Mike Wuerthele
Apple's AppleCare+ extended warranty and accidental damage repair program for the HomePod retails for $39, with a single out-of-warranty repair like accidental damage from a drop otherwise costing the user $279 uncovered, and $39 when under the program.
The checkout process for a HomePod has said since the pre-order process that AppleCare+ coverage extending the warranty to two years, granting a longer customer support window, and providing for reduced-cost out-of-warranty repairs would cost $39. However, a new support document published on Friday breaks down the HomePod repair process, as well as costs associated with the repair.
There are no varying costs associated with different problems with the unit, like there are for a screen versus a battery replacement on an iPhone. Any damage out-of-warranty on a HomePod, like damage from the unit being dropped, or submerged in water will cost the user $279.
Users with AppleCare+ are subject to a $39 fee for up to two accidental damage incidents. AppleCare+ also grants users an express replacement service, where Apple will ship a replacement HomePod to the user in advance of return of the non-functional one. A return of the original HomePod is required within 10 days to avoid additional charges up to and including the cost of a new HomePod.
Apple is offering shipment of a HomePod to a service center, like it offers for the iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Users who need the device to be shipped, rather than visiting an Apple Store, must pay $19.99 for the service, in addition to any fee associated with the repair.
Charles Martin
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Andrew Orr
7 Comments
That is … somewhat eye-watering.
Best not drop it then; that’s my advice.
Still think this device is an IQ test.
$350 for a mono speaker the size of a roll of toilet paper that cannot be used with an Apple TV and is chained to Apple HW and services.
Add in it costs $280 to fix.
I would call that a throwaway speaker from the company that makes throwaway computers, phones and tablets. Apple is fighting Right to Repair everywhere so you can stay on the treadmill and buy your stuff right on schedule.
Not very green Tim. Most e-waste does not get properly recycled- including Apple's stuff.
I was going to buy a half-dozen and hang them like Japanese lanterns. I guess I'll put that on hold now.
Not being able to toss them in the dishwasher to clean the dust also makes them a non-starter.
No such problem with Sono kit, and they're not throwaway, amiright? Nobody's complained about them needing repair. Go Green.
I’m not getting this warranty.
I have plain old Bluetooth speakers that I’ve had for 5 years laying around the house. None have landed in water or have been dropped (or moved at all).
My first HomePod to replace a speaker is going in my kitchen where I listen to the most music throughout my day. I have cookbooks just 2ft from my kitchen sink that have never had a splash of water on them despite being around a decade and being man handled more than the speaker.
Apple does offer their warranty on seemingly everything, so that’s cool I guess.