Apple now offering AppleCare+ for iPad: 3-year extended warranty, accidental damage coverage

As rumored, Apple has updated its AppleCare program for the iPad, now offering a full AppleCare+ warranty that’s mirrors its offering for the iPhone. The AppleCare+ program adds an additional two years on top of the existing one-year warranty, but more importantly it gives customers coverage for up to two “incidents of accidental damage” with a $49 service fee.

As with all AppleCare products, you’ll need to sign up within 30 days of purchasing your iPad. The fine print, as ever, provides the caveats you’ll want to be aware of before you visit the Genius Bar for your “Accidental Damage from Handling” (ADH) coverage:

ADH coverage does not include (a) protection against normal wear and tear, theft, misplacement, reckless, abusive, willful or intentional conduct associated with handling and use of the Covered iPad,

Unfortunately, Apple hasn’t yet listed the cost of AppleCare+ for the iPad, saying it’s only “Coming Soon.”