AppleCare Revamp: What You Need to Know
Apple is making significant strides in its support services with the introduction of the new AppleCare One plan. This update, effective Wednesday, brings a host of changes aimed at enhancing device coverage for users. The new One plan allows for coverage of multiple devices under a single monthly subscription, making it easier than ever to manage your Apple ecosystem.
With AppleCare One, you can cover up to three Apple devices for just $20 a month. This includes any Apple device currently eligible for AppleCare, which can be added within the first 60 days post-purchase or even up to four years later, as long as the devices are in “good condition.” What does “good condition” mean? Basically, your devices need to turn on and have no significant damage, like cracked screens. Plus, for just $6 more a month, you can add any additional devices.
Enhanced Coverage Options
The revamped plans continue to offer device repairs and replacements at lower service fees compared to outright repairs. While AppleCare Plus remains available for individual devices, the new bundled approach could lead to significant savings, especially for users with multiple devices like an iPhone and an Apple Watch.
Both AppleCare One and Plus now include theft and loss coverage for the Apple Watch and iPad. However, this change means that new AppleCare Plus subscribers will see a slight price increase. For instance, AppleCare Plus for the Apple Watch Series 10 will now be $5 per month instead of the previous $4. It’s worth noting that existing plans without theft and loss coverage will maintain their current pricing until the subscription ends.
Apple has made it clear that for users looking to transition to the anticipated iPhone 17 line, AppleCare One automatically covers new devices upon purchase, particularly when trading in an older model already on an AppleCare plan. This means your new device will seamlessly replace an old device covered by AppleCare, enhancing the user experience when it comes to device upgrades.
While AppleCare One is optimized for individual users needing coverage over multiple devices, it won’t cover multiple Apple accounts, potentially leaving families to pay for each AppleCare Plus plan separately. This could create confusion, especially for users accustomed to family-sharing features like those found in Apple TV services.