Apple has just made a major shake-up to its device protection strategy with the launch of AppleCare One, a brand-new subscription-based service announced on July 23, 2025. Available starting July 24 in the U.S., AppleCare One is designed for users with multiple Apple devices, offering streamlined coverage that simplifies support—and potentially slashes costs.
Here’s a full breakdown of what AppleCare One includes, how it compares to the long-running AppleCare+, and why it may be the better choice for households and power users in the Apple ecosystem.
What Is AppleCare One?
At its core, AppleCare One is a flat-rate monthly subscription that protects up to three Apple devices for $19.99/month, with the option to add additional devices for $5.99/month each. It brings all the core features of AppleCare+, but in a more flexible and centralized package.
Key Benefits:
- Unlimited repairs for accidental damage (drops, cracks, liquid damage)
- Battery replacements for devices that fail to hold charge
- 24/7 priority Apple Support, including chat and phone
- Theft and loss protection for iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch (no longer iPhone-only)
- In-store and mail-in repair options
Extended Device Eligibility
One of the biggest changes AppleCare One brings is a massively expanded enrollment window. Unlike AppleCare+, which limits sign-ups to 60 days after device purchase, AppleCare One accepts:
- Devices up to four years old
- Exception: Headphones must still be under one year old
This opens the door for customers with older Apple hardware—such as a 2021 iPad Pro or an Apple Watch Series 7—to get protection they previously couldn’t.
AppleCare+ vs. AppleCare One: What’s Different?
| Feature | AppleCare+ | AppleCare One |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage Type | Per-device | Multi-device subscription |
| Number of Devices Covered | 1 | 3 (expandable) |
| Monthly Cost | Varies by device | $19.99 for 3 devices |
| Add-on Devices | Not available | $5.99 per extra device |
| Theft & Loss Coverage | iPhone only (extra cost) | iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch included |
| Eligibility Window | Within 60 days of purchase | Up to 4 years old (1 year for headphones) |
| Ideal For | Single-device owners | Families and multi-device users |
If you’re a user with just an iPhone or a single Mac, AppleCare+ might still be the more cost-effective choice. But for anyone with a mix of devices—say, an iPhone, iPad, and MacBook—AppleCare One can save you $15 to $25/month compared to stacking individual AppleCare+ plans.
How To Sign Up
AppleCare One launches July 24, 2025, and enrollment is simple:
- Sign up through your iPhone, iPad, or Mac under Settings > General > AppleCare & Warranty
- Or visit an Apple Store for assistance
- Available only in the United States at launch, with international rollout expected in the future
Why This Matters
AppleCare One reflects Apple’s broader shift toward service bundles that simplify ownership in a world where the average user now has three or more Apple devices. According to CIRP, over 88% of iPhone users in the U.S. also own a second Apple device. AppleCare One is clearly aimed at this growing cohort.
This move also complements Apple’s other subscription-based offerings like Apple One, bundling music, storage, fitness, and TV+ content. Now, it’s doing the same with hardware protection.
Final Thoughts
AppleCare One could be a game-changer for Apple households—providing robust protection, theft and loss coverage, and peace of mind across devices, all under one simple plan. It makes Apple’s famously premium support a lot more accessible for families and power users alike.
If you’re already paying for multiple AppleCare+ plans, it’s worth doing the math—you might be overpaying for less flexibility.
Would you like help calculating whether AppleCare One or AppleCare+ is better for your specific Apple setup? I can build a cost breakdown based on your devices.
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Is AppleCare+ or AppleCare One Worth It in 2025?
With Apple’s launch of the new AppleCare One plan in July 2025, the question of whether AppleCare is worth it has taken on a new dimension. The company now offers more flexible and potentially cost-effective protection for users with multiple Apple devices, shaking up the traditional AppleCare+ model.
AppleCare+ still offers robust protection—especially for users prone to accidents or those with high-end Apple gear—but now AppleCare One introduces a monthly multi-device plan that might better suit households or users embedded deep in the Apple ecosystem.
Let’s break down the new AppleCare One plan, revisit AppleCare+ features, and help you decide which coverage (if any) is right for your Apple tech in 2025.
Here’s a comparison table outlining the differences between AppleCare+ and the newly introduced AppleCare One (as of July 2025):
| Feature | AppleCare+ | AppleCare One |
|---|---|---|
| Launch Date | Ongoing (since 2011) | July 2025 |
| Coverage Type | Per-device | Multi-device subscription |
| Devices Covered | 1 device per plan | 3 devices included, more for $5.99 each |
| Monthly Cost | Varies by device (e.g. $9.99–$19.99) | $19.99/month for 3 devices |
| Accidental Damage | Yes (limited incidents per year) | Yes |
| Battery Service | Yes | Yes |
| Theft & Loss Protection | Optional for iPhone (at extra cost) | Included |
| 24/7 Priority Support | Yes | Yes |
| Best For | Individuals with 1–2 devices | Families or users with 3+ Apple devices |
| Device Eligibility | iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, etc. | All eligible Apple devices linked to account |
| Flexibility | One plan per device | Centralized plan for multiple devices |
| Renewal | Monthly or 2-year options | Monthly subscription |
Summary:
- AppleCare+ is ideal for protecting individual high-value devices like the MacBook Pro or iPhone.
- AppleCare One is a better value for multi-device households, bundling coverage in a simplified, scalable subscription.
Key Takeaways
- AppleCare One covers up to three devices for $19.99/month, with add-ons at $5.99/month each.
- It includes the same repair and support benefits as AppleCare+, including Theft & Loss coverage.
- Devices up to four years old (except some accessories) are eligible for enrollment.
- AppleCare+ still remains a great option for individual device coverage with fixed pricing.
Understanding AppleCare+ and AppleCare One
AppleCare+ remains Apple’s primary extended protection plan for individual devices like iPhones, iPads, Macs, and Watches. It covers accidental damage (unlimited incidents now), battery service, and 24/7 priority tech support.
AppleCare One, launched in July 2025, is a monthly subscription that covers up to three Apple devices—including iPhones, iPads, Watches, and Macs—for $19.99/month. You can add more devices for $5.99 each. It includes everything in AppleCare+—even Theft and Loss protection for multiple devices—not just iPhones.
Eligibility and Enrollment
With AppleCare+, enrollment is typically limited to 60 days post-purchase, though exceptions exist. But AppleCare One allows you to add devices up to four years old without requiring a purchase window—as long as they pass an eligibility check. This is a major shift in accessibility.
Coverage, Pricing, and Comparison
AppleCare+ pricing varies. For iPhones, you’re looking at about $149–$269 for two years, or $9.99 to $13.49/month depending on model and if Theft & Loss is included. Service fees apply—typically $29 for screen damage and $99 for other accidental damage.
AppleCare One, by contrast, offers a simplified flat-rate: $19.99/month for three devices, with a $5.99/month fee for each additional device. Theft and Loss coverage, battery service, and tech support are all included.
Both plans provide genuine Apple parts and international repair access at Apple Stores—benefits not always offered by third-party insurance providers.
Is AppleCare (or AppleCare One) Worth It?
If you own multiple Apple devices, AppleCare One may be the better deal. For $19.99/month, you could be saving hundreds compared to individual AppleCare+ plans—especially for a family or tech-heavy household.
Meanwhile, AppleCare+ still shines for users with just one high-value device (like an iPhone 16 Pro Max or MacBook Pro), where one repair could easily exceed the plan’s entire cost.
Repair Costs and Real-World Savings
A cracked screen on an iPhone 16 Pro Max costs up to $379 out-of-pocket. Under AppleCare+ or AppleCare One, it’s just $29. The math is similar across Apple’s product line—making protection a smart long-term bet for many users.
The change to unlimited repairs under AppleCare+ and AppleCare One (formerly just two per year) significantly increases value for accident-prone users.
Should You Upgrade or Switch to AppleCare One?
If you already have AppleCare+ on multiple devices, you can switch to AppleCare One for potentially lower monthly costs and consolidated billing. However, there’s no proration refund—you’d need to cancel AppleCare+ individually and re-enroll eligible devices into AppleCare One.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I mix iPhones, iPads, and Macs under AppleCare One?
Yes. AppleCare One supports a mix of devices, including iPhones, iPads, Macs, and Apple Watches. However, AirPods and accessories must be under one year old to qualify.
Does AppleCare One replace AppleCare+?
No. AppleCare+ still exists as a standalone option. AppleCare One is designed for multi-device users who want broader coverage under one subscription.
What happens if I cancel AppleCare One?
If you cancel, coverage ends for all associated devices at the end of your billing cycle. You’ll lose access to Theft & Loss protection, accidental damage coverage, and priority tech support unless you switch each device to an individual AppleCare+ plan.
Is there a catch with older devices?
AppleCare One supports devices up to four years old. That’s far more generous than the old 60-day limit for AppleCare+, but the device must still pass Apple’s health and condition check.
Final Thoughts
Whether you choose AppleCare+ or the new AppleCare One, extended coverage in 2025 is more flexible and valuable than ever. For individuals, AppleCare+ still makes sense. For households or users juggling multiple Apple devices, AppleCare One is a compelling new option that could save money and streamline support.
