AppleCare+ coverage plans got slashed for M1-equipped MacBooks. The extended warranty for the new M1 MacBook Air dropped to $199 from $249. The M1 MacBook Pro also got a price cut; AppleCare+ coverage for the zippy, well-received laptop now costs $249, down from $269.
If you have an Intel-based MacBook and you're wondering whether you, too, will get a discount, it depends. That sweet $199 price tag applies to both Intel and M1 MacBook Air models. However, if you own an Intel-equipped Pro, you're out of luck. The AppleCare+ cost for that laptop is still $269 (via MacRumors).
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Apple slashes AppleCare+ coverage for M1 MacBooks
MacBooks come with a one-year limited warranty and three months of complimentary tech support. Owners can extend their warranty via AppleCare+, which adds coverage for two accidental damage incidents every 12 months. Each is subject to a service fee of $99 for screen repairs and $299 for other damage. These costs have remained unchanged despite the AppleCare+ discounts.
Customers who recently purchased AppleCare+ coverage for any of the three affected models (i.e. M1 Air/Pro and Intel-based Air) can cancel their current plan and purchase a new one at the discounted price. According to MacRumors, customers can do this by contacting Apple Support for assistance.
Apple's been on a roll with revamping its AppleCare+ coverage program. In late April, the Cupertino-based tech giant offered unlimited coverage to customers. Prior to this move, customers could pay for an additional three years of protection via AppleCare+, but they could not get coverage beyond that time frame. Now, Apple customers can opt to extend their AppleCare+ coverage indefinitely.
