Apple's AirPods might be great for a true wireless listening experience, but getting a replacement when they are lost or stolen can be expensive, and even for those enrolled in AppleCare+. Apple hardware purchases tend to come with a one-year warranty. However, Apple does offer an AppleCare+ protection plan for those who want extended coverage. For example, AppleCare+ for Headphones specifically extends the coverage to two years for AirPods or Beats purchases. However, while AppleCare+ provides coverage for both repairs and replacements, lost or stolen earbuds are an exception.
Put simply, AppleCare+ doesn't cover AirPods that are either lost or stolen. Due to this, AirPods owners enrolled in AppleCare+ won’t benefit any more than those who haven’t opted for the extended warranty option. Not only does this blanket rule apply to both the standard AirPods and AirPods Pro models, but it also applies to the charging case as well. As a result, any lost or stolen AirPods will need to be replaced, at a cost.
How Much It Costs To Replace One AirPod
While AppleCare+ doesn’t cover lost or stolen AirPods, Apple does offer an aftercare option to purchase new ones. For example, if a single AirPod is lost, users can simply buy one AirPod to replace it, instead of having to buy an entire set. If using the standard AirPods (first, second, or third-generation), the replacement price is $69 for a single earbud. Those in need of an AirPods Pro (first or second generation) replacement can expect to pay $89 for a single earbud. As to be expected, users will need to clarify whether it is the left or right AirPod that needs replacing when placing an order.
While the cost of stolen AirPods (or two lost earbuds) is going to be twice as much, this can still be a cheaper solution than buying a new pair. Unless the earbuds are stolen (or lost) while in their charging case, purchasing the replacements will work out less expensive, as Apple is not including the charging case in the cost. As an example, the two AirPods Pro earbud replacements would total $178, compared to the $249 retail cost of a completely new set.
For reference, if only the charging case is missing, this can also be purchased separately. For the first-gen and second-gen AirPods, the basic charging case replacement costs $59. The Lightning case for the AirPods 3 costs $69, while the MagSafe case costs $79. The wireless charging case for the standard AirPods also costs $79. As for the AirPods Pro, owners can expect to pay Apple $99 for their replacement wireless charging case or MagSafe case.
Is AppleCare+ For Headphones Worth Buying?
AppleCare+ for Headphones is available for a two-year duration. If buying AirPods, AirPods Pro, or Beats, that will set users back by $29, which is quite reasonable. AppleCare+ for the AirPods Max is more expensive, and costs $59 for two years. The extended protection plan can be bought along with new AirPods or Beats, or within 60 days of purchase.
Users get several benefits with AppleCare+ for Headphones, including 24/7 priority access to Apple Support on chat or phone, mail in or carry in repair, and an express replacement service. It includes unlimited incidents of accidental damage protection during the two-year period. However, Apple does charge a service fee of $29 plus taxes. Battery replacements are also covered if the battery health dips below 80 percent during the coverage period. The coverage also includes the bundled USB cable. Additionally, users will get support for any software-related issues, including problems with Siri or Bluetooth.
If users are clumsy with their AirPods or use them extensively, getting AppleCare+ makes sense since it covers any damage and battery degradation issues. However, for more casual users, it might not be worth spending that extra $29 or $59, particularly given that Apple doesn't replace lost or stolen AirPods.