Apple Warranty

Tips to Maximize Apple’s Warranty Policy

One of the reasons why may have recently purchased a device from Apple is their excellent customer service. Being able to diagnose a problem with an Apple technician in-person at any of Apple’s retail stores is a big reason why Apple has one of the best reputations among tech brands. But what happens when your Apple device (i.e. iPad, iPhone, or Mac) breaks down and needs a repair—what kind of warranty does Apple actually provide you with and how long are you covered for?

In this article, we’ll look at an overview of the Apple warranty policy, how your credit card works in your favor when you pay in plastic, and how Sift can make the process automated.

Apple Warranty Policy – How Does It Work?

Apple’s warranty is simple: Apple-branded products and accessories gives coverage for parts and labor for 1 year from the date of original retail purchase for an end-user purchaser. Users may qualify for free repairs, replacements, and exchanges for their device depending on the nature of the service needed during the Apple warranty.

To qualify for the warranty, user must follow the published guidelines in contained in technical specifications, user manuals and service communications. Additionally, users are entitled to 90-days of free technical support. When serviced by an Apple technician, each replacement part is given its own 90-day warranty of extended coverage.

Exclusions to the Apple Warranty

The Apple warranty has a number of exclusions that may disqualify you from receiving warranty service. These include:

  • Non Apple Branded Software/Hardware: The Apple warranty does not apply to any non-Apple branded hardware products or any software, even if packaged or sold with Apple hardware. Software distributed by Apple with or without the Apple brand (including, but not limited to system software) is not covered by this Warranty.
  • Failure to Follow Instructions: Apple is not responsible for damage arising from failure to follow instructions relating to the Apple Product’s use, including damage caused by operating the device outside Apple’s published guidelines.
  • Consumable Parts: such as batteries or protective coatings that are designed to diminish over time, unless failure has occurred due to a defect in materials or workmanship;
  • Cosmetic Damage: including but not limited to scratches, dents and broken plastic on ports unless failure has occurred due to a defect in materials or workmanship;
  • 3rd-Party Damage: to damage caused by use with a third party component or product that does not meet the Apple Product’s specifications;
  • Excluded Damage: to damage caused by accident, abuse, misuse, fire, liquid contact, earthquake or other external cause;
  • Normal Usage: to defects caused by normal wear and tear or otherwise due to the normal aging of the Apple Product;
  • Non-Authorized Use: if Apple receives information from relevant public authorities that the product has been stolen or if you are unable to deactivatepasscode-enabled or other security measures designed to prevent unauthorized access to the Apple Product, and you cannot prove in any way that you are the authorized user of the product (eg. by presenting proof of purchase).
  • Non-Authorized Service: to damage caused by service (including upgrades and expansions) performed by anyone who is not a representative of Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provider (“AASP”);
  • Non-Authorized Modifications: to an Apple Product that has been modified to alter functionality or capability without the written permission of Apple;
  • Serial Number: if any serial number has been removed or defaced from the Apple Product;

How to Get Coverage

If your device still falls under the Apple warranty, the first step is to consult online help resources to troubleshoot the problem. If the problem still persists, you have a few options to service your device:

  • Over the Phone: Contact an Apple representative or an Authorized Apple Service Provider. They may be able to guide you through the process of fixing your device over the phone. For information on tech support in your area, click
  • Carry-In Service: You may return your Apple Product to an Apple Retail or AASP location offering carry-in service. Service will be performed at the location, or Apple Retail or an AASP may send your Apple Product to another place to be serviced. Once you are notified that service is complete, you will retrieve the Apple Product from the Apple Retail or AASP location without delay unless Apple notifies you that the Apple Product will be mail your device back to you.
  • Mail-In Service: If Apple determines that your Apple Product is eligible for mail-in service, Apple will send you prepaid waybills and if applicable, packaging material and instructions on how to properly pack and address your Apple product, so that you may ship your Apple Product to an ARS or AASP location. Instructions may be sent to you via email or in hard copy with the packaging material. Once service is complete, the ARS or AASP location will return the Apple Product to you. Apple will pay for shipping to and from your location if all instructions regarding the method of packaging and shipping the Apple Product are followed.
  • Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Parts Service: DIY parts service allows you to service your own Apple Product. If DIY parts service is available in the circumstances, parts will be shipped to you with instructions on installation, if applicable, and any requirements for the disposal of the replaced Apple Product or part. As mentioned before, user-installable parts are warrantied for 90 days from the date of replacement or repair, whichever provides longer coverage for you. When a Apple Product or part is replaced or a refund provided, any replacement item becomes your property and the replaced or refunded item becomes Apple’s property.

Your Credit Card’s Extended Apple Warranty Protection

If you’ve purchased your Apple device with your credit card, you may be granted an additional extended warranty simply for using plastic. Depending on your credit issuer, you can typically tack on a year’s worth of coverage to the Apple warranty.This is known as your credit card’s extended warranty protection  and it mirrors the terms of coverage (and exclusions) offered by Apple. To get your extended warranty service, you will have to file a claim with your credit issuer to have you device serviced.

Of course, keeping track of the old warranty and the extended warranty, as well as the claims process, can be a bit of a hassle. That’s why there’s Sift. This app can keep track of your purchases and activate hidden credit card perks that you never knew you had—automatically.

Using Sift  can take care of the guesswork that comes with your Apple warranty—especially with warranties that span over the course of several years. To automatically track of all your extended warranty credit card protections and to unlock additional credit card benefits, download Sift from the Apple Store or Google Play.