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Dropping my new iPhone’s screen and cracking it would give me a terrible scare any day of the year, but the time was probably perfect for it to happen right before a Halloween episode.
On my way to work this week, I took my iPhone 17 Pro Max out of my pocket, and it slid out of my fingers onto the sidewalk — Splat! I faced the screen downward and lifted it to reveal a spiderweb of broken glass and a tattered corner of rubber Silicone Apple case. (You won’t find me singing the praises of the so-called stronger Ceramic Shield 2 display.)
I took it out of the box to reveal silver foil in the orange aluminum frame. With a heavy stomach, I race to open the phone’s settings, careful not to cut my finger on the rough glass. I see that I still have 60 days to purchase AppleCare. And so begins my journey to fix it.
In this week’s episode of One More Thing, which you can watch embedded above, I learn how to use AppleCare to fix a device, why it’s important to back up your files, what questions Apple employees ask you during a visit and what perks you might want to sign up for Apple Care One.
I learned some surprises in my research, like how booking an appointment for a screen repair at an Apple Store doesn’t guarantee that the location has the parts needed to fix it. (Even at Apple’s flagship location in New York!)
AppleCare comes in many different flavors and prices, depending on the device it covers. A monthly subscription helps cover most damage and loss costs — but there are some service fees or deductibles you’ll still have to pay. You can sign up for AppleCare for the first 60 days of owning the product — but there are ways to get device coverage even after the initial 60 days.
For example, if your iPhone is less than two years old and in good condition while it passes an Apple Store inspection, Apple Care coverage can be added later. Another way is to use AppleCare One, which covers up to three devices up to four years old. I signed up for AppleCare One, which cost me about $20 a month, and gave me the option to cover my old iPhones and Apple Watches as well.
But take note – the devices must be under your account. I couldn’t use my AppleCare One plan to cover my husband’s iPhone.
I have the option to cancel AppleCare at any time (and when I do, I have the option to cancel the service). Another 45 days To change my mind and subscribe again). Maybe I can save money, ditch AppleCare, and get a more difficult case. And screen protector. Maybe only use it on carpet. (Boy, I sure miss my titanium iPhone 16 right now.)
If you are looking for more Another thingSubscribe to our YouTube page to watch Bridget Carey break down the latest Apple news and releases every Friday.