Only hours after the launch of the first foldable iPhone, social media started flooding with reports of spectacular failures with its internal display. Basically, multiple users reported that the hinge on their devices suddenly cracked and broke the display, which quickly gave the name “Crackgate” to the issue.
While we’ve already seen a theory on what could be the cause of the issue, the official statement from Apple is that only a small number of iPhone Duo units are ever experiencing it. The company also recommends that anyone who has any issue with the display of their new foldable to contact AppleCare.
These are things most people don’t think about when buying a new smartphone, but if Crackgate reaches you, having some protection could save you hundreds of dollars. Like any Apple device, the iPhone Duo comes with a limited warranty, called AppleCare, which covers only manufacturing defects. To avoid paying Apple’s hefty repair prices, you’ll need an AppleCare+ subscription.
What are the benefits of AppleCare+?
A cracked internal screen is one of the priciest repairs for the iPhone Duo. | Image by PhoneArena
In a typical Apple fashion, the naming conventions for its coverage tiers are somehow confusing. The company’s basic limited warrant used to be called AppleCare, and there are the current AppleCare+ and AppleCare One coverage plans.
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Buying a new iPhone Duo, or any other phone, tablet, computer, or other device, from Apple or an authorized retailer, gives you a one-year limited warranty and up to 90 days of complimentary technical support. This covers only the essentials, such as manufacturing defects, faulty batteries, or issues that are widespread among many devices.
Then there are AppleCare+ and AppleCare One, which act a lot like an extended warranty, and include coverage against damage and, in some cases, loss and theft. These tiers can cover the iPhone Duo, but also most of the other Apple devices. The most important benefits you get with them are certain repairs for significantly lower fees, and theft and loss protection.
Have you ever bought AppleCare coverage for your devices?
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What is the best AppleCare+ tier for the iPhone Duo?
The AppleCare One plans can cover more than one device. | Image by Apple
AppleCare+ can be bought for a single device at checkout or within 60 days after purchase of a new device. The subscription price for AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss for the iPhone Duo is $19.99 per month or $199.99 if you make annual payments.
Besides that, you can choose the AppleCare One Individual plan, which is $19.99 per month and can cover up to three devices that are four years old or less. This means you can add your new iPhone Duo, an Apple Watch, and an iPad and pay the same price. Then there’s the AppleCare One Family plan, which covers up to six people in a Family Sharing group and all their devices for $49.99.
If the iPhone Duo is not your first Apple device, getting one of the AppleCare One plans is the best deal you can get. Their only drawback is that you’re forced to pay monthly, as there’s no option for annual payments.
What iPhone Duo damage do AppleCare+ and AppleCare One cover?
If you use the iPhone Duo only as an alarm clock, you may not need extra coverage. | Image by PhoneArena
Even if you are subscribed for coverage, you’ll still need to pay Apple’s service fees to get your iPhone Duo repaired. However, these fees are much lower than the full price of any repair or a replacement in case of excessive damage, theft, or loss.
For the iPhone Duo, the AppleCare+ and AppleCare One plans bring the prices of the most common repairs down to a few tens of dollars. Here are the exact specifics:
Battery service: $0 ($229 without coverage)
Cover layer damage: $19 ($49 without coverage)
Back glass damage: $29 ($199 without coverage)
Outer display damage: $29 ($379 without coverage)
Inner display damage: $99 ($999 without coverage)
Other accidental damage: $99 ($1,499 without coverage)
Theft or loss: $149
The Theft and Loss protection, which is part of the AppleCare+ and AppleCare One plans, allows you to replace a lost or stolen iPhone Duo up to two times in a 12-month period. Of course, there are more specifics about what’s covered and what isn’t covered in Apple’s Terms and Conditions for every specific device.
How much would you lose if you skip AppleCare+ for your iPhone Duo?
AppleCare+ could be a lifesaver. | Image by PhoneArena
Getting an extended warranty for a smartphone is usually not a necessity for most people, but in the case of the iPhone Duo things look different. If for some reason you become a victim of Crackgate and Apple decides not to honor your warranty, you may be faced with at least a $999 fee to get it repaired, which is half the price of the foldable.
Even with the $200 annual price for AppleCare+ and the $99 repair cost under coverage, you’ll save a ton on of money if there’s a problem. Of course, cracking the internal display is far from the only thing that can go wrong with your iPhone Duo, and the coverage can give you peace of mind even in horrible situations like getting robbed.
I haven’t bought AppleCare+ ever before, but if I were to pay for a first-generation device that’s already showing some disturbing problems, I’d really consider it.
Ilia, a tech journalist at PhoneArena, has been covering the mobile industry since 2011, with experience at outlets like Forbes Bulgaria. Passionate about smartphones, tablets, and consumer tech, he blends deep industry knowledge with a personal fascination that began with his first Nokia and Sony Ericsson devices. Originally from Bulgaria and now based in Lima, Peru, Ilia balances his tech obsessions with walking his dog, training at the gym, and slowly mastering Spanish.
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