Analysis
Is AppleCare+
worth it?
For a base iPhone 16 or 17, AppleCare+ costs $129.99 a year, so two years is $259.98. Over two years it roughly breaks even after one cracked screen, and pays off clearly after one serious accident. If you never drop your phone, it doesn't.
Updated 9 November 2026 ยท US prices, before sales tax
What AppleCare+ costs
In the US, AppleCare+ for iPhone is now a subscription rather than a one-time two-year purchase. For the iPhone 16 and iPhone 17 it's $12.99 a month or $129.99 a year. On top of that, each claim has a fee: $29 for screen or back glass (Apple doesn't list a fee for both at once; we assume two fees), $99 for other accidental damage, and $149 for theft or loss. A battery replacement is free once health drops below 80%.
| iPhone | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone 17e | $10.99 | $109.99 |
| iPhone 16, iPhone 17 | $12.99 | $129.99 |
| iPhone Air, iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max | $14.99 | $149.99 |
| iPhone Duo | $19.99 | $199.99 |
AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss, US prices for iPhones Apple sells now, before sales tax. Plans renew until cancelled.
Break-even over two years, one accident
| Model | Screen, no plan | 2 years + screen fee | You save | Other damage, no plan | 2 years + fee | You save |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 16 | $279 | $288.98 | โ$9.98 | $619 | $358.98 | $260.02 |
| iPhone 17 | $329 | $288.98 | $40.02 | $679 | $358.98 | $320.02 |
Assumes two years on the $129.99 annual plan and one claim in that time. Apple's out-of-warranty prices are its US estimates. Check apple.com for current plan prices before you buy.
How to read it
- No accidents in two years: you've paid $259.98 for peace of mind.
- One cracked screen: slightly worse than paying for the repair on an iPhone 16, a small saving on an iPhone 17.
- Water damage, a broken Face ID, or a lost phone: AppleCare+ saves hundreds.
- Two cracked screens: it clearly pays off.
Who it suits
It's worth it if you've cracked a phone before, use your phone outdoors or around kids, don't use a case, or would struggle to pay $600 at short notice. If you're careful and keep a case and screen protector on, setting the money aside yourself usually comes out ahead.
Already own your iPhone?
Apple limits how long after buying an iPhone you can add AppleCare+. AppleCare One is the other route: $19.99 a month covers up to 3 eligible products, including ones you already own, with more at $5.99 a month each, or $49.99 a month for a whole Family Sharing group. If you have an iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch to cover, it can cost less than separate plans. Check your options and current coverage with your serial number at checkcoverage.apple.com.
Turn on AppleCare+ in the calculator to see how it changes your repair bill.
Get your exact estimate