If you use an iOS device on T-Mobile, the carrier is throwing in a neat extra: AppleCare is now included with your mobile insurance.
Basically, if you’ve signed up for T-Mobile’s ‘Jump’ or Premium Device Protection plans, both of which cost $12 a month, you’ll have access to AppleCare. For reference, AppleCare normally costs $129 on top of your device purchase, and includes:
- $29 screen repairs
- $0 battery repairs
- Service at an Apple Store or Apple Authorized Service providers
- 24/7 technical support straight from Apple
- Other stuff mentioned here
The big caveat to all of this is that it only applies to new iPhone buyers. That’s great if you were already planning to buy T-Mobile’s insurance, but a bit less so if you only care about the AppleCare portion. AppleCare costs $129 for two years of coverage; at $12 a month, T-Mobile’s insurance will cost you $288 over the same period.
That being said, you are getting more for your money. Most notably, AppleCare does not cover theft or loss, leaving you to pay full price; T-Mobile’s insurance has a deductible of “up to $175”, which is a much easier to swallow. Also if you’ve signed up for ‘Jump,’ you get to upgrade your phone more quickly too.
Ultimately it’s a way to get more people to buy phone insurance, but considering it genuinely includes better features at the same price, we’re not complaining.
Get the TNW newsletter
Get the most important tech news in your inbox each week.