers up to five incidents of accidental damage per year at a price that’s typically less than half the cost of AppleCare+.
Repairs
Apple Watches are some of the most popular tech devices on the market, but they can also be quite fragile. If you happen to break your Apple Watch screen, the repair costs can be prohibitive without a warranty plan like Mulberry Unlimited. The standard limited one-year warranty that comes with your Apple Watch includes hardware repair coverage for a year (for the Sport version) or two years (for the Edition versions). If something breaks during this timeframe, Apple will fix it for free.
However, the free warranty doesn’t include any accidental damage protection. If you accidentally damage your Apple Watch, you’ll have to pay for each Service Event at the Genius Bar (Apple’s term for a repair or replacement). This can be costly, especially if you’re limited to only two incidents per year. That’s why an extended warranty plan is so important. A plan like Upsie will allow you to claim twice per rolling 12 months and has a $50 deductible that’s much lower than what Apple charges.
Replacements
While most extended warranties only cover manufacturer defects, some also include coverage for accidental damage. This can include things like scratches on the screen or a broken battery, and it can make a big difference if your watch is expensive. Apple Watches, for example, can cost almost $800. That’s a lot of money to lose if you accidentally break it, especially if the screen is cracked. A comprehensive warranty plan can help alleviate that stress and give you peace of mind.
Some plans, including those from market leader Upsie, offer a degree of protection against power, battery, and screen damage. Other features, such as water and drop damage protection, are available with many of these plans, too. Regardless of which one you choose, though, look for a policy that offers a wide range of coverage options. This way, you can find the best plan for your unique needs. It should also provide prompt repair or replacements, which is vital for a device that you rely on throughout the day.
Phone Support
Apple now offers a monthly payment plan for its apple watch warranty, allowing users to continue paying beyond the two-year coverage period. Credit card companies also offer their own protection plans for Apple products. If your main concern is accidental damage, the best choice may be a separate protection plan from an independent company that handles repairs and customer service directly.
The market leader, Upsie, has multiple protection plans that cover power, screen, battery, and Bluetooth issues as well as loss and theft. It also covers the cost of replacing or repairing a new phone after an accident. Its plans are transferable, giving your device a lot more value if you decide to sell it down the road. Apple Watch (1st gen) owners have been experiencing swollen or expanded batteries that have caused some devices to stop working. AppleCare+ provides two years of hardware repair coverage, including the replacement battery, for a $69 or $79 service fee plus any applicable taxes.
Conclusion
The Apple watch extended warranty typically covers the device for a year or two. This limited warranty covers hardware issues and includes software support. However, third-party bands may have different warranty policies and terms. This is why users should familiarize themselves with their respective manufacturer’s warranty details.
