Apple Just Dropped AppleCare One, But Is It Worth It?
Apple has finally launched AppleCare One, a subscription-based plan designed to simplify how you insure your Apple devices. Instead of paying for individual AppleCare+ coverage for every device, you can now bundle them all under one plan. For people living in the Apple ecosystem, this could be a game-changer.
But before you sign up, here’s everything you need to know.
What Devices Does AppleCare One Cover?
One of the biggest selling points of AppleCare One is its flexibility. It works with almost every major Apple product, including:
iPhones
iPads
Macs (MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, iMac, etc.)
Apple Watches
AirPods
HomePods
Apple TV
Vision Pro
What’s even better is that your devices don’t need to be brand new. AppleCare One supports products that are up to four years old. This is huge if you’ve got an older iPhone or MacBook that you want to keep using for a while. There is one exception though: AirPods need to be under one year old to qualify.
Before being added to your plan, every device must pass a quick diagnostic test, but if it’s in working order, it can be covered, even if you didn’t buy it directly from Apple.
Where Is It Available Right Now?
As of now, AppleCare One is only available in the United States. Apple hasn’t provided an official timeline for expansion to other regions like Canada, Europe, or Asia. This is frustrating for users in those markets, especially since AppleCare+ is already available globally. If you’re outside the U.S., you’ll have to stick with individual AppleCare+ plans for the time being.
What Does AppleCare One Include?
AppleCare One combines the benefits of AppleCare+ and Theft & Loss protection, then extends it across all your devices. Here’s what’s included:
Accidental damage coverage with low service fees
Battery replacements when capacity falls below 80%
24/7 priority Apple Support access
Theft and loss protection, not just for iPhones anymore but also for iPads and Apple Watches
Three theft claims per year, compared to just two with AppleCare+
Easy device swapping: If you upgrade your iPhone or Mac, you can remove the old device and add your new one to your plan
It’s basically a way to turn AppleCare into an all-in-one subscription that works more like an insurance plan for your entire Apple setup.
How Much Does It Cost?
AppleCare One starts at $19.99/month for three devices, with each additional device costing $5.99/month.
Here’s what that means:
If you have an iPhone, MacBook, and Apple Watch, you pay $19.99 total
Add AirPods or an iPad, and you’ll pay $5.99 more per month for each
There’s no limit to how many devices you can add, which is great for families
When you compare that to buying separate AppleCare+ plans (which can cost $9.99/month for an iPhone alone), the savings are obvious if you own several devices.
Is It Worth It?
If you’re invested in the Apple ecosystem and own multiple devices, AppleCare One is a smart move. It’s especially good for families or anyone with older devices they still want to protect.
However, if you only own one or two products or if you’re outside the U.S., this plan isn’t as appealing. For people in other regions, you’ll still need to rely on regular AppleCare+ until AppleCare One expands globally.
Final Thoughts
AppleCare One feels like a natural evolution of AppleCare+, especially for people who use Apple for everything from their phone to their laptop to their earbuds. It’s cost-effective, covers older devices, and even adds new theft protections that regular AppleCare+ doesn’t offer. The catch? It’s U.S.-only for now, and AirPods still have a strict one-year eligibility limit.
Bonus Tip: Another thing to keep in mind is that, just like with standard AppleCare+, you still have to pay service fees for repairs and replacements, so it’s not entirely “free” coverage.
If you’re in the U.S. and deep in the Apple ecosystem, it’s absolutely worth considering. For the rest of us, we’ll have to wait and hope Apple rolls it out worldwide soon.
See you in the next article,
