So a couple weeks after I got my 15 Pro Max I noticed that it would ask for my passcode to use Face ID even though I hadn’t restarted the phone or anything. Downloaded system status app and sure enough the device restarted itself, and it happened several times again later. I did buy AppleCare+ when I got the phone because $10 a month sounds pretty good for the peace of mind.

Support had me run some tests and based on those they confirmed a hardware fault and recommended I bring it to an Apple Store. But that’s an hour trip each way so I wasn’t about to do all that. They then said I also had the option to do an Express Replacement at no cost to me, excluding a hefty authorization hold on my credit card that will drop off once they receive my old phone.

I know this is a $29 option without AC+ but since I only paid once so far, that $10 has basically gotten me a “new” phone replacement and I don’t even have to leave the house to get it.

On one hand it’s a bummer to even have to do this for a new phone, but shit happens and the fact that this service is a thing is remarkable to me. I was a Samsung owner for 10 years and idk if you’ve ever had to deal with their customer service but it can be a major pain in the ass.

We’ll see how the replacement device is, but so far I’m very impressed.