Does AppleCare+ Actually Cover進水損害?
Think AppleCare+ means you're totally covered if your iPhone takes a swim? Not so fast. We'll break down exactly what's covered, how much you'll pay, and how to file a claim.
重點摘要
- AppleCare+ covers 進水損害 at $99 per incident with unlimited claims (since Sept 2022)
- Apple 官方 repair: $99-$599 depending on model. Third-party: $50+ for component-level repair
- Check your coverage at Apple 官方支援 before deciding on repair vs replacement
目錄
1. What AppleCare+ Actually Covers for 進水損害
AppleCare+ provides repair service for "accidental damage from handling." Long story short, dropping your phone in water totally counts as "accidental damage," so you're covered for a repair (which almost always means a full device replacement).
What's Covered
• Total Annihilation by Water—You'll get a like-new replacement device.
• Water-Damaged Screens—Sometimes this can be handled as a cheaper screen-only repair.
• Muffled 喇叭s or Charging Issues—This falls under the "other damage" category.
What's NOT Covered
• Losing Your Phone (You need the specific AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss plan for that).
• Intentional Damage (Don't even think about it).
• Phones with Third-Party Repairs (If they find non-Apple parts inside, they might deny your claim).
2. How Much You'll Actually Pay
但關鍵是： AppleCare+ isn't free. You'll still have to pay a deductible (or "service fee") when you make a claim.
If the 進水損害 is somehow *only* on the screen (like weird spots or lines), you might get away with this lower fee.
This is the one you'll almost certainly pay for 進水損害. It covers a full device replacement with a refurbished unit.
For comparison, the "Other Repair" cost for an iPhone 15 Pro Max without AppleCare+ is a staggering ¥107,800. The difference is huge.
Do the Math: Is It Worth It?
Factor in the monthly or yearly cost of your AppleCare+ plan plus the ¥12,900 service fee. For any recent iPhone model, a single 進水損害 incident makes the plan pay for itself.
3. The Claim Process, Step-by-Step
How to File a Claim
Book a Genius Bar Appointment
Use the Apple 官方支援 app or website to book a "Genius Bar" appointment. Just walking in can mean a seriously long wait.
Diagnosis & Quote
At the Genius Bar, a technician will inspect your phone and check the Liquid Contact Indicator (LCI) to confirm it got wet.
Get Your Replacement
If they have a replacement in stock, you can get it the same day. If not, they'll ship it, which takes 5-7 business days. You'll get a refurbished (good as new) device.
Restore Your Data
You'll have to restore your data from an iCloud or computer backup onto the new phone. Crucial point: Any data not backed up is gone forever.
4. The Fine Print: Limits and Gotchas
Good news: For AppleCare+ plans started after September 2024, there's no limit on accidental damage claims. Older plans were capped at two per year.
Apple's official repair is almost always a full device replacement. This means anything not backed up to iCloud is gone. Backing up first is non-negotiable.
You have to sign up for AppleCare+ within 30 days of buying your iPhone. You can't just buy it after you've already dropped your phone in the toilet.
5. What to Do If You Don't Have AppleCare+
So you skipped AppleCare+ and now your phone's wet. Here are your options:
- Official Apple Repair: ¥50,000 - ¥107,800 (for a full replacement)
- Third-Party Repair Shop: ¥5,000 - ¥80,000 (depends on the damage, but they might save your data)
- Carrier Insurance: If you have a plan, check with Docomo, au, or Softbank for their coverage.
- Buy a New Phone: If the repair cost is more than half the value of your phone, it might be time to upgrade.
First, Try WaterKick for Minor Issues
If your only problem is a muffled 喇叭, try using WaterKick's 165Hz 聲波 to eject the water. You might be able to fix the sound without needing any repair at all.
Try Ejecting Water Before Paying for a Repair
If it's just a muffled 喇叭, you might fix it for free with WaterKick instead of using an AppleCare+ claim.
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6. Frequently Asked Questions
Yep, absolutely. You have to sign up for AppleCare+ within 30 days of buying your iPhone. You can't get it after the damage is already done. If you're worried about future accidents, buying it when you get the phone is the only way.
It's a tiny sticker inside your iPhone's SIM tray that turns from white to red when it touches water. Apple technicians check this to confirm liquid damage. Once it turns red, it stays red.
Going to the store (the Genius Bar) is almost always faster. If they have a replacement on hand, you can walk out with a new phone the same day. The mail-in service usually takes 5-7 business days.