Apple this week introduced a new AppleCare One plan – a method to purchase AppleCare+ for multiple devices for a single monthly fee.
The precise coverage it provides varies based on the combination of devices you possess, and the cost depends on how many you have, but you’ll almost certainly save money compared to purchasing individual plans for each device. Should you subscribe? That depends …
## Understanding AppleCare
AppleCare can be a bit perplexing, as the company has historically used the branding to refer both to the standard warranty you receive when acquiring a new product and its optional paid policies.
AppleCare has also progressed over time. Initially, it was a one-time payment required at the point of purchase, but it gradually became more flexible, allowing you to add it later, contingent on a device condition verification.
The paid coverage then transformed into AppleCare+, which prolongs the standard warranty and adds coverage for accidental damage. Under this aspect, you still need to pay for the repair or replacement of damaged devices, but at a significantly reduced price. Additional advantages include the option for a subsidized battery replacement if your battery health drops below 80%, and access to complimentary 24/7 technical support for your Apple products.
AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss also incorporates coverage for these occurrences, providing device replacement upon payment of an excess fee, but this has so far only been available for iPhones.
Perhaps most notably, Apple has effectively transformed extended warranties and insurance into a subscription service, requiring ongoing monthly or annual payments.
## How does AppleCare One change things?
AppleCare One modifies things in two principal ways.
Firstly, it enables you to replace individual AppleCare+ plans for each device with a single plan that covers all your Apple devices (with some significant disclaimers we’ll touch upon shortly).
Secondly, it expands theft and loss coverage from iPhone only to include Apple Watch and iPad as well.
Moreover, when you upgrade an existing product, your coverage automatically transfers to the new device.
## How much does AppleCare One cost?
Currently, it is available only in the US.
The plan is priced at $19.99 per month for up to three devices, and $5.99/month for each additional device. In most cases, this will provide a significant saving compared to purchasing individual AppleCare+ plans – plus it’s the only option to include theft and loss coverage for your Apple Watch and iPad.
## What about the small-print?
There are four details in the fine print you should be aware of.
First – and this is crucial given the prominent claim of being able to protect all your Apple devices – all products covered by the plan must be less than four years old. Since many individuals keep Apple Watches, iPads, and Macs longer than this, this represents a considerable (though understandable) limitation.
Second, there’s an even stricter age limit for AirPods – they must be under a year old. Given that they are already protected under warranty for hardware defects for the first year, and you do not receive any theft or loss coverage, the benefit of including these in an AppleCare One policy is minimal. Essentially, you are only obtaining accidental damage coverage for something you are more likely to misplace than to damage.
Third, all devices must be associated with your own Apple account. That means if you open the Settings app on your iPhone and tap your name, scrolling down to your devices, the product must appear on that list. Consequently, you cannot include products owned by family members when those devices are linked to their Apple accounts.
Lastly, all devices must currently be “in good condition,” and you may be required to demonstrate this by conducting diagnostic checks and/or having them inspected at an Apple store.
## Will AppleCare One save you money?
Provided you have at least three Apple products, and you are currently paying for AppleCare+ for each, you will most likely save money by consolidating coverage into an AppleCare One account.
In my investigation, I couldn’t identify any scenarios where there wouldn’t be at least some savings, even if they were minimal. However, it’s advisable to consider alternatives to AppleCare before committing.
## What are the AppleCare alternatives?
### Self-insuring
Also known as, opting for no coverage at all. There are individuals who are extremely careful with their items, reside in secure neighborhoods, are not prone to accidents, and so on. If you are one of these fortunate individuals, you might be better off self-insuring – in other words, not purchasing any insurance coverage at all and simply paying the full cost for any items you damage or lose.
### Property or renter’s insurance
Your property or renter’s insurance typically provides coverage for all possessions while they are within your home, and there may be all-risks add-ons available that extend to mobile usage as well.
However, carefully review the fine print as there are often limits on the value of any single item, or specific restrictions on items like
