In a pair of updates to its website on Wednesday, Apple revealed new, more expensive AppleCare+ rates for the soon-to-launch iPhone 6s and 6s Plus handsets, as well as a preparation guide and preorder tool for those looking to pick up one of the new models this weekend.
Under Apple's new warranty structure for iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus, both of which were unveiled during Wednesday's special event, customers are now charged $129.99 for a two-year AppleCare+ plan. The program provides coverage for two accidental damage claims with a per-incident service fee of $99.99.
Apple has slowly increased AppleCare+ for iPhone fees as the devices integrate more sophisticated hardware, like larger and more expensive displays. In 2013, for example, Apple upped AppleCare+ deductibles to $79 per incident with an initial $99 fee. It should be noted that the same $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.
In a separate addition to the online store section of its newly integrated product pages, Apple introduced an iPhone 6s preorder preparedness guide to help streamline the process ahead of Saturday. Each year Apple sees some type of delay or system failure due to the crush of customers placing orders.
Apple suggests customers visit a special site to check upgrade eligibility prior to entering the preorder process, a step that could waste precious time when attempting to secure a launch day iPhone. In addition, buyers can visit the "Get ready to pre-order iPhone 6s" section in Apple's official Apple Store app and select "Remember Me" to store their wireless account details for automatic retrieval when preorders begin.
Preorders for iPhone 6s and 6s Plus are slated to go live at 12:01 a.m. Pacific on Sept. 12.