Some Apple Vision Pro owners can't buy AppleCare on the device

Unlike with a Mac or iPhone, it appears that it's not possible for everybody to buy AppleCare coverage for an Apple Vision Pro on device.

Users who have bought an iPhone and elected not to get AppleCare will know that the iOS Settings app prompts them about it. For a period after purchase, the buyer will keep seeing a red badge and the prompt to update the iPhone with AppleCare.

In the list of things we are only learning about Apple Vision Pro now that it is in users' hands, there is the situation with AppleCare. As spotted by AppleInsider writer Wes Hilliard after picking up his Apple Vision Pro at Apple Downtown Nashville, AppleCare is handled differently for this device.

There is no AppleCare prompt in Settings for some users, including two headsets owned by AppleInsider, and there is no option to buy it through any part of the Apple Vision Pro device. We've also tried to do it online with an AppleCare representative, and were told to do it in-store.

Instead, while Apple has not confirmed this, it appears that a user who wants AppleCare has two options:

1. Buy it at point of ordering the device (online or in store)
2. Go to an Apple Store and buy AppleCare in person

One reader has told AppleInsider that they were able to purchase AppleCare through their Apple Vision Pro by going to Settings, Info. But the option is simply not there for two AppleInsider staffers, and others who have contacted us, even after the update to 1.0.2.

So it's a puzzling situation. And it's also a curious omission for such a costly device, especially as Apple has already revealed that repairing a damaged Apple Vision Pro can be very expensive.

AppleCare for Apple Vision Pro costs $499, and any incident of damage repair requires a further fee of $299. But repairing a damaged Apple Vision Pro screen without AppleCare, costs $2,399.

Update February 3 11:59 AM ET: Clarified further in text that the issue does not impact all users.