How long do I have to purchase apple care for my iphone 5?

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You can purchase the AppleCare during the first year of the device

Anytime during the initial one-year warranty period. However, if you're gonna purchase it, you might as well do so as so as possible. Why? The initial phone support is only 90 days...AppleCare extends this to two years.

Thirty days. Here's the reference:

http://store.apple.com/us/product/APP_IPHONE_PLUS_AUTO-110480/applecare-for-ipho ne

Addendum: Note wjosten and mende1 are talking about AppleCare. They are certainly correct assuming AppleCare is still sold for iPhone (I believe it is).

My reference is for AppleCare+, which costs a bit more but includes some extra coverage for user-caused problems.

I want apple care Plus for my iphone 5.

AppleCare+ must be purchased within 30 days of the date you bought your new iPhone. If you did not purchase AppleCare+ with your iPhone, you may purchase it at an Apple Retail Store. To buy AppleCare+ at an Apple Retail Store, a Genius will first need to verify your iPhone purchase date and confirm that your iPhone has no pre-existing damage. Schedule a Genius Bar appointment

From Here > http://www.apple.com/support/products/iphone.html

sberman is correct & mende1 is wrong here, as am I. AppleCare is NO LONGER available for iPhone...only AppleCare Plus, & that MUST be purchased within 30 days of the hardware purchase. I just called AppleCare & verified such.

wjosten wrote:

sberman is correct & mende1 is wrong here, as am I. AppleCare is NO LONGER available for iPhone...only AppleCare Plus, & that MUST be purchased within 30 days of the hardware purchase. I just called AppleCare & verified such.

For reference any one reading from outside US

Apple Care is still and the only offering in UK therefore likely the rest of EU

AppleCare+ does not exist in UK and therefore the during first 12 months is also correct for AppleCare

If you buy applecare "make sure it gets regeistered!!" I have done this twice after sales from applestore with many hours of frustration trying to get proof of regestration of applecare.......check the serial number right after the process to ensure it was done! (I won't buy applecare ever again, too much hastle and I don't even have a claim yet!)