I Broke My New iPhone 17 Pro Max. How I Fixed It With AppleCare | One More Thing

Signing up for AppleCare is an effective way to mitigate the high cost of repairing a damaged iPhone, despite initial repair challenges and the varying durability of iPhone models.

• AppleCare significantly reduces the cost of iPhone repairs, despite the durability claims of new models and accessories.

• Always back up your device to iCloud before taking it for repair at an Apple Store to protect your data.

• AppleCare One bundles coverage for multiple devices and offers ways to enroll older devices or re-enroll after cancellation.

A brand new iPhone 17 Pro Max with a 'tougher' ceramic shield display and an Apple silicone case shattered after a simple drop, highlighting the importance of AppleCare coverage. The repair process involved booking an appointment, dealing with part availability issues, and understanding Apple's diagnostic and backup requirements. AppleCare proved valuable by significantly reducing repair costs, though the experience also raised questions about product durability and the effectiveness of protective accessories.

iPhone Damage & AppleCare Enrollment

• 00:00:00 A brand new iPhone 17 Pro Max was severely damaged, incurring a cracked display, dented aluminum frame, and broken case after a fall. This incident prompted enrollment in AppleCare, which must be done within 60 days of purchasing a new Apple product, to cover repair costs. AppleCare offers different pricing options, such as $14/month for just an iPhone or $20/month for AppleCare One, covering three Apple devices, with the flexibility to cancel or change plans at any time.

Apple Store Repair Experience

• 00:01:35 Booking a repair appointment online at apple.com is necessary, with options for Apple Stores or authorized service partners. The initial attempt at a busy Fifth Avenue store failed due to a lack of iPhone 17 Pro Max display parts, necessitating a second appointment at another store. The second store had the part in stock, allowing for same-day repair, costing $29 with AppleCare compared to an estimated $379 without it, despite the iPhone's 'tougher ceramic shield' and protective case proving ineffective.

Repair Process and Best Practices

• 00:03:11 During Apple Store visits, technicians primarily focus on the device's condition and AppleCare status, not the timing of damage or coverage enrollment. A diagnostic test is performed, and users must back up their devices to iCloud due to a risk of data loss during repair. It is crucial to back up all data at home before any store visit to prevent potential loss, as exemplified by another customer's display failing during a battery replacement.

AppleCare Plan Details & Tricks

• 00:04:28 AppleCare Plus for iPhones, iPads, and Apple Watches covers theft and loss if 'Find My' is enabled, requiring a deductible of $149 for an iPhone or $119 for an Apple Watch, but AirPods and MacBooks are not covered for loss or theft. AppleCare One offers value by bundling coverage for three devices for approximately $20/month, which is often cheaper than individual plans. Tricks to sign up for AppleCare past the 60-day window include purchasing a new Apple product and adding older devices (under four years old) to an AppleCare One plan, or having an iPhone (under two years old) or other devices (under one year old) inspected at an Apple Store for eligibility, with a 45-day window to re-enroll after cancellation or plan expiration.