Fix Your Mac: Cost
Apple products are among the most popular worldwide. Unfortunately, they are also the most expensive. Those elevated prices extend to maintenance repair — unless a warranty covers the issue. If you don’t have AppleCare+ on your Mac, expect to pay more on a per-incident basis. Battery replacement typically runs between $129 and $199, depending on the MacBook model. Prices for hard drive and display replacements also vary.
AppleCare+
Every Mac sold comes with one year of hardware repair coverage through its limited warranty and up to 90 days of complimentary technical support. An AppleCare+ package extends coverage by two years and includes two incidents of accidental damage protection every 12 months and 24/7 priority access to Apple experts by chat or phone. The per-incident deductible for accidents is $99 for screen or enclosure damage and $299 for everything else. AppleCare+ for Mac covers the computer, battery when less than 80% capacity, accessories included in the box, Apple memory, AirPort devices if purchased within two years of the Mac, and Apple USB SuperDrive. The price for AppleCare+ varies based on the Mac model. The numbers mentioned below are in the U.S. only.
MacBook Air at $19913-inch MacBook Pro (M1) at $24913-inch MacBook Pro (Intel) at $26916-inch MacBook Pro at $379Mac mini at $99iMac at $169Mac Pro at $299
Home Insurance
While your homeowner’s insurance probably isn’t going to cover battery replacement or anything else tied back to regular wear-and-tear, it might cover accidental damage. But, unfortunately, it’s probably more likely to cover theft than anything else.
Third-Parties
If you have AppleCare+, you must get your computer fixed by Apple or Apple-trained technicians and service providers. By doing so, you won’t be responsible for paying anything beyond the incident fee, plus you can be assured genuine replacement parts get used when necessary. Once your product gets out of warranty, you have a little more flexibility on who can repair the machine. Ideally, it would help if you still went through Apple or an Apple-trained technician, so you know the parts installed are genuine. Once you get past the five-year point, there are other points to take into account. Apple product models that haven’t been for sale for more than five and less than seven years ago are considered vintage. For these products, Apple continues to produce genuine replacement parts. After a product hasn’t been produced for seven years, it’s considered obsolete. So for these products, Apple discontinues all hardware services, with the sole exception of Mac notebooks that are eligible for an additional battery-only repair period.
Fix Your Mac: Time
During the height of the pandemic, Apple retail stores were closed, which made it impossible to get same-day repair service. Though things have improved on that front, delays are possible, with some repairs taking more time than others. When you have a problem, your best action is to visit an Apple retailer for assistance. If this isn’t possible, contact Apple support online and review the shipping options. Oftentimes, Apple can repair a device and return it to your home within 1-2 days. Third-party solutions might take longer, however.
Fix Your Mac: By Yourself
Many years ago, Apple decided to make it nearly impossible for folks to repair their computers or add replacement parts. Therefore, you’d be wise to stick with the professionals and let them fix your machine. If you rather not take this advice, check out the iFixit website to see how to resolve common problems with Macs. The site’s many Mac repair guides will also tell you just how difficult each repair will be.
Fix Your Mac: What to Do Beforehand
Once you decide to get your Mac repaired, there’s one final step you should take before handing it offer to Apple or another technician. First, back up your device, so you don’t lose your most important files. Though replacing a battery or display shouldn’t affect your Mac’s storage, problems can happen.
When in Doubt
It’s not enjoyable when your Mac is under the weather. Time and cost are two of the most important unknowns. If you’re unsure of what to do next, contact Apple support and explain the problem. The best way to do so is through the Apple support website, although making a call is also a good solution. Just keep in mind Apple might charge you for the call. Luckily, Macs are well-oiled machines, so you should be in a repair situation all that often. Good luck! Comment Name * Email *
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