Apple Boosts AppleCare+ Battery Support

If you're an AppleCare+ subscriber, Apple just boosted your protection plan for the iPhone, iPad, iPod, and Apple Watch.

For those who read the fine print, Apple previously offered to replace devices if battery charges dropped to half (or lower) at any point during the AppleCare+ service period—up to two years from the point of purchase for an iPhone and iPad, and up to three years for an Apple Watch Edition device or two years for a "common" Apple Watch.

Apple has since silently changed that language to give device-owners a much better deal, battery-wise.

"If during the Plan Term, you submit a valid claim by notifying Apple that (i) a defect in materials and workmanship has arisen in the Covered Equipment, or (ii) the capacity of the Covered Equipment's battery to hold an electrical charge is less than eighty percent (80%) of its original specifications, Apple will either (A) repair the defect at no charge, using new parts or parts that are equivalent to new in performance and reliability, or (B) exchange the Covered Equipment, with a replacement product that is new or equivalent to new in performance and reliability," reads the new AppleCare+ details for the aforementioned devices.

If your warranty slips and your battery starts crapping out, you can still go to Apple for a replacement. However, out-of-warranty battery service will set you back $79 for an iPhone, $99 for an iPad, and $79 for an Apple Watch. (Be thankful that you don't have an out-of-warranty service issue with your Apple Watch, which costs far more: $229 for an Apple Watch Sport, $329 for an Apple Watch, and a mere $2,800 for an Apple Watch Edition device.)

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AppleCare+ costs $99 for an iPhone or an iPad. The price of the extended warranty services varies by what Apple Watch you have, starting at $149 on the low end and all the way up to $1,600 for an Apple Watch Edition smartwatch.