Tech Connection
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Protect your tech
Extend the service warranty on Apple products at a discount
by marc saltzman
As a technology journalist, I’m often asked if buying extended warranties for devices is a good idea. My standard answer is, it depends. If the warranty is reasonably priced, and offers comprehensive coverage, then it makes sense. After all, a little insurance can go a long way toward making you feel confident about a tech purchase, especially for higher-priced items or if you’re accident-prone.
But when it comes to Apple devices, AppleCare+ (Apple’s protection plans) is a no-brainer because you don’t have to spend a lot to safeguard against all kinds of accidental damage. You’ll probably bring many of these products (MacBook Air, iPad, AirPods and Apple Watch) with you on long trips or daily commutes, which increases the odds of something happening to them.
Apple offers AppleCare+ for its products regardless of where you purchase them, but Costco members can save up to 24% off AppleCare+, depending on the product. This is a big savings, and for the exact same coverage that would cost you more if you purchased it elsewhere. And it covers the wide assortment of Apple products you can purchase at Costco.
Most Apple products include a one-year limited warranty that covers hardware failures and manufacturing defects. To get more coverage, AppleCare+ can be added to an Apple product at the point of purchase.
Depending on the Apple product, AppleCare+ provides up to three years of hardware coverage, which includes accidental damage protection, such as a broken screen or liquid damage.
As of September 2022, AppleCare+ covers an unlimited number of accidental damage incidents, up from two incidents every 24 months previously. There is, however, a fixed service fee depending on the device and type of damage.
Other benefits of AppleCare+ include Express Replacement Service—Apple will ship you a replacement device so you don’t have to wait for a repair—as well as priority 24/7 access to Apple Support by chat or phone.
AppleCare+ is a great way to give yourself peace of mind and solid protection for your Apple gear.
Lost and found
Be sure to enable “Find My” on all your Apple devices to locate a mis- placed device. Open the “Find My” app on another Apple device—such as an iPhone, iPad or Mac—and select “Devices.” On an Apple Watch, the app is called “Find Devices.” Alternatively, go to iCloud.com/find and log in. You will see the missing device on a map, represented by a green dot. If it’s been turned off or is offline, or the battery is dead, you will see its last known location.—MS
SEVAG SAGHERIAN
Marc Saltzman is a tech journalist and host of the Tech It Out podcast. He answers selected questions in this column and regrets that all questions can’t be answered individually.
Twitter @marc_saltzman
Email connection@costco.com
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Costco Connection: To extend protection on Apple products, AppleCare+ is available in Costco warehouses and at Costco.com at a big savings.
