Apple has announced a price drop for the out-of-warranty service cost of the Apple Watch Sport to $199.
During the launch of the iPhone SE and the 9.7-inch iPad Pro at Apple's Cupertino headquarters on March 21, the company also announced a new band material - woven nylon - for the Apple Watch. The company also revealed a few more colors for other Apple Watch bands and confirmed that the starting price of the Apple smartphone has been reduced to $299.
Apple has not only reduced the price of the Apple Watch, it has also cut the out-of-warranty service cost for the wearable.
Previously, the out-of-warranty service fee for the Apple Watch Sport was $229 but it has been reduced by $30, which now brings the cost to $199.
The out-of-warranty repair costs for the Apple Watch Hermès and the Apple Watch Edition remain the same at $329 and $2,800, respectively.
Apple offers a one-year limited warranty for the Apple Watch and Apple Watch Sport, while the Apple Watch Hermès and Apple Watch Edition are covered for two years. Customers who have the smartwatch can also opt for AppleCare+ for their wearable. The warranty plan offers telephone support as well as additional hardware coverage for two years starting from the purchase date of the Apple Watch Sport or three years for the Apple Watch Edition or Apple Watch Hermès.
"AppleCare+ includes two incidents of accidental damage coverage, each with a service fee. AppleCare+ includes Express Replacement Service so you can get a replacement before sending in your Watch," says Apple.
An Apple Watch customer has the option to buy AppleCare+ along with the watch or within 60 days of purchasing the wearable. AppleCare+ warranty plans in the United States cost $49 for the Sport, $99 for the Apple Watch Hermès and $1,500 for the Apple Watch Edition.
AppleCare+ customers for Apple Watch also get expert software support, including troubleshooting with the smartwatch, Watch OS and Apple-branded Apple Watch apps. Customers can get assistance for using the Watch OS, connecting the smartwatch to an iPhone and more.
However, customers who have an Apple Watch that is not covered by Apple's limited warranty or AppleCare+ can take advantage of the out-of-warranty repair service.
"If your repair isn't covered by Apple's Limited Warranty or AppleCare+, your Watch might be eligible for out-of-warranty service. Some damage isn't eligible at all, for example, if your device has been broken into multiple pieces," says Apple.
Customers may find the $199 for the out-of-warranty repair service expensive, but it is cheaper than paying for a brand-new Apple Watch.
