AppleCare+ Extending it’s Care to Batteries That Hold Less Than 80% of its Original Charge

AppleCare+ recently changed it’s policy regarding battery repair (if your phone is experiencing a large drawback on power, you’re going to love this). Prior to this, the battery policy was much different (about 30% different to be exact).  AppleCare+ would only cover battery repairs if the device retained less than 50% of it’s original capacity. Now, they’re going to cover repairs if the device has lost 80% of it’s original capacity.

According to the AppleCare+ legal policy:

“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.”

While the new terms are great for the devices, that are on warranty, there’s question of how much their services will cost for older Apple devices. Apple Insider said that, “AppleCare+ costs $49 for the Watch Sport, $59 for the iPod touch or classic, $69 for the standard Watch, and $99 for iPhones or iPads. Special Watch/iPhone bundles are available for people getting a new Watch who have an undamaged iPhone less than six months old.”

Mac Rumors has also reported that “[Apple] charges $79 for out-of-warranty battery service for all Apple Watch batteries that retain less than 80% of their original capacity per Apple’s diagnostic testing, plus a $6.95 shipping charge if required.”

It’s good to hear that Apple has lowered the bar for devices that have loss a vast quantity of their battery power. What are your thoughts on this? Let me know in the comments below.