Apple Warranty Explained: 1-⁠Year Coverage, Exclusions & AppleCare

Most new Apple products come with one year of hardware coverage under Apple's limited warranty ⁵ – a promise to fix manufacturing defects, not accidents ¹. Here's what it covers, what it excludes, how to get service and where AppleCare fits in, based on Apple's own warranty documents and support pages. Changed your mind instead of having a defect? That's a return – see our Apple return policy guide.

What Apple's warranty covers

Apple publishes separate US warranty documents by product family. The one for iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple TV, HomePod and Apple Vision Pro covers the Apple-branded hardware and the Apple-branded accessories in the original packaging against defects in materials and workmanship, when used normally, for one year from the date of original retail purchase by the end user ¹. The US Mac warranty uses the same one-year term and the same in-box accessory coverage ².

Accessories bought on their own – Apple- or Beats-branded – are warranted against defects for one year from the original retail purchase ³. Under that accessory warranty you can bring your claim to Apple even if you bought the product from a third party ³, and for products originally bought in the US, the warrantor is Apple Inc. ³.

Apple's AppleCare page sums it up: most Apple products come with one year of hardware coverage through the limited warranty ⁵.

What the warranty doesn't cover

The US warranty lists these exclusions ¹:

• Batteries and other consumable parts, unless they fail because of a defect in materials or workmanship
• Cosmetic damage such as scratches, dents and broken plastic on ports, unless caused by a defect
• Accidents and external causes: accident, abuse, misuse, fire, liquid contact, earthquake
• Damage caused by third-party components that don't meet the product's specifications
• Damage caused by service (including upgrades) by anyone other than Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provider (AASP)
• Modifications that alter functionality without Apple's written permission
• Normal wear and tear and aging
• Removed or defaced serial numbers
• Stolen devices, or devices whose passcode or other security lock you can't deactivate when you also can't prove you're the authorized user – for example, with proof of purchase

Software isn't covered either, even if it came with the hardware, and neither are non-Apple products sold with Apple gear ¹⁴. Apple also warns not to open the product yourself: doing so may cause damage the warranty won't cover ¹.

Repair, replacement or refund

If you make a valid claim during the warranty period, Apple chooses the remedy ¹:

1. Repair with new or previously used genuine Apple parts that passed Apple's functional tests ¹
2. Replacement with the same model – or, if you agree, a product with the same or substantially similar features ¹
3. A refund of your purchase price ¹

A replacement part or product keeps the remaining warranty term or gets 90 days from the repair or replacement, whichever is longer ¹.

How to get warranty service

Apple asks you to start with its online help resources. If the product still isn't working, contact Apple, an Apple Store or an AASP, and they'll decide whether service is needed and how it will be provided ¹. To start a repair you can use support.apple.com/repair, the Apple Support app, or call 1-800-692-7753 ⁵.

Service options under the warranty ¹:

• Carry-in to an Apple Store or AASP location that offers it.
• Mail-in, if Apple decides your product qualifies; Apple pays shipping both ways as long as you follow its packing and shipping instructions.
• Do-it-yourself parts, where available. Apple may place a credit card authorization for the retail price of the part and shipping, and it isn't responsible for your labor costs ¹.

Apple's AppleCare page notes there are over 5,000 Apple Authorized Service Providers you can visit, besides mail-in and Apple Stores ⁵.

Traveling or bought abroad? Apple may restrict warranty service for iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, HomePod and Apple Vision Pro to the country where the device was originally sold ¹.

Before you hand over your device

• Proof of purchase: Apple or its agents may ask for proof of purchase details and diagnostic answers before service ¹.
• Back up and clean up: keep a separate backup, remove personal information and disable security passwords before submitting the product ¹.
• Expect data loss: for iPhone and the other iOS-family products, the storage contents will be deleted and reformatted during warranty service ¹; for Mac, they may be lost, replaced or reformatted ².

How to check your warranty coverage

• iPhone or iPad: Settings > General > AppleCare & Warranty, then tap your device ⁶.
• Mac: Apple menu > System Settings > General > AppleCare & Warranty, then select your device ⁶.
• Online: sign in at mysupport.apple.com and choose your device to see the repairs and technical support you're eligible for ⁶.

Free support in the first 90 days

Separately from the hardware warranty, most Apple software and hardware products include unlimited complimentary support incidents within the first 90 days of ownership, or longer if required by law ⁷. Complimentary hardware support covers phone help with basic setup, installation, assembly and connectivity ⁷.

Warranty vs. AppleCare

AppleCare plans extend the limited warranty's hardware coverage and add accidental damage protection and 24/7 priority support ⁵. AppleCare+ covers a single product; AppleCare One covers several products in one plan ⁵. As Apple describes it:

• Accidental damage, including liquid damage, is covered ⁵, with separate service charges for each repair or replacement ⁵.
• Batteries are replaced at no extra charge if capacity drops below 80 percent ⁵.
• Theft and loss claims apply to Apple Watch, iPhone and iPad on plans that include it; each claim has a deductible, and Find My must be enabled when the device goes missing ⁵.
• When to buy: at the time you buy a new product from Apple, or for 60 days after a new Apple purchase through the Settings app ⁵.

AppleCare is optional – you don't have to buy a plan to buy a device – and it's in addition to the limited warranty and your consumer-law rights ⁵.

Quick tips

• The one-year clock starts at the original retail purchase, and Apple may ask for proof of purchase details, so keep your receipt ¹.
• No one at a store can stretch the warranty: Apple says no reseller, agent or employee can modify or extend it ¹.
• Back up before any repair visit – data loss during warranty service is expected ¹.
• The warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may have other rights that vary by state ¹.
• Student buying a new Mac or iPad? See our Apple education discount guide, or browse more warranty guides.