AppleCare+ is relatively inexpensive for the Apple Watch SE 3, at $2.99 a month or $29.99 a year for the Theft and Loss plan. That is much less than the average streaming subscription. The plan includes unlimited accidental damage incidents, battery service and up to two theft or loss claims per year. Still, it is not a complete coverage option, because it comes with stipulations and additional costs.
Whether it is worth the cost depends on how you use the watch. Service for accidental damage still costs $69 per incident, and a theft or loss replacement carries a $119 deductible. Battery service has no added charge, but only if the battery retains less than 80 percent of its original capacity. The standard one-year warranty covers manufacturer defects, so AppleCare+ is an addition to that. For theft or loss, coverage applies only if Find My is enabled when the watch is lost or stolen and stays enabled throughout the claims process.
Coverage makes the most sense for people in trades, construction, sports or other jobs that could cause substantial damage. For someone whose biggest risk is a trip to the convenience store, it is less compelling. Coverage protects against a potential expense but does not guarantee savings over time. If you can comfortably replace the watch, you may not need it. Three years of premiums come to just under $90, and one accidental damage claim raises the total to $159. One theft or loss claim brings it to $209, a large share of the watch's $249 starting price.
Battery coverage is useful only if you keep the same watch for years, since batteries rarely degrade quickly enough to matter for those who upgrade every year or two. Non-AppleCare repair prices for the GPS model are $99 for battery service and $199 for other damage, rising to $229 for the cellular model. Apple Care One is an alternative for people with several Apple devices, starting at $19.99 monthly for up to three devices, plus $5.99 per additional device.
Source: Engadget · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing