Apple is revamping its AppleCare service with the introduction of a new plan called AppleCare One, along with updates to AppleCare Plus. The AppleCare One plan is particularly noteworthy as it allows users to cover multiple Apple devices under a single monthly subscription. Starting Wednesday, this plan enables coverage for devices that are up to four years old, provided they remain in good condition. In addition, both AppleCare One and Plus are expanding to include theft and loss coverage for the Apple Watch and iPad, which was previously only available for the iPhone.
The AppleCare One plan is priced at $20 per month and covers up to three eligible Apple devices. This includes any device currently sold by Apple that qualifies for AppleCare and can be added within the first 60 days of purchase or anytime within four years after purchase, assuming the device is operational and undamaged. Additional devices can be incorporated for an extra $6 each. The new plan aims to simplify coverage while maintaining the affordable repair service structure that AppleCare Plus has provided.
AppleCare Plus remains available for single-device coverage, which may still be the better choice for certain setups, particularly for users only seeking to cover devices like an Apple Watch or AirPods. For instance, the monthly rates for covering an iPhone or Mac laptop are approximately $12 and $7, respectively, making the $20 AppleCare One plan a more economical option for users needing coverage for multiple devices. On the other hand, customers primarily interested in covering just a single device might find that sticking with AppleCare Plus suits their needs better.
One of the significant changes with AppleCare Plus is that both the Apple Watch and iPad will now come standard with theft and loss coverage, eliminating the option for a lower-cost plan without this feature. This change might lead to higher costs for new subscribers, as the Apple Watch Series 10, for example, will see an increase from $4 to $5 monthly. The same applies to the iPhone, which has already moved to a bundled model for theft and loss coverage. Existing AppleCare subscribers can continue with their current plans until they expire, ensuring a smooth transition for current users.
The introduction of AppleCare One comes just ahead of the anticipated September unveiling of the iPhone 17 line. Although the company did not directly reference the upcoming iPhone, the new plan will automatically cover any new devices purchased when trading in an older one that is already under AppleCare. This means, for instance, that purchasing an iPhone 17 and trading in an iPhone 13 will seamlessly integrate the new device into the AppleCare One coverage.
AppleCare One is primarily tailored for individual users who need coverage for multiple devices rather than for families with multiple accounts. Users looking to cover multiple iPhones will have to opt for separate AppleCare Plus plans or explore alternative insurance options. This limitation could create confusion as Apple’s ecosystem allows sharing in some areas, but AppleCare One does not extend its benefits across different family accounts. The new offerings reflect Apple’s continuous efforts to adapt their services in line with customer needs while ensuring device protection remains a priority.
