Should you get AppleCare+ for your new iPad Air?

iPad Air (2020) in Sky Blue
iPad Air (2020) in Sky Blue (Image credit: Apple)

Should you get AppleCare+ for your new iPad Air?

Best answer: It's worth investing in AppleCare+ to protect your new iPad Air 4 because of its extended warranty, access to 24/7 tech support, and lower repair fees. It also covers Apple Pencil and an Apple-branded iPad keyboard.Colorful and powerful: iPad Air 4 (From $599 at Apple)

Like any insurance plan, AppleCare+ provides peace of mind for your device

With everything we know about the iPad Air 4, we know that the new iPad Air 4 is a powerful new device is designed for mobility. Because of this movement, it's essential to keep it protected from an accidental fall or internal problems.

While the iPad Air 4 seems like it will be the best iPad for most people going forward, problems can crop up at any time, well past the standard warranty period. With a little additional insurance, your purchase will be safe, and you won't have to pay the full price if it's damaged. With AppleCare+, you'll pay a lower cost to repair any damage than you would without that coverage.

What is Apple's standard warranty?

Apple's standard warranty offers 90 days of free technical support and a one-year limited warranty. If something goes wrong with your device within the first 90 days, you can call 1-800-APL-CARE to get help over the phone for your problem.

If something goes wrong with your iPad Air 4, that isn't your fault, Apple will repair or replace your device or device part. Issues like these can include RAM malfunctions, drive errors, and more.

So, if you turn on your tablet for the first time and the screen has strange vertical lines running down one side, or the speakers have a weird crackling noise emanating from them, then Apple would replace it at no extra charge.

The benefits of AppleCare+

Source: Apple (Image credit: Source: Apple)

AppleCare+ works as an extension of your device's existing warranty, and it provides the same benefits, no matter which product you own.

With AppleCare+, you get the following:

  • A three-year limited hardware warranty
  • Three years of 24/7 technical support
  • Coverage for up to two incidents of accidental damage (subject to a service fee) every 12 months.

The cost of AppleCare+

There are different prices for AppleCare+ depending on the type of device you have. For iPad Air, you'll pay $69 for the additional coverage of AppleCare+, or $3.49/month for 24 months.

If you have to use the accidental damage coverage that AppleCare+ provides, know that Apple will charge you a service fee for any damage you cause to your device. Apple's service fees under AppleCare+ break down like this:

  • $49 per incident for iPad
  • $29 per Apple Pencil or Apple‑branded iPad keyboard
Bryan M Wolfe
Staff Writer

Bryan M. Wolfe has written about technology for over a decade on various websites, including TechRadar, AppAdvice, and many more. Before this, he worked in the technology field across different industries, including healthcare and education. He’s currently iMore’s lead on all things Mac and macOS, although he also loves covering iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch. Bryan enjoys watching his favorite sports teams, traveling, and driving around his teenage daughter to her latest stage show, audition, or school event in his spare time. He also keeps busy walking his black and white cocker spaniel, Izzy, and trying new coffees and liquid grapes.