To expand on Diesel Vdub's response:
All apple products come with a 1 year limited hardware warranty, and 90 days of complimentary phone support.
AppleCare increases the 1 year limited hardware warranty to two years (from the date of purchase), and provides access to phone support for the same time. (The 2 years is specific to handheld devices).
AppleCare + gives the same benefits as AppleCare AND provides 2 instances of accidental damage replacement at a discounted rate.
AppleCare+ has to be purchased within 30 days of device purchase.
AppleCare can be purchased anytime in the first year (essentially, while you still have limited warranty).