Apple has just unveiled AppleCare One, a brand-new service designed to simplify how you protect your favorite Apple devices. Launched on July 23, 2025, this plan aims to offer a single, streamlined solution for covering multiple products, promising “incredible value” and “simple, affordable peace of mind”.
But what exactly does this new plan cover, and what are its limitations? Let’s break it down.
What’s Included with AppleCare One?
AppleCare One bundles comprehensive protection for your Apple ecosystem, bringing together many benefits under one roof:
- Simplified Pricing:
- The base plan costs $19.99 per month.
- This covers up to three eligible Apple products.
- You can add more products anytime for an additional $5.99 per month per device.
- The monthly cost remains fixed regardless of the specific products covered (e.g., an iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch cost the same as an iPhone, iPad, and Mac).
- All AppleCare+ Benefits: AppleCare One includes everything you’d expect from AppleCare+ :
- Unlimited Accidental Damage Repairs: Covers incidents like drops and spills.
- 24/7 Priority Support: Get assistance from Apple experts via phone or chat anytime.
- Apple-Certified Service: All repairs use genuine Apple parts and are performed by Apple-certified technicians.
- Battery Service Coverage: If your device’s battery capacity drops below 80% of its original capacity, it’s covered.
- Expanded Theft and Loss Protection:
- A major upgrade: Theft and loss coverage now extends beyond just iPhone to also cover iPad and Apple Watch.
- You get up to three total claims per year for theft or loss across all your covered iPhones, iPads, and Apple Watches.
- Eligibility for Older Devices:
- You can now add products you already own that are up to four years old to your plan. This is a significant change from the previous 60-day window for AppleCare+.
- For headphones, the eligibility window for existing devices is up to one year after purchase.
- Simplified Plan Management:
- Automatic Coverage Transfer: When you trade in a covered product directly to Apple, it’s automatically removed from your plan, and your new device is added.
- Flexible Monthly Plan: Easily maintain coverage for as long as you need, and move products in and out of your plan at any time.
What’s Not Included (or has limitations)?
While AppleCare One is comprehensive, it’s important to be aware of these points:
- Service Fees/Deductibles Still Apply:
- Accidental damage repairs incur a service fee (e.g., $29 for iPhone screen damage, $99 for other iPhone/iPad damage, $99 for Mac/display screen damage, $299 for other Mac/display damage).
- Theft or loss replacements have a $129 service fee per incident.
- Geographic Availability:
- Currently, AppleCare One is only available to customers in the U.S..
- Device Condition for Older Products:
- Older devices (up to 4 years old) must be in “good condition” to be added to the plan.
- A diagnostic check may be required, which can be done via your iPhone, iPad, or at an Apple Store. In some cases, images of the device’s front screen might be requested.
- Specific Exclusions (Common to AppleCare Plans):
- Cosmetic damage (e.g., scratches, dents) is generally not covered.
- Damage from external causes like fire, acts of God, extreme physical or electrical stress, or power surges.
- Devices with altered, defaced, or removed serial numbers.
- Preventative maintenance.
- Theft and Loss coverage is specifically mentioned for iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch. It is not explicitly stated to cover Macs, Apple TV, HomePod, AirPods, or Apple Vision Pro under AppleCare One for theft/loss.
- Software Updates: You are typically responsible for updating your device software to currently published releases before seeking service.
Is AppleCare One Right for You?
AppleCare One is particularly appealing for:
- Multi-device Apple users: If you own an iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, and other Apple gadgets, this plan simplifies your coverage significantly.
- Value seekers: Apple states you could save up to $11 a month compared to individual AppleCare+ plans for an iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch.
- Owners of older devices: The ability to add devices up to four years old is a game-changer for those who missed the initial 60-day window.
For users with only one or two devices, or those who rarely need repairs, individual AppleCare+ plans or no coverage at all might still be more cost-effective.
AppleCare One is a clear step towards a more integrated and user-friendly service experience, aligning with Apple’s broader strategy to enhance its services revenue. It offers a compelling blend of convenience, expanded protection, and potential savings for the right user.