Many people wonder if Apple provides free repairs for issues with Mac computers and other Apple devices. With Apple being a premium brand that emphasizes customer service, some assume thatfree repairs may be included with purchase. However, the actual policies around Apple’s repair services are more nuanced.
Does Apple Offer Free Repairs Under Warranty?
Yes, Apple does fix issues for free if the device is still under its original warranty. Apple offers a 1-year limited warranty on all hardware purchased new. This means that for defects in materials and workmanship, Apple will provide service and parts for free within the first year of ownership.
It’s important to note that the 1-year warranty only covers manufacturing defects. Accidental damage, normal wear and tear, and problems caused by unauthorized modifications are not covered under the standard warranty. But as long as the issue is due to a defect on Apple’s end, repairs are free within that first year.
What Does AppleCare+ Provide?
While the 1-year warranty covers manufacturing issues, many customers are interested in protection against accidental damage. For this type of coverage, Apple offers AppleCare+.
AppleCare+ extends warranty coverage to 2 years from the original purchase date. Even more importantly, it adds up to two incidents of accidental damage coverage. Each accidental damage claim is subject to a service fee, which is $29 for iPhone and $99 for other devices.
So with AppleCare+, you can get repairs for accidental spills, drops, cracks, and other physical damage events for a much lower price. AppleCare+ provides peace of mind for avoiding large out-of-warranty repair bills.
Out of Warranty Repairs
Once the standard 1-year warranty and any AppleCare+ coverage period expires, Apple repairs are no longer free. At this point, any hardware issues will cost money to fix.
Apple terms repairs made out of warranty or not covered by AppleCare+ as “Out of Warranty Service.” The prices for out of warranty repairs vary significantly based on the product and the needed repairs. As an example, screen repairs for a MacBook Air start at $475. For a Mac mini logic board replacement, the repair starts at $500.
In some cases, Apple may offer free “goodwill” repairs for manufacturing issues that show up just outside of the 1-year coverage period. But there is no guarantee of free service once the standard warranty expires.
Does Apple Provide Free Technical Support?
Another common question is whether Apple offers any free technical support for using its products. Apple does provide some complimentary support options.
Apple’s technical support website contains extensive articles, user manuals, and troubleshooting guides. Customers can access these self-help repair resources at no cost.
Apple also provides free over-the-phone technical support for 90 days after purchasing a device. This allows you to get help for setup issues, general questions, and basic troubleshooting.
The Apple Support app offers free chat sessions with Apple advisors for help with minor software-related issues. Chat support covers iOS devices, Macs, and Apple services.
Finally, customers can visit an Apple Retail Store for quick technical support at the Genius Bar. WhileGenius Barhelp is free, it focuses more on troubleshooting than in-depth training.
Should You Purchase AppleCare+?
When buying a new Apple device, you may be tempted to skip AppleCare+ to save money up front. But before doing so, consider these benefits of investing in AppleCare+:
- Extends hardware warranty coverage to 2 years
- Covers accidental damage with reduced service fees
- Provides 24/7 phone access to Apple technical support
- Allows system tune-ups at Apple Stores (annual for Macs, every 6 months for iOS devices)
- Supports product replacement instead of repair if needed
For many customers, AppleCare+ can pay for itself if just one or two repairs are needed down the road. Given the premium price of Apple products, most experts recommend AppleCare+ for extra peace of mind.
AppleCare+ Pricing
Here is an overview of AppleCare+ pricing for popular devices:
| Device | AppleCare+ Price |
|---|---|
| iPhone | $129 |
| iPad | $69 |
| Mac mini | $99 |
| 13″ MacBook Air | $249 |
| 27″ iMac | $169 |
Using Apple Certified Repair Providers
In addition to Apple Store locations, Apple Authorized Service Providers can perform certain repairs and charge on behalf of Apple. Prices are generally identical to what Apple would charge directly.
Search Apple’s repair website to find nearby Apple Authorized Service Providers. These certified third parties can repair iPhones, iPads, Macs, and other Apple devices.
Third Party and DIY Repairs
There are also many third party repair shops that work on Apple products but are not certified by Apple. Prices at independent shops may be cheaper than Apple’s rates.
Apple previously restricted third parties from accessing genuine Apple parts and schematics. But a new self-service repair program is beginning to make Apple tools, parts, and manuals accessible to individual consumers and repair shops.
With the right technical skill, some basic repairs like display or battery replacements can be DIY. This route dodges Apple’s frequently high out-of-warranty repair costs. However, Apple is unlikely to honor any warranties for devices repaired outside its network of authorized providers.
Summary
To recap key points on Apple repairs:
- New devices come with a 1-year limited warranty covering manufacturer defects
- AppleCare+ extends coverage to 2 years and covers accidental damage
- Out of warranty repairs are charged on a per-service basis
- Some free support options are available from Apple
- Apple Authorized Service Providers can perform some repairs
- Third party and DIY repairs are options but void Apple warranties
Ultimately, Apple does not provide permanent or comprehensive free repairs. But options like AppleCare+ can help extend your warranty coverage to reduce the risk of expensive repair bills down the road.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Apple Provide Free Battery Replacement?
No, Apple does not replace batteries for free outside of the 1-year warranty period or AppleCare+ coverage. Once those expire, battery replacements are subject to out-of-warranty fees. For newer iPhone models, battery replacement costs $69 without AppleCare+. With AppleCare+, it is $29.
Can I Get a Free Repair if My Apple Device is Recalled?
Yes, if your Apple device has been recalled for a safety-related defect, Apple will provide free repairs or replacements. Visit Apple’s recalls and replacements page to check if your device is part of a current recall.
Does Apple Still Offer Free Technical Support After 90 Days?
Apple does not provide free over-the-phone technical support after 90 days. However, you can still access free troubleshooting resources on Apple’s support site, use Apple Support chat for iOS/Mac issues, or visit an Apple Retail Store for complimentary Genius Bar help.
Can I Get a Free Repair for Accidental Damage?
Outside of AppleCare+ accidental damage coverage, Apple does not perform free repairs for accidental spills, drops, cracks, or other physical damage caused by the user. Your best options are adding AppleCare+ during your initial purchase or paying Apple’s out-of-warranty repair fees.
Does Apple Provide Free Cleaning/Maintenance?
Apple does not actively provide free cleanings or maintenance for Macs and iOS devices. However, AppleCare+ for Mac does include an annual battery health check at Apple Stores which verifies your battery is still functioning properly. This basic maintenance can catch battery issues before they become severe.
Conclusion
Apple offers some complimentary repair options through its standard 1-year warranty and limited technical support channels. But in general, Apple will charge for any repairs outside of the initial warranty period. To best manage these costs, purchasing AppleCare+ is recommended to safely cover your device for longer.