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How to check your Apple warranty status and what it covers

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How to check your Apple warranty status and what it covers

You love your Apple devices, right? They are sleek, powerful and easy to use.

But what if something goes wrong with them? In that case, understanding warranty coverage can be a game-changer.

Apple guarantees that your devices will work as intended for a certain period of time. How long, you ask?

Well, that depends on the type of device and the service option you choose. Let me break it down for you.

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Apple Watch and iPhone 15 (Apple)

Duration of Apple’s standard warranty

Apple, known for its commitment to quality, offers a warranty for its devices to ensure customer satisfaction. Here’s what you need to know about the duration:

  • iPhone: The iPhone comes with a standard one-year limited warranty. This warranty covers manufacturing defects and hardware issues, giving you peace of mind during the initial year of ownership.
  • Apple Watch: Just like the iPhone, the Apple Watch also enjoys a one-year limited warranty. This warranty provides coverage against manufacturing defects, ensuring your smartwatch functions flawlessly during its first year.
  • AirPods: Apple’s popular wireless earbuds are also covered by a one-year limited warranty. This warranty safeguards your AirPods from manufacturing defects and hardware issues for the first year of use.

The iPhone 15, Apple Watch and AirPods  (Apple)

How to check warranty status

To determine if your warranty is currently active for your Apple devices, Apple provides a straightforward and convenient way to check by logging onto https://checkcoverage.apple.com/.

AppleCare & Warranty page (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

By checking your coverage, you can quickly and easily determine if your warranty is still active for your specific Apple product category. This information can be invaluable in understanding your device’s coverage and whether it’s time to consider extending your protection with AppleCare+ for that added peace of mind.

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How to see what your coverage includes

  • Go to mysupport.apple.com.
  • Sign in with your Apple ID.
  • Choose your device. You can see details about the support that you’re eligible for, including technical support and hardware repairs.

Check when your coverage expires

  • Go to mysupport.apple.com.
  • Sign in with your Apple ID.
  • Choose your device. The expiration date is listed along with other details about your device coverage.

Common issues not covered under warranty:

While Apple devices are known for their quality and reliability, there are still some common issues that may occur with these devices that are typically not covered under warranty. It’s essential to be aware of these potential issues and understand that they might require out-of-pocket expenses for repair or replacement if you don’t have extended coverage. Here are 8 common problems that may not be covered under warranty:

1) Accidental damage: Accidents happen, and unfortunately, most warranties, including Apple’s standard warranty, do not cover accidental damage. This includes situations like dropping your iPhone or Apple Watch, spilling liquid on your device, or physically damaging your AirPods.

2) Screen damage: Cracked or shattered screens are a frequent issue with iPhones and Apple Watches. While the standard warranty covers manufacturing defects, it generally does not cover physical damage to the screen, unless you have AppleCare+ or a separate insurance plan that specifically includes screen damage coverage.

3) Battery wear and tear: Over time, the battery in your iPhone or Apple Watch may degrade, leading to reduced battery life and performance. Normal battery wear and tear are not typically covered by a warranty, especially after the initial one-year period. However, if your battery experiences an issue unrelated to normal wear, it may still be covered.

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4) Software issues: Software-related problems, such as app crashes, glitches, or slow performance, are generally not covered under warranty. These issues can often be resolved through software updates, troubleshooting, or by visiting an Apple Store for assistance.

5) Out-of-warranty repairs: If your device experiences a non-covered issue after the warranty has expired, you may need to pay for the repair or replacement. These costs can vary depending on the specific problem and the model of your device.

6) Unauthorized modifications: If you’ve modified your device in ways not authorized by Apple, such as jailbreaking your iPhone or using non-Apple components for repairs, your warranty may be voided, and Apple may refuse service for any issues that arise.

7) Lost or stolen devices: Warranties do not cover lost or stolen devices. If your Apple device goes missing, you will likely need to replace it at your own expense. If your Apple device does go missing, you may want to use the Find My app to locate it.

8) Cosmetic damage: Minor cosmetic issues, like scratches or dents, are generally not covered by a warranty unless they are directly related to a manufacturing defect.

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Damaged iPhone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

It’s essential to read the terms and conditions of your warranty, whether it’s the standard warranty, to understand the extent of coverage and any limitations. Additionally, consider purchasing insurance or protection plans like AppleCare + if you want coverage for accidental damage or other issues not covered under the standard warranty, like theft and loss.

Extending your coverage with AppleCare+

Apple offers an additional layer of protection through AppleCare+. For a fee, you can extend your warranty coverage, adding valuable benefits:

  • Extended coverage: AppleCare+ extends the warranty for your iPhone, Apple Watch, or AirPods, providing peace of mind beyond the initial year.
  • Accidental damage protection: With AppleCare+, accidental damage is also covered. This includes incidents like dropping your iPhone, submerging your Apple Watch or damaging your AirPods.
  • Renewal options: Another valuable feature of AppleCare+ is the ability to renew coverage. Even after your initial one-year warranty expires, you can renew your AppleCare+ plan annually as long as your devices remain eligible, ensuring ongoing protection and support.
  • 24/7 technical support: In addition to warranty coverage, AppleCare+ also offers access to 24/7 technical support, providing expert assistance whenever you encounter issues with your devices.

You can purchase AppleCare+ when you buy your Apple device or within a specific time frame after the initial purchase. At the time of publishing, these are the costs of AppleCare+

  • iPhone: from $3.99 monthly or $79 for 2 years
  • Apple Watch:from $2.49 monthly or $49 for 2 years
  • AirPods: $29 for 2 years

Understanding your Apple Warranty and AppleCare+ options can help you make informed decisions to protect your beloved Apple devices. So, whether you’re a devoted iPhone user, an Apple Watch enthusiast, or a fan of AirPods, rest assured that Apple has your back with a warranty that covers, extends, and renews, ensuring your tech remains a trusted companion on your digital journey.

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Additional coverage options

You also have the option to purchase additional coverage through third-party insurance plans, which include:

These plans offer various levels of coverage and may also protect against accidental damage, theft and loss.

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Kurt’s key takeaways

The iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods all come with a standard warranty for one year. This warranty covers any problems with the hardware or the manufacturing of your device. But what if you drop your iPhone and crack the screen, or spill coffee on your AirPods?

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That’s where AppleCare+ comes in handy. It’s an extra protection plan that gives you more coverage for accidental damage, a longer warranty period, and faster technical support. Of course, you can also choose other insurance plans that suit your needs and budget. Both options provide valuable protection beyond what the standard warranty covers. The important thing is to be aware of your options and protect your Apple devices from any unexpected issues.

How do you feel about Apple’s warranty policy? Do you think it’s fair and sufficient, or do you think it should be more comprehensive and flexible? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

For more of my tech tips & security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter.

Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you’d like us to cover.

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Copyright 2024 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.

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Skylight’s 15-inch smart calendar is down to its lowest price to date

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Skylight’s 15-inch smart calendar is down to its lowest price to date

When you’re juggling more than just your own calendar, staying organized can be overwhelming. Fortunately, the Skylight Calendar 2 can help simplify things by syncing multiple calendars in a single spot, and now through May 7th, it’s available directly from Skylight for $259.99 ($40 off), its best price to date.

Skylight’s 15-inch smart calendar improves upon the original with a brighter screen, faster performance, and a slimmer design with swappable magnetic frames. Otherwise, though, it offers the same core experience, making it easy for the whole family to see events at a glance, whether you mount it on a wall or place it on a kitchen counter using the included adjustable stand. It automatically syncs with Google, Apple, Yahoo, Outlook, and Cozi calendars, pulling them into a single shared space that updates automatically. Each household member gets their own color, too, so it’s easy to keep track of who’s doing what.

In addition to event planning, the Calendar 2 makes it easier to arrange and assign other day-to-day tasks. You can create and manage shared chore charts, grocery lists, and to-do lists directly on the touchscreen device or through the mobile app for Android and iOS, which makes it easy for everyone in your household to stay on track and contribute. Skylight also provides detailed weather forecasts for your events, so you know what to expect before heading out.

If you subscribe to Skylight’s Calendar Plus plan, the Calendar 2 takes even more of the work off your plate. You can forward emails, upload PDFs, or snap photos of flyers and automatically turn them into calendar events. You also get meal planning tools that let you plan breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks for the week, as well as the ability to assign chores and reward kids for completing them. Plus, just for fun, there’s a screensaver mode that turns the display into an ad hoc digital photo frame when it’s not actively being used as a calendar.

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Anthropic’s Mythos AI found over 2,000 unknown software vulnerabilities in just seven weeks of testing

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Anthropic’s Mythos AI found over 2,000 unknown software vulnerabilities in just seven weeks of testing

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There is a new AI model called Mythos. Anthropic built it for defensive cybersecurity research. It is so effective at finding software vulnerabilities that Anthropic decided the general public cannot have it.  

Instead, it is letting a small circle of trusted partners like Microsoft and Google experiment with it first under controlled conditions, while researchers figure out what guardrails need to exist.

That decision alone should tell you something. When the company that built a tool decides the world is not ready for it, you pay attention. And when you understand what Mythos actually did during testing, that caution starts to make complete sense.

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Anthropic’s Mythos AI uncovered more than 2,000 unknown software vulnerabilities in just seven weeks, showing how fast AI can now expose hidden weaknesses. (Gabby Jones/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

How Anthropic’s Mythos AI found 2,000 vulnerabilities in seven weeks

Seven weeks. One AI model. One team. More than 2,000 previously unknown software vulnerabilities were found. If you need a moment with that, take it. John Ackerly, CEO and co-founder of Virtru, a data security company, put that figure into perspective in a way that is hard to shake.

“Mythos is absolutely a turning point for cybersecurity. Think about it. Mythos didn’t pick a lock; it found thousands of locks that were never locked in the first place (that no one even knew existed) in software that the best human security researchers had studied for decades.

The math is staggering. One AI model, and one team, in seven weeks, found more than 2,000 zero-day vulnerabilities. That is 30% of the world’s entire annual output prior to AI. When thousands of researchers get access to AI models like Mythos, a single year will surface exponentially more zero-days than the 360,000 recorded in all of software history.

Mythos and other AI models like it can now find and exploit software flaws at a speed and scale that is beyond containment. This means that the old approach of building stronger walls around systems and hoping they hold is becoming much less reliable. It also means that the manual “find a vulnerability, patch the vulnerability” process is not going to keep pace with a threat landscape bolstered by the speed and scale of AI.

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The threat surface is now expanding faster than any wall can contain it. The only answer to this new dynamic is to protect the data itself, rather than prop up perimeter protection around it.

Thirty percent of the world’s annual output in seven weeks changes the game entirely.

What makes Mythos AI different from other AI security tools

Cybersecurity teams have used AI tools for years. So, what makes this different?

Ackerly explains it this way: “What makes this different is the level of autonomy and speed it enables. Mythos is being described as a system that can discover vulnerabilities and even generate working exploits much faster than traditional human-led workflows. This model could make it easy for a bad actor to identify and exploit vulnerabilities in software, even if that bad actor isn’t knowledgeable or trained.”

That last part matters most. Before a tool like this, exploiting a serious software vulnerability required real technical skill. Mythos AI lowers that barrier significantly. A person with bad intentions and no technical background could potentially use a model like this to cause serious damage. The expertise gap that once offered some natural protection is closing.

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Security experts warn that tools like Mythos could shrink the time it takes to find and exploit flaws from weeks down to minutes. (Patrick Sison/AP Photo)

Why Anthropic’s Mythos AI is breaking down perimeter security

Most cybersecurity spending, the overwhelming majority of it, goes toward what experts call perimeter defense. Think firewalls, network monitoring, endpoint security and intrusion detection. The entire strategy is built on one core idea of keeping the bad actors out, and the data inside stays safe.

Ackerly describes how that model is now breaking down.

“The perimeter is the digital wall around your systems and the information you possess. For decades, cyber strategies have primarily focused on the idea that if you protected the perimeter well enough — if you built a strong enough wall — the sensitive data on the inside would stay safe,” Ackerly said. 

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“The industry has poured hundreds of billions of dollars into firewalls, endpoint detection, network security, application security and other perimeter defenses. Traditional security architecture by itself cannot keep pace in this new world.

“The Mythos development from Anthropic is making a hard truth very apparent: Time is running out for companies to prepare for this new reality. Shifting focus from ‘protecting the perimeter’ to ‘protecting the data’ is critically important to mitigate data loss or compromise.”

Hundreds of billions of dollars. And now the model those dollars were built on is becoming unreliable. It forces a full rethink.

Does Anthropic’s Mythos AI give attackers the advantage?

This is the question everyone wants a straight answer to. Ackerly offers one that is more nuanced than a simple yes or no.

“I wouldn’t frame it as attackers automatically having an advantage. But, over time, it does mean that ‘bad guys’ and ‘good guys’ will have access to essentially the same tools. As a result, I do think defenders absolutely need a different strategy. If you assume the outer wall may fail, then the smarter move is to protect the data itself so it stays controlled even after a breach.”

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The playing field is leveling. And that may sound fair until you remember attackers only need to succeed once, while defenders have to succeed every time.

How fast is Mythos AI changing the cybersecurity threat landscape?

Speed is what makes Mythos AI genuinely alarming. Traditional cyberattacks move through a lifecycle. Reconnaissance takes time. Finding the right vulnerability takes more time. Building an exploit takes more time on top of that.

Ackerly explains what happens when AI compresses all of that.

“AI is accelerating the threat. A model that can find and exploit vulnerabilities autonomously compresses the attack lifecycle from weeks to hours, or even minutes. Every layer of the traditional security stack now has to operate at machine speed. Manual security architectures cannot keep up.

“But AI also makes data-centric security more powerful, not less so. When every piece of sensitive data is protected at the object-level, AI agents can enforce governance at scale by checking entitlements, applying attribute-based access controls, and auditing data flows in real time. The same capabilities that make Mythos a dangerous tool in the hands of ‘bad guys’ make it a valuable tool in the hands of ‘good guys.’”

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The question organizations should be asking shifts from “how do I build higher walls?” to “when the walls fail, is my data still protected?” That is the question worth sitting with.

What Mythos AI means for regular people’s personal data

Most of the Mythos coverage has focused on corporate risk. But your bank account and medical records sit in those same vulnerable systems.

“For everyday people, the first change is that breaches and scams could become more frequent, more targeted, and harder to spot. If AI makes it easier to uncover weak points in the systems we all rely on, that can translate into more pressure on the services that hold our personal data, from email and cloud storage to health, banking, and retail platforms.

Consumers shouldn’t assume a company is doing the right thing with their data. Now, they really can’t assume a company’s outer defenses are enough to protect their information.

This also highlights the importance of basic cyber hygiene like unique passwords and MFA, so that when breaches happen, the scope of impact on your own personal data is contained.”

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Your bank account, your medical records, your tax documents, your private messages. All of it already lives across dozens of platforms you trust to protect it. If those platforms’ outer defenses are no longer reliable, what exactly is standing between your data and someone who wants it?

Ackerly goes further on where the exposure actually lives. “Data now travels across clouds, devices, partners, and borders. The risk isn’t just one hacked server in one building anymore. It’s all the places your data passes through or gets copied to along the way. 

Was Anthropic right to keep Mythos AI restricted?

Anthropic made a choice that is rare in the AI industry. They built something powerful and then decided not to release it widely.

On that decision, Ackerly is direct. “Anthropic’s decision to withhold Mythos from general release is unprecedented and, frankly, responsible. Time will tell what these partners are able to do with regard to safety, but releasing it to the general public would certainly have been ill-advised and dangerous.”

Unprecedented. That word deserves weight here. In an industry that races to release new tech, Anthropic stopped. That speaks volumes.

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We reached out to Anthropic for a comment, but did not hear back before our deadline.

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As AI accelerates cyberattacks, the focus is shifting from protecting networks to protecting the data itself. (Kury “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

How to stay safe as cybersecurity shifts

The perimeter model is deteriorating, but that does not mean you are helpless. Individual behavior still matters, and it matters more now than it did before.

Ackerly’s recommendation is this: “Stop assuming the app, platform, or company perimeter can always protect your information, or that they will do the right thing with your data. People should be much more deliberate about what data they share, where they store it, and who can access it. Protection needs to travel with the data, not just sit at the edge of a network. For you, that means choosing services that give you stronger control over your information and being more cautious about oversharing sensitive data in the first place. The data owner should always have governance over said data.” So where do you start?

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1) Use unique passwords for every account

A password manager makes this realistic. If one platform gets breached, unique passwords keep the damage isolated to that one account.

2) Turn on multi-factor authentication wherever it is available

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) adds a layer that survives even when a password is compromised. It is one of the highest-impact steps an individual can take.

3) Run strong antivirus software and keep devices updated

Outdated software is one of the most common entry points attackers use. Strong antivirus software catches threats your instincts might miss, and keeping apps and operating systems current closes the gaps that models like Mythos are built to find. Get my picks for the best 2026 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices at Cyberguy.com

4) Be selective about what you share and where

Every app that holds your data is a potential exposure point. The less you overshare, the smaller your footprint becomes.

5) Use a data removal service

Data brokers collect and sell your personal information, often without you ever knowing. Data removal services find where your data is listed and request its removal. You cannot control every place your information travels, but you can shrink the trail it leaves behind. Check out my top picks for data removal services and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web by visiting Cyberguy.com

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6) Choose services that offer real data control

Not all platforms treat your data the same way. Look for services that let you see, manage and limit how your information is used and where it goes.

7) Monitor your accounts and credit

Catching a breach early limits the damage significantly. Set up account alerts wherever your bank or financial platform allows it. A credit freeze costs nothing and stops new accounts from being opened in your name without your knowledge.

8) Stay skeptical of phishing attempts

Ackerly warned that scams will get more targeted and harder to spot as AI lowers the barrier for bad actors. Scrutinize every link before you click it and treat unexpected emails or texts asking for login information as suspicious by default. If something feels off, it probably is.

9) Assume breaches will happen

The goal is to limit how much damage they can do. When you operate with that assumption, your decisions about data hygiene get sharper, and your exposure gets smaller.

Take my quiz: How safe is your online security?

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Think your devices and data are truly protected? Take this quick quiz to see where your digital habits stand. From passwords to Wi-Fi settings, you’ll get a personalized breakdown of what you’re doing right and what needs improvement. Take my Quiz here: Cyberguy.com    

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Kurt’s key takeaways 

Mythos did not create the vulnerability problem. It made the scale of it visible in a way that is no longer ignorable. The foundation of modern cybersecurity, the idea that strong enough walls will keep data safe, is being tested in real time by a technology that moves faster than any human team can. That is a consumer story as much as it is a corporate one. Your data lives in systems built on that old model. 

And the moment to think differently about how it is protected is now, not after the next major breach makes the headlines. Anthropic made a responsible call by limiting access to Mythos. But the model exists. The capability is real. Other versions of it are being developed. The question for every organization and every individual becomes the same one Ackerly keeps returning to.

When the walls fail, and experts are telling us they will, what is actually protecting your data on the other side? Let us know your thoughts by writing to us at Cyberguy.com

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Copyright 2026 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.

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Trump fires the entire National Science Board

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Trump fires the entire National Science Board

Multiple sources are reporting that the Trump administration has dismissed the entire National Science Board (NSB). The NSB advises the president and Congress on the National Science Foundation (NSF), which has already been funding research at historically low levels and has seen significant delays in doling out that funding. The NSF has been fundamental in helping develop technology used in MRIs, cellphones, and it even helped get Duolingo get off the ground.

In a statement, Zoe Lofgren, the ranking Democrat on the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee, said:

“This is the latest stupid move made by a president who continues to harm science and American innovation. The NSB is apolitical. It advises the president on the future of NSF. It unfortunately is no surprise a president who has attacked NSF from day one would seek to destroy the board that helps guide the Foundation. Will the president fill the NSB with MAGA loyalists who won’t stand up to him as he hands over our leadership in science to our adversaries? A real bozo the clown move.”

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