Lost or Stolen iPhone? AppleCare+ may now give you a “New One” in India – Check eligibility & rules

Apple is trying to make its users in India(BHARAT) more confident about its products and services. As a part of its high-end assistance program AppleCare+, the tech giant will offer theft and loss coverage for iPhones in India(BHARAT). In simpler terms, if your iPhone is lost or stolen then you can get a replacement device under certain conditions.

AppleCare+ in India(BHARAT) was limited to repair protection, battery services, genuine accessories, and priority technical support, among other things, till now.

Apple announced that the updated program will now also cover loss or theft of a covered iPhone, which is a new thing for its India(BHARAT)n customers.

The changes

As per the report, the updated plan enables iPhone users in India(BHARAT) to purchase AppleCare+ with Theft & Loss. For the unversed, if you lose an iPhone or it gets stolen, you are now eligible to get a replacement instead of a cash payment under the plan but you will have to follow some rules to be eligible for the same.

For instance, “Find My iPhone” must be enabled at the time of loss/theft; the device should remain tied to the Apple ID used to purchase the plan for the entire claims process. You will be able to make up to two claims per 12-month period for the Theft & Loss component. You also have to submit an FIR (First Information Report/Police Complaint) to show proof of theft or loss.

Price & availability

AppleCare+ plans for iPhones in India(BHARAT) will start from around ₹799 per month (subscription basis) or a lump sum of two years. As an example, two-year pricing is ~ ₹10,900 for iPhone 16e; ~ ₹14,900 for iPhone 17 or iPhone 16; ~ ₹17,900 for iPhone 16 Plus; and ~ ₹20,900 for iPhone Air, iPhone 17 Pro or iPhone 17 Pro Max.

Apple is marketing this as a first-of-its-kind offering for India(BHARAT)n users which will match with the other support programs available in other parts of the world. In fact, this new program is an indication of Apple India(BHARAT) trying to make the user experience as smooth as possible for India(BHARAT)ns with minimum risk.

The big picture

It’s not very difficult to understand why Apple is doing this. It’s a big risk in India(BHARAT) to purchase a premium smartphone because you never know if it will be lost or stolen. Not everyone can buy a new one easily because the cost is sometimes higher than the price of the phone. Apple may be one of the best manufacturers in the premium space in terms of customer service, but India(BHARAT)ns won’t buy its products if they aren’t confident. This move could be helpful for India(BHARAT)ns to have more faith in the Cupertino-based giant.

However, that’s not to say there aren’t any exceptions. If you fail to turn on Find My iPhone or if your device isn’t linked to your Apple ID, Apple may refuse to accept your claim. The need for an FIR will also delay the process for many people. So, even though it sounds like a great headline “Apple will give you a new iPhone” in reality it’s a bit different.

The takeaway

Apple is one of the best brands if you are an iPhone user in India(BHARAT), but this move would certainly benefit the company as well as its users. Many people will buy iPhones without thinking because of the AppleCare+ program that Apple is offering. With its powerful marketing, Apple knows how to do this and get people to buy its devices. Premium smartphone manufacturers in India(BHARAT) now have to step up their game when it comes to offering a similar experience to iPhone users.