AppleInsider Staff
Electronics retailer Best Buy has inked a deal with Apple to begin selling authorized warranty extensions for its products, and employees have been told that the new addition will be announced to the public on Sept. 10.
A tipster from the retailer reached out to AppleInsider over the weekend to say that AppleCare and AppleCare+ will be available at Best Buy starting on Sept. 13. That would be a few days after Apple's anticipated Sept. 9 event, and likely just before the launch of the company's next-generation "iPhone 6s" lineup.
Just like at the Apple Store, AppleCare warranties will cover all eligible products from the company's lineup, including Macs, iPads and the Apple Watch.
Details on AppleCare at Best Buy were also reaffirmed in other reports. An internal training video seen by MacRumors 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+ costs $49 for the Watch Sport, $59 for the iPod touch or classic, $69 for the standard Watch, and $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.
Andrew Orr
Amber Neely
William Gallagher
Christine McKee
7 Comments
I always find anything related to BestBuy funny. This store teeters on the edge of dying and has become just another Samsung delivery location. Whenever I venture into a BestBuy, the longest line is at their Geek Squad counter, not the checkout line. Says a lot about what they sell. Luckily, I have a very good Apple-certified Specialist store near the shopping center BestBuy inhabits for any repairs I can't do.
This made me smile because years ago I was hired by Apple to be an in-store rep for the roll-out of the Bondi Blue first iMac. When a buyer asked me whether they should get the Best Buy extended warranty, I told them that Apple products were so reliable and that Apple's own warranty was good enough that I thought they should save their money. Not long after the manager approached me and gave me a chewing out. Apparently when asked at the register if they wanted the warranty, the customer told them what I said. The program went on for a while, but I was told by Apple that my services were no longer required. Apparently he reported me to his Apple contact. This drove home to me how big a profit center these warranties are. I am hoping BB had to swallow hard before agreeing to sell Apple's own warranty.
[quote name="Robin Huber" url="/t/187743/best-buy-to-offer-applecare-and-applecare-warranties-ahead-of-iphone-6s-launch#post_2762159"]This made me smile because years ago I was hired by Apple to be an in-store rep for the roll-out of the Bondi Blue first iMac. When a buyer asked me whether they should get the Best Buy extended warranty, I told them that Apple products were so reliable and that Apple's own warranty was good enough that I thought they should save their money. Not long after the manager approached me and gave me a chewing out. Apparently when asked at the register if they wanted the warranty, the customer told them what I said. The program went on for a while, but I was told by Apple that my services were no longer required. Apparently he reported me to his Apple contact. This drove home to me how big a profit center these warranties are. I am hoping BB had to swallow hard before agreeing to sell Apple's own warranty.[/quote] Worked at Circuit City in the '90s. Can confirm. Extended warranties were the [B][I]only[/I][/B] thing they cared about.
I worked at Radio Shack and Office Depot many years ago - two more companies that were more focused on high-profit extended warranties and accessories more than the product itself. If you didn't sell extended warranties on at least 10% of your sales, you wouldn't have a job very long.
About the only extended warranties that make any sense are those $9.97 warranties from on Walmart items like electronics, treadmills, and pressure washers. When (not if) the product fails, they just cut you a check for the purchase price. I've bought a few disposable, electric pressure washers for $9.97 over the years - that's cheaper than I can rent them.
I like AppleCare on products because I can call Apple for Tech Support on that product or Software that runs on that product made by Apple. 3 Years of Apple Tech Support is worth the price. I have never liked Best Buy, their Sales staff or Support. They have always tried to sell Samsung over Apple, often without knowing what they are really saying. I hope they don't try to act like they know what I need or want when I go into the store next time. Also, the sales people swoop down on you like flies. When I tell one I am just looking and don't need any help, that is what I mean - no less than 3 ask me the same thing.