AppleCare One: A New Way to Protect Your Apple Devices
Apple just launched AppleCare One, a new subscription plan that bundles protection for multiple Apple devices into one affordable package. Announced on July 23, 2025, this plan aims to simplify how you keep your iPhone, iPad, Mac, and other Apple gadgets safe. It’s a big shift from the traditional AppleCare+ plans, offering more flexibility and value for people with multiple devices. Here’s everything you need to know about this new program, from costs to coverage, and why it might be a game-changer for Apple users.
This section introduces AppleCare One, setting the stage for a detailed breakdown of its features, costs, and benefits. It gives a clear overview of what the program is and why it matters, especially for those with multiple Apple devices.
What Is AppleCare One?
AppleCare One is a single monthly subscription that covers up to three Apple devices for $19.99 per month. You can add more devices for $5.99 each per month. Unlike the older AppleCare+ plans, which were tied to individual devices, this plan lets you protect a mix of products under one account. It includes all the benefits of AppleCare+, like accidental damage repairs, theft and loss protection, and 24/7 support from Apple experts. The big news? You can now add devices up to four years old, as long as they’re in good condition.
The plan is designed for ease. If you trade in a covered device, Apple automatically swaps it for the new one in your plan. It’s available in the U.S. starting July 24, 2025, and you can sign up via your iPhone, iPad, Mac, or at an Apple Store. This section explains the core concept of AppleCare One, highlighting its flexibility and how it differs from previous plans.
Key Features of AppleCare One
Let’s break it down. AppleCare One isn’t just a repackaged AppleCare+. It brings new perks that make it stand out. Here’s what you get:
- Coverage for Multiple Devices: Protect up to three devices for $19.99/month, with additional devices at $5.99 each.
- Theft and Loss Protection: Now includes iPad and Apple Watch, not just iPhone, with up to three claims per year.
- Unlimited Accidental Damage Repairs: Covers drops, spills, and more, with low service fees ($29 for screen repairs, $99 for other damages).
- Battery Service: Free replacement if your battery drops below 80% capacity.
- Flexible Device Addition: Add devices up to four years old after a diagnostic check.
- Automatic Upgrades: Trade in a device, and the new one is covered without extra steps.
This subsection lists the main features in a clear, concise way, making it easy to understand what AppleCare One offers. It avoids jargon and focuses on practical benefits.
| Feature | AppleCare One | AppleCare+ (Individual) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Cost | $19.99 for 3 devices, $5.99 per additional | $3.49–$14.99 per device |
| Theft/Loss Coverage | iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch | iPhone only |
| Max Devices | Unlimited (with additional fees) | One per plan |
| Add Older Devices | Up to 4 years old | Within 60 days of purchase |
| Claims per Year | Up to 3 for theft/loss | Up to 2 for theft/loss |
This table compares AppleCare One with traditional AppleCare+ plans, showing the cost savings and added flexibility.
Pros and Cons of AppleCare One
Here’s the thing: no plan is perfect. Let’s weigh the upsides and downsides.
Pros:
- Saves money if you own multiple devices (e.g., $19.99 for iPhone, iPad, and Mac vs. $21+ for separate plans).
- Simplifies managing coverage with one plan.
- Extends theft and loss protection to iPad and Apple Watch.
- Allows older devices to be added, a first for AppleCare.
Cons:
- Only covers devices tied to one Apple Account, no family sharing.
- Headphones must be less than a year old to qualify.
- Requires diagnostic checks for older devices, which could be a hassle.
- Not available outside the U.S. yet, limiting access for global users.
This subsection provides a balanced view of AppleCare One’s benefits and limitations, helping readers decide if it fits their needs.
How Does AppleCare One Save You Money?
If you’ve got an iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch, separate AppleCare+ plans could cost around $21–$29 per month, depending on the devices. With AppleCare One, you pay $19.99 for all three, saving up to $11 monthly. Add a MacBook Pro, and the savings grow—covering four devices costs $25.98, compared to nearly $30 for individual plans. For someone with a high-end iPhone 16 Pro Max ($13.99/month), an M4 iPad Pro ($8.49/month), and a 16-inch MacBook Pro ($14.99/month), AppleCare One saves about $17.48 a month. That’s over $200 a year.
What this really means is that AppleCare One is a better deal the more devices you own, especially pricier ones like Macs or Vision Pro. But if you only have one device, sticking with AppleCare+ might make more sense. This section breaks down the cost savings with specific examples, making the financial benefits clear and relatable.
Who Should Get AppleCare One?
AppleCare One is ideal for people with multiple Apple devices, especially those who upgrade often or own expensive gadgets like a MacBook or Vision Pro. If you’re clumsy and prone to dropping your iPhone or spilling coffee on your iPad, the unlimited accidental damage repairs are a big win. It’s also great for folks with older devices (up to four years) who want to extend protection without buying new gear.
On the flip side, if you only own one Apple product or are super careful with your devices, the traditional AppleCare+ might be enough. Also, if you’re outside the U.S., you’ll have to wait for Apple to roll this out globally. Posts on X show excitement about the plan’s value, with users like @DylanMcD8 noting the four-year window for adding devices as a major perk. This section helps readers figure out if AppleCare One fits their lifestyle, using real-world scenarios and social media sentiment.
How to Sign Up and Manage AppleCare One
Signing up is straightforward. Starting July 24, 2025, you can enroll through:
- Your Device: Go to Settings > General > AppleCare & Warranty on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
- Apple Store: Visit a physical store for in-person help.
- Online: Check apple.com/applecare for details and signup.
To add older devices, you’ll need a diagnostic check, either remotely via your iPhone or in-store. Managing the plan is easy too—swap devices or update coverage directly in the Settings app. If you upgrade your iPhone through Apple, the new device automatically joins your plan. This section walks readers through the practical steps of enrolling and managing the plan, keeping it simple and actionable.
Why AppleCare One Matters
Apple’s move to bundle device protection reflects a broader push toward subscription-based services, like Apple One for music and iCloud. It’s a response to how people use tech today—most households have multiple devices, and managing separate warranties is a pain. By offering theft and loss coverage for iPad and Apple Watch, Apple’s addressing real-world risks, like losing your watch at the gym or your iPad on a trip. The four-year window for adding devices is a nod to loyal customers who keep their gear longer.
What’s interesting is how this plan could save you from pricey repairs. For example, replacing a lost iPhone 16 Pro without coverage could cost $1,000, but with AppleCare One, it’s just a $149 deductible plus the subscription cost. This section ties AppleCare One to broader trends in tech and consumer needs, showing its relevance without fluff.
What’s Next for AppleCare One?
Apple hasn’t said if AppleCare One will expand globally or include other devices like HomePod or Apple TV, but the buzz on X suggests demand is high. Users like @Andrew_OSU called it a “must-buy” for Vision Pro owners, hinting at its appeal for premium device users. Apple might also tweak pricing or add family sharing in the future, based on feedback. For now, it’s a U.S.-only offering, but keep an eye on support.apple.com for updates.
This section looks ahead to potential changes and uses social media to gauge user excitement, wrapping up the article with a forward-looking perspective.
