Does Apple Limited warranty cover scratches?

Answered by Ricardo McCardle

Apple’s Limited Warranty does not cover cosmetic damage, including scratches. The Limited Warranty only covers defects in materials and workmanship that occur during normal use of the product. Cosmetic damage, such as scratches, falls under the category of normal wear and tear, and is not considered a manufacturing defect.

It’s important to note that Apple’s Limited Warranty is specific to the product itself and does not cover damage caused by accidents, misuse, or unauthorized modifications. This means that if your device has scratches or other cosmetic damage due to accidental drops or mishandling, it will not be covered under the warranty.

If you want protection against accidental damage, you can consider purchasing AppleCare+ for your device. AppleCare+ extends the coverage of the Limited Warranty and provides additional benefits, including coverage for up to two incidents of accidental damage. However, it’s worth noting that even with AppleCare+, cosmetic damage like scratches may still not be covered, as it depends on the specific circumstances and the severity of the damage.

In my personal experience, I had a MacBook Pro with a few scratches on the exterior due to regular use and carrying it in a backpack. When I contacted Apple support to inquire about warranty coverage for the scratches, they informed me that cosmetic damage is not covered under the Limited Warranty. They suggested considering AppleCare+ if I wanted coverage for accidental damage, but they also mentioned that minor scratches are generally considered normal wear and tear and may not be covered even with AppleCare+.

To summarize, unless the scratches on your Apple device are due to a manufacturing defect, they are not covered under Apple’s Limited Warranty. Cosmetic damage, including scratches, is generally considered normal wear and tear and is not covered unless you have purchased AppleCare+ or the damage is severe enough to be considered a defect.