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After my device protection plan claim, who keeps the old device, and does my plan still run?

Other insuranceOtherChecked Nov 6, 2026

From K.Actuary, founded by Sangmin Kwon, ASA · sources checked 2026-11-06 · Source: Apple View original ↗

In short

  1. If Apple swaps your device, the old one becomes Apple's.
  2. The new one is yours, and the plan keeps going.
  3. If Apple pays you money instead, the plan ends.

What this means

Apple's terms say Apple may repair your device or exchange it for a replacement. If Apple exchanges it, "the original product becomes Apple's property and the replacement product is your property with coverage effective for the remainder of the Plan Term" [1].

If Apple cannot repair or replace the device, Apple may pay you instead. It can be store credit, Apple Cash, a gift card or cash. The amount is Apple's current retail price for the device, or the amount you paid as shown on the original proof of purchase, whichever is greater [1].

When Apple pays you this way, "the original Covered Device will become Apple's property and your Plan will automatically terminate as you are no longer in possession of the Covered Device" [1].

Your next step

Before you accept a payment instead of a replacement, ask Apple in writing whether your plan will end. Keep the proof of purchase you used. The page gives no deadline for this.

Check it yourself

Open the Apple page below and read section 3.3.

Where this comes from (1)

  1. [1] Apple · checked 2026-11-06

    If Apple exchanges the Covered Device, the original product becomes Apple's property and the replacement product is your property with coverage effective for the remainder of the Plan Term. … If repair or replacement under (i) and (ii) are not possible or available as determined by Apple, then Apple, at its sole discretion, will reimburse you with Apple store credit, Apple Cash, an Apple Gift Card sent to your Apple …

How we found this

We matched your question to 1 official source, quoted the exact lines, and re-checked each quote against its source on 2026-11-06.

What we don’t know yet

Your own plan or notice may say something different. If your letter cites another rule, send it and we will look again.

Every answer is checked against the official rule it quotes.

Information only — not legal advice. Your plan, insurer or agency decides.

This answer quotes the official sources listed above, with the date we checked them. Your own policy, notice and state rules control. We are not your lawyer or your insurer. We don’t file, argue or negotiate claims for you — you send any letter or form yourself.

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