Apple has announced that new iPad owners will have the option to purchase the AppleCare+ for iPad service plan. Every iPad will ship with the usual one year hardware-related technical support and 90 days of expert telephone technical support. The optional AppleCare+ for iPad will not only extend both of these support features to two years but it also gives the customer protection from accidental damage. This is similar to the AppleCare+ plan that launched during the iPhone 4S release as it provides up to two incidents of accidental damage coverage. Each of these incidents would be subject to a $49 fee should the iPad need to be serviced because of accidental damage.

AppleCare+ for iPad extends your coverage to two years from the original purchase date of your iPad and adds up to two incidents of accidental damage coverage, each subject to a $49 service fee.1 Whether you use your iPad with a Mac or a PC, just one phone call can help resolve most issues.2

Items covered under the warranty:

• The iPad
• Battery
• Any Time Capsule or AirPort device purchased with the iPad
• USB cable and Power adapter

Apple also states that in order to qualify for the AppleCare+ plan, it must be purchased within 30 days of the date the iPad was purchased. If you wait to buy the plan, you can still pick one up within that 30 days by bringing your device to an Apple retail store for a Genius to inspect. Provided there is no pre-existing damage then you will be able to purchase the AppleCare+ plan.

AppleCare+ will be available soon and is priced at only $99