If you’re going to snag an iPad 3, it never hurts to have it under warranty.

Per MacNN, in tandem with announcing a third-generation iPad, Apple has also brought its AppleCare+ warranty option to the tablet. By default an iPad is only given a limited one-year warranty, with 90 days of free support. Paying US$99 extends coverage up to two years, and allows for two incidents of accidental damage, although in each instance a US$49 service fee still applies.

The plan covers not just an iPad but its battery, power adapter, and USB cable, as well as any AirPort or Time Capsule device bought during coverage or two years before. AppleCare+ must, however, be applied no later than 30 days after buying an iPad. The warranty package was initially offered only to iPhone 4S buyers.

Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.

If you travel with an AppleCare-covered device, you might like this.

Per AppleInsider and TechCrunch, it was revealed on Tuesday that Apple has changed the terms and conditions tied to AppleCare+ and will be lifting geographic limitations on support, meaning travelers can get their device serviced outside of their home country.

As noted, the recent policy change allows owners to take in products for repair in any country where AppleCare+ is offered, lifting previous restrictions that limited service to the country in which the plan was purchased. Devices include the iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple TV, Apple displays and Mac models.

It should be noted that replacements and repairs may not be offered in all countries. The publication offers the CDMA version of the iPhone 5 as an example, pointing out the handset can’t be serviced or replaced in countries where it is not sold, like Brazil.

The changes are likely part of Apple’s continued effort to overhaul its post-sales service. When the iPhone 5s and 5c were unveiled on Sept. 10, it was announced that the AppleCare+ for iPhone per-incident deductible would be raised to US$79, up from US$49 previously.

Currently, AppleCare+ for iPhone, iPad and iPod is offered in Austria, Canada, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland, the UK and the US.

Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.

According to MacRumors, Apple is rolling out a repair policy for iPhone 5S and 5C display replacements and other repairs, where they will be done within the store’s own repair facilities, rather than replacing the entire phone. This is part of a move by Apple to reduce repair costs on new iPhones. This may reduce costs for Apple, but not so much for iPhone owners. Currently, without an AppleCare plan for your iPhone, you can get the screen replaced for $150. With AppleCare, a replacement will run you $80. This is up from the $50 display replacement that was a part of the 4 and 4S AppleCare plans. Other replacement parts will be available at a cost specific to the situation. A new Home button will run you $30 without AppleCare, however it doesn’t specify whether this is the price for a “normal” Home button or the Touch ID button. On the plus side, neither the 5C or 5S have a glass back plate anymore so now you have less chance of breaking something when you drop your phone while looking for directions to the next bar on Yelp, and not paying attention where you are walking (yes, sadly this has happened to me more than once). On the other hand, if you have very precise vision, a steady hand, immense patience, and a keen memory for putting thing back where they came, you could always try the repair yourself. The web site iFixit sells both the replacement parts and tool kits to get the job done*. I definitely recommend their tool kits and take-apart guides, but you may be able to find the replacement parts cheaper on eBay.

*as of this writing, iFixit is only supplying parts up to the iPhone 5

Back in November we mentioned Apple’s plans to start offering in-store screen replacements for the iPhone 5S and 5C. This week, Apple started its roll-out of iPhone 5C repairs, so if you’ve got an iPhone 5C with a cracked or broken screen, the Geniuses at the local Apple Store can replace it while you wait, rather than sending it out. This makes two models that can be repaired in-store, the iPhone 5 and now the 5C. The 5S, for now, still needs to be sent into Apple for repairs, possibly due to the added complications of working around the Touch-ID sensor/home button. No news yet on when the 5S plan will get rolled out. As we reported before, the in-store replacement cost should be $150, with the price being $80 if your iPhone is covered by the original warranty or an AppleCare plan. The policy should be rolled out to all stores by the end of this week, but could take a little longer if the store is not in or near a large city.

If you stacked one of every different mobile device case end to end, I bet it would reach Mars. Ok, maybe not, but there are an overwhelming number of choices for protecting your device. Even with all the options, ranging in price from just a few dollars to hundreds of dollars, many people choose not to get a case of any kind. With the first couple of iPhones, especially the original, even I was reluctant to cover up Apple’s designs with some ugly chunk of plastic. Once Apple started covering it all in glass, starting with the iPhone 4, I had to rethink this policy and have had some kind of case ever since. It doesn’t hurt that if you choose to sell your device later, a case can keep it looking almost new and fetch a higher resale price.

If you are one of those folks that is anti-case, or just keep putting it off, there’s a recent study that might prompt you to run to your nearest Apple Store. As the site phone review in the UK reports, a study was conducted by insurance firm SquareTrade Europe, who tested device durability using several factors such as design, weight, construction, water resistance and ‘grip-ability.’ Each device was also given a “break ability score”, which involved dropping the devices from a set height onto concrete (that image just makes me cringe). After completing their tests, they rated the iPad mini as the most fragile of several of the top mobile devices they tested, with the Samsung Galaxy S4 grabbing the second position and the iPad Air coming third. Here are the rankings for the ‘top’ ten most breakable devices according to SquareTrade;

1. iPad mini
2. Samsung Galaxy S4
3. iPad Air
4. Samsung Galaxy S3
5. iPhone 5C
6. Nexus 7 (2012)
7. Samsung Galaxy Tab 3
8. iPhone 5S
9. Nexus 7 (2013)
10. Motorola Moto X

Yowza! Apple has 4 items, pretty much their entire mobile lineup except for the iPad 2 and 4S, in the top 10. I’m not terribly surprised, but I would’ve thought the 5C, and possibly the iPad mini, would’ve faired better, especially the 5C with its plastic body. The company hopes that by replicating various life situations with this sort of testing could help consumers make the best choices, although the “choices” they refer to is up for interpretation. I don’t find that durability is a huge factor when making buying decisions. If you want something small and like Apple products, your only choice is the iPad mini. Buying a phone usually boils down to features and cost. I’m not saying it’s not useful information, but at best, it may influence consumers’ decision to use a case or buy some kind of insurance, like AppleCare. It should be noted that SquareTrade sells extended warranty plans for most consumer electronics. So, bonus for SquareTrade if users want to cover their devices against accidental damage based on these findings.

Personally, I am fastidiously careful with all my devices, so I’m not always compelled to get something like AppleCare. However, there was that time I was walking while browsing Yelp on my iPhone and stepped into a hole causing me to drop it (ok, I ‘might’ have been using Yelp to find the next bar to go to). The result was a small crack in the front glass which drove me crazy for weeks. Had I gotten it replaced by Apple, it would have cost me around $150 to replace the screen. At the time, with AppleCare, it would have been $50 if I remember correctly (these rates have risen since then). Fortunately, being a tech, I was able to get an inexpensive replacement part online and do the repair myself. I’m not sure I’d do it again though, considering how many almost microscopically small screws were involved. It is a miracle I was able to get them all back in the right places. Anyway, since then I’ve been getting AppleCare in the event of another cracked screen, and considering the iPhone takes the most abuse of all my Apple gadgets. I also have it for my laptop because it has really come in handy in the past. So, if you’re toting around any naked mobile devices, you may want to picture what it’ll look like when you drop it while fumbling for bus fare. A case seems like a good investment now, doesn’t it?

If you ding your brand-spanking-new Apple Watch, there IS some forgiveness for it.

As long as it’s the low-end watch and not the super-mega-premium Apple Watch model.

The Apple Watch Sport and the stainless steel Apple Watch will be covered by a limited one-year warranty for hardware repairs and up to 90 days of complimentary support from Apple, the same coverage offered for the iPhone, iPad and many other products. Meanwhile, the more expensive 18-karat gold Apple Watch Edition will be backed by two years of hardware coverage and complimentary support.

AppleCare+ will also be available for all three Apple Watch models, providing extended warranty up to three years from the date of purchase, depending on the edition, and accidental damage coverage. The Apple Watch Sport and stainless steel Apple Watch are covered for up to two years from the original date of purchase under AppleCare+, while the high-end 18-karat gold Apple Watch Edition is covered for up to three years from the original date of purchase.

The AppleCare policy will cover up to two incidents of accidental damage for an unspecified service fee, although the exact charge and the cost of AppleCare+ for Apple Watch overall is not provided.

Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.

Via MacRumors

How much is your AppleCare+ plan going to be for your snazzy new Apple Watch?

Apple has an answer for that.

With Apple Watch preorders opening last night/the Watchening, specific numbers have surfaced for AppleCare+ and repair fees for out-of warranty watches. These numbers are a bit frightening, as a coverage plan for an Apple Watch Edition model can rise into the thousands of dollars.

The service fee for a Sport is US$229, while the cost is US$329 for a mid-tier stainless steel Watch. Battery service is US$79 per incident, plus US$7 in shipping fees if necessary. Costs can vary according to country — in Canada, the base service fees are US$299, US$419, and US$3,599, respectively.

US AppleCare+ warranty plans are typically US$49 for the Sport, US$59 for the mid-tier Watch, and US$1,500 for the Edition. Apple is also selling plans that cover both a Watch and an iPhone, which are priced at US$149, US$169, and US$1,600, again depending on the Watch model. The combo plans, notably, can apply to undamaged iPhones up to six months old, whereas a regular AppleCare+ iPhone plan forces buyers to pick up coverage within 60 days.

Buying an AppleCare+ plan for the Sport or Steel models extends the warranty to two years while an AppleCare+ plan for the Edition extends coverage on that model to three years. The plans drastically reduce service fees to US$69, US$79 and US$1,000 for the Sport, Steel and Edition models, respectively. The AppleCare+ plan also includes an Express Replacement feature, wherein Apple will send out a package in which to return the Watch and have a replacement unit out to you in two to three business days.

Late fees between US$35.50 and US$3,600 are applicable if the original device doesn’t arrive at Apple within 10 business days. If it won’t arrive at all, the company is charging replacement costs between US$300 and US$10,000.

Let’s be honest, you weren’t using both of your arms or legs anyway, were you?

Via AppleInsider and the AppleCare web site

The AppleCare+ Protection Plan terms for the iPhone, iPad, iPod and Apple Watch just got a little better. Apple has now included language that would cover batteries with less than 80% of their original capacity within the extended warranty period, whereas it previously covered batteries that retained less than 50 percent of their original capacity. The change applies to AppleCare+ purchased for iPhone, iPad, iPod and all Apple Watch models on April 9th, 2015 or later.

The new criteria will allow for the replacement of defective batteries that do not live up to the 80 percent specification free of charge as long as the device is within its AppleCare+ coverage period. Otherwise, Apple charges US$79 for out-of-warranty battery service for all Apple Watch batteries that retain less than 80 percent of their original capacity per Apple’s diagnostic testing, plus a US$6.95 shipping charge if required.

The new language reads as follows:

“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.”

AppleCare+ for iPhone extends the smartphone’s warranty coverage to two years from the original date of purchase and provides up to two incidents of accidental damage coverage for a US$79 service charge each time. Without AppleCare+, iPhone customers are covered by a limited one-year warranty and 90 days of complimentary phone support.

AppleCare+ for iPad and iPod have the same terms and conditions, although the accidental damage service charges are US$49 and US$29 per incident respectively.

AppleCare+ retails for US$49, US$59 and US$1,500 for the Apple Watch Sport, Apple Watch and Apple Watch Edition models respectively, while accidental damage coverage is subject to an additional service charge of US$69 for Sport, US$79 for Watch and $1,000 for Edition. Apple also sells AppleCare+ combo plans for Apple Watch and iPhone for US$149 (Sport and iPhone), US$169 (Watch and iPhone) and US$1,600 (Edition and iPhone).

So, it ain’t cheap, but at least this does a better job of covering the batteries on your devices.

Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.

Via MacRumors

This is pretty much the digital version of the local peasantry showing up at your front door with torches and pitchforks.

A small number of Retina MacBook Pro owners are calling for Apple to replace or repair their notebooks after discovering what appears to be irreparable damage to an antireflective screen coating layer, a problem the group has dubbed “staingate.”

The problems manifest themselves in the form of blotches, streaks and other anomalies attributed to faults in the antireflective coating applied to a Retina MacBook’s display surface. The origin of this “staining” is unknown, though some have speculated a combination of high humidity and over cleaning might be contributing factors.

The marring seems to present itself when a screen comes into contact with foreign objects like keyboard keys or a user’s fingers. In many instances the “stains” crop up in the periphery, especially in corners and areas one might expect to be frequently touched.

Multiple affected MacBooks exhibit streaking near the FaceTime camera, an area often touched — and consequently cleaned — when opening the laptop. More severe cases, like the example pictured above, show damage across the screen’s entire viewable area.

It is not yet clear how many MacBooks are suffer from “staingate” issues, but it seems to be limited to recent-generation MacBook Pro with Retina display models, especially those built in 2013.

One user has also cited that Apple put a cap on screen-related AppleCare repairs after replacing his panel two times in as many years. A previous screen replacement lasted only one month before exhibiting the same problems, according to the source.

Apple has yet to officially recognize the problem and out-of-warranty repairs can come in around US$800 depending on screen size.

A Change.org petition was started five months ago in hopes of rallying support to force Apple into action and is currently about 580 participants shy of a 2,500-signature goal. In addition, law firm Whitfield Bryson & Mason reached out to the Staingate Facebook Community to explore the group’s legal options.

Apple faced similar pressure from its customers in 2013 over a rash of early-2011 MacBook Pro failures linked to malfunctioning discrete GPUs. After ignoring multiple calls to fix the growing problem, Apple was hit with a class-action lawsuit before initiating a repair extension program in February.

If you’ve seen this problem on your end, please let us know and thank you.

Via AppleInsider and Staingate.org

This leak came out the door pretty quickly, which makes it interesting.

Best Buy has apparently inked a deal to begin selling AppleCare+ warranty extensions for its products. In addition to this, employees have also been told that the next-gen iPhone will be announced to the public on September 10th.

According to a recent tip, the new iPhone lineup will be available at Best Buy starting September 13th, the AppleCare+ warranty covering all eligible products.

The leak has been confirmed by other reports and an internal training video has revealed that Best Buy will offer service for AppleCare warranties at its own stores, as well as Apple retail stores.

Paid AppleCare protection plans for Mac extend warranty coverage for both calls and repairs to three years. AppleCare+ is available for iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch, and includes two years of coverage, though Apple Watch Edition owners can get a third year of protection.

AppleCare+ retails for US$49 for the Watch Sport, US$59 for the iPod touch or classic, US$69 for the standard Watch, and US$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. AppleCare prices for Mac vary by model.

Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.

Via AppleInsider and MacRumors

AppleCare+ just got a bit more expensive if you’re looking to cover an iPhone 6s or 6s Plus handset.

On Wednesday, Apple released the more expensive rates as well as a preparation guide and preorder tool for those looking to pick up one of the new models this weekend.

The new pricing has two years of AppleCare+ for the handsets at US$129.99 for two years of coverage. The program provides coverage for two accidental damage claims with a per-incident service fee of US$99.99.

AppleCare+ pricing has slowly gone up as the iPhone’s hardware and components became more sophisticated over the years. In 2013, for example, Apple upped AppleCare+ deductibles to $79 per incident with an initial US$99 fee. It should be noted that the same US$99 rate is still applicable to iPhone 6 models.

AppleCare+ can be purchased within 60 days of an applicable purchase and covers repair or replacement of the iPhone, its battery and included accessories for two years. While Apple has kept its warranty service in house for years, it was recently reported that Best Buy will begin offering authorized AppleCare+ products in its stores this month.

Preorders for iPhone 6s and 6s Plus are slated to go live at 12:01 AM Pacific on Saturday, September 12th.

Please let us know what’s on your mind in the comments and we’ll have up to the minute news about the upcoming iPhone models until then.

Via AppleInsider and Apple

Every so often, a group of Apple products moves into an “Obsolete” category, meaning the product is no longer eligible for service or repair support through Apple retail stores or authorized third-party channels.

This time around, the products include:
– iMac (21.5-inch, Late 2009)

– iMac (27-inch, Late 2009)

– MacBook Air (Mid 2009)

– Mac Pro (Early 2009)

– MacBook (13-inch, early 2008)

– MacBook Pro (15-inch, early 2009)

These Macs will move to Obsolete status in all regions and vintage status where applicable. Apple typically begins the process for models 5-7 years after manufacturing has been discontinued and maintains a list on its website here. Vintage status only applies to California and Turkey where the company is required to continue offering support in some cases, but otherwise everything gets obsolete status and will no longer be eligible for hardware repairs.

Other products moving towards vintage obsolete status this time around include the following:
– iPod touch (1st generation)

– The Apple Cinema Display (23-inch, DVI early 2007)

– Time Capsule 802.11n (1st) generation,

– iBeats

– Beatbox

– Beatbox Portable (1st generation)

– Wireless (1st generation)

– Diddybeats

– Heartbeats (1st generation)

These products will enter obsolete status on December 8th, 2015.

Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.

Via 9to5Mac

Well, this is kind of a mess.

On Thursday, Apple was hit with yet another class action lawsuit, the suit alleging that the company has been replacing damaged devices under AppleCare+ with refurbished units. This isn’t the first suit of its kind in this regard and similar suits have been filed in the past.

This lawsuit, filed today in California, accuses Apple of not holding true to the AppleCare+ contract, which states that devices replaced as part of the program are the “equivalent to new in performance and reliability.” The lawsuit was initiated by Vicky Maldonado and Joanne McRight.

Both Maldonado and McRight allege that they had damaged devices replaced via AppleCare, but were given refurbished devices as opposed to new devices. The two claim that they were not told of this when they signed up for AppleCare. Maldonado also noted that her replacement device did not perform as expected, thus making it not “equivalent to new in performance and reliability”.

The core argument here is that the plaintiffs’ definition of “refurbished” and Apple’s does not match. Maldonado and McRight argue that the word “refurbished” is synonymous with “reconditioned,” implying that it is a “secondhand unit that has been modified to be new for all purposes relevant to this litigation.”

The two have stated that a “new” unit should not have been previously sold, modified and should consist of all new parts.

AppleCare+ customers are generally given the option of waiting for a repair to take place on their original device or to be given a replacement device, with most choosing the latter of the two options. It’s unclear, at least by the initial filing, however, if Maldonado and McRight were given the option of an in-store repair. The two argue that by having their devices replaced by a refurb, they are deprived of the “use and value” of their original devices.

The suit basically accuses Apple of breach of both contract and warranty as well as the concealment of information from the public as well as fraud, false advertising, and the violation of secondhand merchandise labeling laws. The plaintiffs are seeking an award of attorneys’ fees, costs, pre- and post-judgement interest on any amounts awarded, and any other relief deemed just and appropriate by the ruling.

If you’ve seen this practice on your end, please let us know in the comments.

Via 9to5Mac and AppleInsider

It apparently pays to have AppleCare+ on your upcoming iPhone 7 Plus handset.

A leaked image shows the AppleCare+ screen replacement price for an iPhone 7 Plus being a mere $29 with prices for more extensive damage being listed alongside it.

It’s currently unknown as to where this image surfaced from, but it raises some interesting questions as to overall component cost.

Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.

Via Imgur and Reddit

It’s a quiet update, but it makes a difference.

Apple recently updated its Support web site to include a feature that allows users to find and schedule repairs for iPhones, Macs, and iPads from Apple Authorized Service Providers.

When troubleshooting a product, choosing “Bring in for Repair” after going through Apple’s support prompts now brings up all repair centers near a customer, including Apple’s own retail stores and retail locations where customers can get repairs from Apple Authorized Service Providers.

The site includes nearly all local Apple Authorized Service Providers and lists availability for the fastest repairs and same-day service. There’s also an option to book a repair directly from the site.

Where getting a repair appointment at an Apple Store Genius Bar location often requires days to a week of waiting, Apple Authorized Service Providers can typically offer access to a much faster repair.

In the San Francisco Bay Area, for example, local Apple Stores do not have repair appointments until next week, but third-party repair shops like Best Buy, Clickaway, Mobile Kangaroo, and Computercare have appointments today or tomorrow.

Apple Authorized Service Providers have been officially authorized by Apple to perform repairs on Apple devices. Both AppleCare repairs and out-of-warranty repair services are available, but many customers may not be aware of local options outside of an Apple Store.

The new access to third-party service providers should provide relief for customers needing quick repairs as well as allow Apple to keep up with ongoing repair requests.

Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.

Via MacRumors and Apple

It looks like you’ll be able to have your iPhone screen replaced via a third-party without violating your warranty in the near future.

Apple is apparently changing its long-standing policy regarding third-party iPhone screen repairs. A new memo sent to Apple retail employees states that a customer having their device’s screen repaired by a third-party source no longer voids their warranty like it once did…

The memo says that retail stores and Apple Authorized Service Providers should inspect the device in question for things such as fraud or tampering, but then proceed as normal with the repair. This, of course, assumes that what needs to be repaired doesn’t relate to the display.

Among the conditions to the new policy are that if the third-party display causes the repair to fail or leads to other damage, the customer will be required to cover the out-of-warranty cost to resolve the issue.

Also, if the issue is related to the third-party display, users will have to cover the out-of-warranty price or face being turned away by Apple completely. Finally, if a customer wants to have the third-party display replaced with an official Apple part, the memo instructs employees to quote the out-of-warranty price. AppleCare+ will also not cover this.

For years, Apple’s policy has stated that if an iPhone display was repaired by a third-party repair, the device’s warranty was voided and Apple wouldn’t perform any sort of repairs on the unit. Apple has finally relaxed this, making it easier for an iPhone to be repaired while honoring the warranty.
As part of some refinements to AppleCare+ last year, Apple introduced a new $29 screen repair tier that makes it quick and affordable for customers to have their screen repaired with legitimate parts.

The changes reportedly apply to the United States and Canada, as well as various other countries around the world.

Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.

Via 9to5Mac

Modern mobile smartphone with broken screen isolated on white background.

If you have an AppleCare+ policy, you’re going to like this.

Apple has quietly updated its AppleCare+ policy, extending the purchase window for iPhones from 60 days to one year. The change has been confirmed with a support rep, but is not yet showing up on Apple’s official product page for AppleCare+.

If you go to Apple’s eligibility tool and input your serial number from the iPhone’s settings panel, you should be able to see a new purchase option so long as you purchased the device within the last year.

The change extends to Macs and Apple TV units, but Apple Watch and iPads are still restricted to 60 days following the purchase. Apple lowered the price of iPhone screen repairs from $99 to $29 last September, which helps as well.

In the event that your iPhone screen has been cracked, Apple requires a physical inspection to buy the service in-store and a remote diagnostic test if you do so online.

If you’ve purchased an AppleCare+ policy with your iPhone and have any feedback to offer about it, please let us know in the comments.

Via The Verge and MacRumors

AppleCare+ just got a bit more lenient.

Following Apple’s quiet expansion of AppleCare+’s warranty period from two to three years a while back, as well as covering accidental damage to the company’s desktop and MacBook product families, Apple has brought the AppleCare+ package in line with services provided for its mobile devices.

The new coverage allows for repairs for up to two accidents, with each subject to a service fee of $99 for damage to the screen or the external enclosure, plus tax, while other types of damage will cost $299 per incident.

The revised AppleCare+ plan for desktop Macs provides on-site repair, with a technician visiting the user’s work site for support, while MacBook users are able to mail in their computer for servicing using a prepaid shipping box provided by Apple. There is also the option of taking the affected Mac or MacBook to an Apple Store or other Apple Authorized Service provider for repairs.

The coverage itself is detailed to include the computer, the battery, included accessories, Apple memory, AirPort, and the Apple USB SuperDrive, among other items.

AppleCare+’s price point varies between $99 and $379 depending on the device, and is being offered on the MacBook, MacBook Air, 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Pro, Mac mini, iMac, and Mac Pro. Customers can acquire AppleCare+ at the time of buying their new Mac, though they can also buy coverage within 60 days of the purchase.

Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.

Via AppleInsider and Apple

If you’ve had problems with the back cover detaching from your first-gen Apple Watch, Apple has extended its program to offer a second year of free repair coverage for the issue. In addition, a service document shows that this program has been extended to three years

Per the document:

Apple has determined that under certain conditions on some Apple Watch (1st generation) devices the back cover may separate from the watch case. Apple will service eligible devices free of charge. Apple will authorize coverage for three (3) years from the date of purchase.

All four models are covered, from the Sport through Watch and Hermés to the Edition.

Apple Store employees have been instructed not to perform any diagnostics on the wearable beyond a simple visual inspection to determine that the back cover is detached is sufficient.

This isn’t the first time Apple has extended free Apple Watch repair coverage to three year and the commpany did so back in April for 1st-gen Watches with swollen batteries. Apple has also offered additional programs for other profits, including a program that repaired sticking keys on iPad Pro Smart Keyboards and a ‘staingate’ issue with Retina MacBook displays.

Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.

Via 9to5Mac

A good deal’s a good deal.

Apple on Wednesday updated its refurbished products web site, adding the new 21.5-inch iMac models that were initially released in June of 2017.

The refurbished iMacs feature Kaby Lake processors, upgraded displays, faster solid state storage, and discrete graphics.

At present, the refurbished selection only includes the 4K models with Retina display and there are no offerings for the non-Retina 21.5-inch iMac models for purchase.

When last seen, there were eight different refurbished 4K 21.5-inch iMacs available in various configurations, with prices discounted by approximately 15 percent. An entry-level 4K model with 8GB RAM, a 1TB hard drive, and a Radeon Pro 555 is available for $1,099, for example, a $200 discount off of the regular $1,299 starting price.

Apple’s refurbished inventory goes through a rigorous inspection, repair, cleaning, and repackaging process before hitting the shelves. Refurbished units arrive with a one-year warranty that can be extended with an AppleCare+ purchase.

Via MacRumors and apple.com