AppleCare One: Apple’s New All-in-One Device Protection Plan Unveiled

Apple has introduced AppleCare One, a comprehensive new subscription plan that bundles coverage for multiple Apple devices under a single accountapple.com. Announced in July 2025, AppleCare One aims to simplify device protection by offering one flat-rate plan for all your gadgets, instead of having separate AppleCare+ plans for each. Starting at $19.99 per month, the plan covers up to three Apple products, with the option to add additional devices for $5.99 per month eachapple.com. This unified plan includes all the benefits of AppleCare+ – such as accidental damage repairs, priority support, and extended warranty – while expanding coverage to new areas like multi-device theft and loss protectionapple.comappleinsider.com. Professional yet accessible in its approach, AppleCare One is poised to offer Apple users greater flexibility, value, and peace of mind across their iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, AirPods, and more.

“Built on the trusted foundation of AppleCare+, AppleCare One extends that same reliability and makes it easier than ever to protect the products you love,” said Bob Borchers, Apple’s Vice President of Worldwide Product Marketing, highlighting the plan’s simplicity and exceptional valueapple.com. In this article, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about AppleCare One – from its pricing and features to how it compares with previous AppleCare+ plans, who it’s best for, and when and where it’s available.

What Is AppleCare One?

AppleCare One is essentially Apple’s new all-in-one device protection subscription, allowing customers to cover multiple Apple devices under one plan and one monthly bill. It takes a page from Apple’s “Apple One” services bundle concept9to5mac.com, but instead of digital services, AppleCare One bundles hardware protection and support. Under AppleCare One, a single subscription extends Apple’s warranty coverage and support to several devices at once, rather than requiring individual AppleCare+ plans for each product. This streamlined coverage means users no longer have to keep track of separate warranties or renewal dates for each iPhone, Mac, iPad, etc., simplifying the ownership experience9to5mac.com.

Previously, customers who wanted extended coverage had to enroll each device in its own AppleCare+ plantechcrunch.com. For example, if you had an iPhone and a MacBook, you would purchase AppleCare+ for each device separately. Now, AppleCare One bundles support and protection into a single subscriptionappleinsider.com. With one plan, you get the same level of coverage on all included devices, and management is centralized through your Apple account. AppleCare One is tied to your Apple ID, meaning it covers devices associated with that account – a design that enables automatic coverage transfers when upgrading devices (but also means it cannot be shared across different Apple IDs, as discussed later)appleinsider.com9to5mac.com.

In short, AppleCare One is like having an umbrella AppleCare+ plan that covers your entire Apple ecosystem with one convenient payment and consistent coverage terms. From iPhones and iPads to Macs, Apple Watches, and even accessories, the goal is to provide a one-stop protection plan for Apple users with multiple productsappleinsider.com.

Pricing and Device Coverage

One of the most attractive aspects of AppleCare One is its simple pricing structure. The base subscription costs $19.99 per month (in the U.S.) and covers up to three devices of any typeapple.commacrumors.com. The pricing is flat-rate, meaning it does not matter which combination of products you include – whether you cover an iPhone 16 Pro, an iPad, and an Apple Watch, or a MacBook, iPhone, and AirPods, the price is the same. This is in contrast to individual AppleCare+ plans, which have different costs for different devices. Apple notes that enrolling an iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch together under AppleCare One could save up to $11 per month compared to paying for separate AppleCare+ plans for eachapple.com. In other words, bundling devices can yield a notable discount while providing identical coverage.

If you have more than three devices, you can still include them in AppleCare One for an extra fee. Each additional device beyond the first three costs $5.99 per month to add to the planapple.com. For example, you could protect four devices – say an iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch – for a total of $19.99 + $5.99 = $25.98 per month9to5mac.com. Five devices would be $31.97, and so on. There is no stated limit to how many devices you can ultimately add, making the plan scalable for those deeply invested in the Apple ecosystem (individual users with many gadgets or even families, bearing in mind the single-account restriction). Importantly, the cost does not depend on the specific devices covered – a premium 16-inch MacBook Pro doesn’t raise the subscription price more than an older iPad would, which is where AppleCare One’s value can really shineapple.com.

To illustrate the value proposition:

• Scenario 1: If you individually purchased AppleCare+ for an iPhone, an iPad, and an Apple Watch, you might spend roughly $21 per month combined (actual AppleCare+ prices vary by model). The AppleCare One plan would cover all three for $19.99, saving a few dollars monthlyappleinsider.com. Apple itself cites a potential savings of up to $11/month for that triad of devices in certain casestechcrunch.com.
• Scenario 2: A user with a MacBook Air, an iPhone, an iPad, and an Apple Watch would typically pay close to $29 per month in total if each device had its own AppleCare+ plan. Under AppleCare One, that set would cost $25.98 per month, amounting to about $36 per year savedappleinsider.com.
• Scenario 3: For high-end devices, the savings are even more pronounced. Apple’s new Vision Pro headset, for instance, costs around $25/month for AppleCare+ alone. By enrolling it into AppleCare One at $19.99 (alongside two other devices), you’d immediately save on that device’s coverageappleinsider.com.

It’s worth noting that AppleCare One is currently offered as a monthly subscription only (billed monthly until canceled), with no annual prepay option disclosed at launch. Some users who prefer one-time purchases or yearly plans might miss the ability to pay upfront, but the monthly model provides flexibility to start or stop coverage anytime without a long-term commitment. AppleCare One can be initiated when buying a new device, or on an existing eligible device (more on eligibility below), and will renew each month automatically unless canceled. This “until canceled” approach is similar to how Apple handles monthly AppleCare+ and other subscriptions, ensuring continuous coverage as long as you need it.

In summary, the pricing is designed to be straightforward and cost-effective for multi-device owners: a flat $19.99 for up to three products, plus a fixed add-on fee for each extra device. There’s no tiered pricing by device type, which effectively lets you bundle expensive devices for one low rate. Customers with only a single device or two devices may still opt for individual AppleCare+ if it’s cheaper for their situation (Apple confirms that standard AppleCare+ remains available for those who just want to cover one device)techcrunch.com. However, if you have several Apple devices you use regularly, AppleCare One’s pricing structure is positioned to deliver better value for money as the number of covered products increases.

Features and Benefits: What AppleCare One Covers

AppleCare One includes all the features and benefits of AppleCare+, meaning that each device under the plan gets the same level of protection as it would with an individual AppleCare+ planapple.com. Here are the key coverage benefits you receive:

• Accidental Damage Protection (Unlimited Repairs): Just like AppleCare+, AppleCare One covers accidental damage from handling – such as drops, cracked screens, spills, or other mishaps – with unlimited repairs allowedapple.com. This is an improvement over older AppleCare+ terms that limited the number of incidents; now you can get accidental damage fixed as many times as needed while your coverage is active (service fees apply per incident). For example, screen or back-glass repairs on an iPhone under plan incur only a $29 service fee, and other accidental damage (like water damage or drops affecting internal components) is $99apple.com – significantly cheaper than an out-of-warranty repair. The plan essentially ensures you won’t pay full price for repairs due to accidents, no matter how often they happen, providing peace of mind for clumsy moments.
• Theft and Loss Coverage: AppleCare One expands theft and loss protection beyond the iPhone for the first timeappleinsider.com. Under this plan, not only iPhones but also iPads and Apple Watches can be covered against theft or loss incidents. If any of those devices are lost or stolen, Apple will replace them (subject to a deductible fee and certain conditions like having Find My enabled). AppleCare One allows up to three claims per year for theft or loss, shared across your iPhone, iPad, and Watchapple.comapple.com. This is an increase from the standard two claims per year per device offered by individual AppleCare+ with Theft & Loss plansapple.com. For instance, you could potentially claim a lost iPhone, a stolen iPad, and a stolen Apple Watch all in one year under AppleCare One (each with its applicable deductible). The service fee for a theft or loss replacement is typically about $149 for an iPhone (and likely similar for iPad/Watch)apple.com, which is far less than buying a new device. Importantly, Apple has confirmed that this expanded theft/loss coverage for iPad and Watch will also become available in standalone AppleCare+ plans for those devicestechcrunch.com. But AppleCare One bundles it all under one roof, simplifying multi-device security for users who worry about loss or theft.
• Hardware Warranty Extension & Repairs: All devices under AppleCare One get an extended warranty for hardware failures and defects beyond the standard one-year limited warranty. Typically, AppleCare+ (and thus AppleCare One) covers manufacturer defects for up to two years from purchase on most devices, or as long as you keep the subscription active. If an internal component fails or your device encounters a non-user-caused issue, Apple will repair it at no charge under warranty. Additionally, AppleCare plans often cover accessories like the battery and included cables. For example, battery service is included – if a device’s battery health drops below 80% of its original capacity, Apple will replace the battery for free under the planapple.comapple.com. Apple emphasizes that AppleCare coverage provides quick, Apple-certified repairs using genuine parts, whether through in-store service, mail-in, or even on-site visits in some casesapple.com. Many repairs can be done same-day or via express replacement (where Apple sends you a replacement device and you send back the faulty one)apple.com, minimizing downtime.
• 24/7 Priority Support from Apple Experts: Subscribers to AppleCare One have access to Apple’s customer support around the clock for any questions or technical issuesapple.com. This includes software troubleshooting, iCloud or Apple ID support, and guidance with Apple services, not just hardware problems. You can reach Apple support via multiple channels – phone, chat, the Apple Support app, or in person at an Apple Store – and identify yourself as an AppleCare customer to get priority serviceapple.com. Having 24/7 expert support means you can get help with your devices at any time, which is especially useful for urgent matters or for those who might be far from an Apple Store. This level of support is identical to what AppleCare+ offers, and it covers all the devices in your plan. For instance, you could call about your MacBook issue and also ask a question about your iPhone in the same session, since all are under the same plan.
• Convenient Service and Repairs: AppleCare One promises the same convenience in servicing as AppleCare+. You can use any Apple Store or over 5,000 Apple Authorized Service Providers worldwide for repairsapple.com. The coverage is generally honored internationally for service (useful if you travel, though typically the plan needs to be purchased in your home country). Apple’s documentation highlights offerings like same-day screen repairs and express replacement service for iPhonesapple.comapple.com. These benefits mean you’re seldom without your device for long, even when accidents happen.

In essence, AppleCare One doesn’t skimp on any protections – it truly mirrors the full AppleCare+ experience for each device enrolled. You get accident damage coverage, theft/loss protection, extended hardware warranty including battery, and priority customer support. All these benefits apply equally across your covered devices, whether it’s an Apple Watch or a Mac Pro, which makes the plan comprehensive. Apple explicitly assures that AppleCare One comes with “all the same benefits of AppleCare+” across the boardapple.comapple.com. The advantage is having these benefits for multiple products without managing multiple plans.

It’s worth noting that standard service fees and deductibles still apply under AppleCare One, just as they do with AppleCare+9to5mac.com. For example, each accidental damage incident will incur the set service fee (depending on the repair), and each approved theft/loss claim will require payment of the deductible fee for a replacement device. These costs are greatly reduced compared to out-of-warranty costs for the same repairs or replacements9to5mac.com, but they aren’t zero. AppleCare One essentially acts as insurance – you pay the subscription for coverage and a nominal fee when you need a repair or replacement, rather than bearing the full brunt of an expensive fix.

Device Compatibility and Eligibility

AppleCare One is designed to cover virtually all major Apple devices that a customer might own. According to Apple, the plan can include “iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, and more”appleinsider.com. In fact, Apple’s official site indicates coverage extends to every product category that AppleCare+ normally covers – this includes:

• iPhone (all models that are eligible for AppleCare+),
• iPad (including iPad Pro, iPad Air, iPad mini),
• Mac (MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, iMac, Mac mini, Mac Studio, Mac Pro),
• Apple Watch (including Apple Watch Series models and Apple Watch Ultra),
• AirPods and Headphones (this covers AirPods, AirPods Pro, AirPods Max, and Beats headphones that Apple sells)apple.com,
• Apple Vision Pro (Apple’s AR/VR headset, which has its own AppleCare+ offering)apple.com,
• Apple-branded Displays (such as the Pro Display XDR or Studio Display)apple.com,
• Apple TV (though AppleCare for Apple TV is typically inexpensive and often included with Apple TV purchases for an extended period, it can be part of the plan)apple.com,
• HomePod (and HomePod mini)apple.com.

In short, if Apple sells it and it’s eligible for AppleCare+, you can likely include it in AppleCare One. This makes the plan truly encompass the entire Apple hardware ecosystem – from your pocket devices to your workstation to your home tech. It’s a one-stop solution for device coverage, whether you’re an iPhone-only user or an Apple superfan with a myriad of gadgets.

Device age eligibility: A noteworthy feature of AppleCare One is its leniency in adding older devices. Apple is allowing customers to add products they already own, up to 4 years old, to the plan (as long as the device is in good working condition)apple.com. This greatly extends the window compared to the previous AppleCare+ policy, which typically required adding coverage within 60 days of purchase (in some cases up to one year for iPhones in certain regions). With AppleCare One, even if you bought a device in 2021 or 2022, you can still bring it under coverage now in 2025, which is unprecedented flexibility. For example, if you have a 3-year-old MacBook or a 2-year-old iPhone that never had AppleCare+, you can subscribe to AppleCare One and include those devices, giving them a new lease on protected life.

There are a couple of caveats: Apple specifies that devices must pass a condition verification to be added. This might involve running a quick diagnostic check remotely via your iPhone/iPad or taking the device to an Apple Store for inspectiontechcrunch.com. The idea is to ensure you’re not adding a device that’s already damaged or malfunctioning (similar to an insurance company verifying a car before issuing full coverage). Once it’s deemed in good shape, it can join your plan. Additionally, not all product types have the full 4-year window – Apple’s footnotes mention that headphones (e.g. AirPods) must be less than one year old to be eligibleapple.com. This is likely due to battery wear on older headphones or the lower price point of those products. But for major devices like phones, tablets, computers, and watches, up to four years old is the rule.

Another important limitation is that only devices associated with the customer’s Apple Account can be coveredapple.com. In practice, this means AppleCare One coverage is linked to a single Apple ID. You cannot mix devices from different Apple IDs under one AppleCare One plan, even if those devices are in the same family group. For instance, you could cover your personal iPhone, iPad, and Mac if they’re all registered to your Apple ID, but you couldn’t add your spouse’s iPhone that’s on their own Apple ID into your planappleinsider.com. This is an area where AppleCare One does not support Family Sharing9to5mac.com. Each family member would need their own AppleCare One subscription tied to their account, which is a consideration for multi-user households. (By contrast, Apple’s digital services bundle Apple One offers a Family plan that can be shared – but for AppleCare One, no such sharing across accounts is available at launch.)

Overall, AppleCare One’s compatibility is broad and inclusive, covering new devices and even slightly older ones that previously would have been left unprotected. As long as a device is within four years of its original purchase date and passes the health check, you can incorporate it into your plan. This feature is a boon for customers with older, still-useful devices – for example, if you kept your previous iPhone as a secondary device or handed down an iPad to a child, you could now add coverage to those devices whereas before you couldn’t after the initial purchase windowapple.com. Apple appears to be leveraging this to bring more of its vast active device base under coverage, which not only benefits users (who get support and cheaper repairs on aging devices) but also benefits Apple’s services revenue and customer loyaltyappleinsider.com.

Flexibility and Plan Management

One of the core advantages Apple is touting with AppleCare One is flexibility – in both managing your coverage and adapting it to your changing device lineup. Unlike the fixed-term AppleCare+ plans of old, AppleCare One is a fluid monthly subscription that can evolve with your needs:

• Swap Devices In and Out: Subscribers can freely move devices in and out of the plan at any timemacrumors.com. This means if you decide to sell or give away a device, you can remove it from your AppleCare One plan (and presumably stop paying the extra $5.99 if it was beyond the base three). Likewise, if you acquire a new device that you want to protect, you can add it to your plan on the fly (subject to eligibility checks). The ability to adjust covered devices anytime gives users control to ensure they’re only paying for coverage on the devices they currently own and value. It removes the hassle of having prepaid coverage tied to a device you no longer have. Essentially, AppleCare One can expand or contract with your personal tech arsenal month-to-month.
• Automatic Coverage for Upgrades: If you trade in a covered device through Apple and upgrade to a new model, AppleCare One automatically transfers coverage to the new devicemacrumors.com. Apple built this seamless transition to make upgrading easy – you don’t have to cancel or start a new plan when you get the latest iPhone, for example. As soon as you trade in your old iPhone (which was on AppleCare One) and activate your new iPhone, the plan will start covering the new device in place of the old, with no lapse in coverageapple.com. This is a big convenience over separate AppleCare+ plans, where each new device would require purchasing a new AppleCare or manually transferring remaining coverage. With AppleCare One, Apple is essentially keeping your protection continuous as you refresh devices, so long as you upgrade through official channels.
• Continuous Monthly Coverage: AppleCare One’s monthly subscription model means you can maintain coverage for as long as you want without worrying about an expiration dateapple.com. Traditional AppleCare+ on a new iPhone, for example, might last two years if paid upfront, after which you’d have to renew or it would expire. With AppleCare One, your coverage can theoretically continue indefinitely (and many AppleCare+ plans now also have an indefinite monthly renewal option). You choose when to cancel. This is great for users who keep devices for many years and want ongoing protection. It’s also useful for those who might only want coverage during certain periods – for instance, you could subscribe for a few months if you anticipate higher risk (like going on a trip where your devices might be more prone to accidents) and then cancel later, though you’d need to be mindful of the condition requirements if re-adding a device.
• Centralized Plan Management: All your coverage is managed in one place. Apple says customers can sign up or manage AppleCare One directly on their iPhone, iPad, or Mac via the AppleCare & Warranty section in Settings (or System Settings on Mac)appleinsider.com. This interface (which Apple introduced in recent iOS/macOS versions) shows the warranty status of your devices and allows adding coverage. With AppleCare One, this should show which devices are included in your plan and allow easy addition/removal. The result is a simple, unified overview of your protection. No more juggling multiple AppleCare agreements or receipts.
• Upgrade from Existing AppleCare+: If you already have AppleCare+ on one or more devices, Apple provides a way to transition to AppleCare One. According to AppleInsider, customers with existing AppleCare+ plans can upgrade to AppleCare One and transfer their current coverage into the new planappleinsider.com. This suggests that Apple might credit or convert remaining AppleCare+ coverage into the new subscription seamlessly. For example, if you bought AppleCare+ for your new MacBook last month and now decide to get AppleCare One for that MacBook plus your other devices, you should be able to do so without penalty – likely your billing will switch to AppleCare One and your MacBook’s coverage continues under it. This is a smart move by Apple to encourage adoption without making early adopters feel like they wasted money on separate plans.
• Predictable, Scalable Cost: As highlighted earlier, AppleCare One’s cost scales in a straightforward way as you add or remove devices, so you can plan your budget accordinglyappleinsider.com. For someone who keeps adding Apple gadgets, they know each new device will only add $5.99 to their monthly bill (once they’ve reached the base plan’s three-device allotment). If you downsize and sell a device, you know your cost will drop by that $5.99. This transparency and predictability in cost is customer-friendly and contrasts with the previously varied prices of individual AppleCare+ (where each device’s plan cost was unrelated to another’s).

Overall, AppleCare One provides unprecedented flexibility in Apple’s device coverage history. It is built to accommodate the dynamic nature of how people use tech – we upgrade, we replace, we add new types of devices – without the customer needing to constantly buy new warranties or lose coverage. The simplicity of one plan that adapts with you cannot be overstated. From Apple’s perspective, this flexibility also likely increases customer retention: users may be more inclined to stay subscribed when it’s hassle-free, which means steady recurring revenue for Apple’s services divisionappleinsider.com. For customers, the benefit is clear: ease of use, no headaches managing multiple plans, and no gaps in protection during device transitions9to5mac.com9to5mac.com. In practical terms, AppleCare One removes much of the friction that used to come with keeping your Apple products insured and supported.

AppleCare One vs. AppleCare+: What’s Different?

How does AppleCare One stack up against the traditional AppleCare+ plans that Apple users are familiar with? In many ways, AppleCare One is an extension and evolution of AppleCare+, so it shares a lot of the same DNA. However, there are some key differences and improvements that are important to understand:

• Multi-Device Bundle vs. Single Device: The most obvious difference is that AppleCare One is a multi-device bundle, whereas AppleCare+ (until now) was always purchased per individual device. With AppleCare One, a single subscription payment covers multiple products under one accountappleinsider.com. AppleCare+ still exists for single devices – and Apple explicitly says if you only want to cover one device, you can continue to buy AppleCare+ for that device alonetechcrunch.com. AppleCare One is ideal if you have several devices; if you have just one, separate AppleCare+ might remain the practical choice.
• Pricing Structure: AppleCare+ pricing varies by device type and sometimes device model. For example, AppleCare+ for an iPhone 15 Pro might cost around $9.99/month, for an iPad $3.99/month, for a MacBook Pro $7.99/month, etc., each with or without theft and loss options affecting price. In contrast, AppleCare One has a fixed price ($19.99) for up to three devices, regardless of what they areapple.com. This means the more high-end devices you include, the more you stand to save compared to buying their AppleCare+ separately. Conversely, including only lower-cost devices might not reach the $19.99 value if taken alone – for instance, AppleCare+ for just an Apple Watch and a base iPad might total less than $15, in which case AppleCare One at $19.99 would actually cost more. Thus, AppleCare One’s value grows with the number and type of devices. If you only need to cover one inexpensive device, AppleCare+ alone is cheaper; if you have multiple or expensive devices, AppleCare One can be cheaper overallappleinsider.comappleinsider.com.
• Theft & Loss Coverage Scope: Under standard AppleCare+, Theft and Loss coverage was an optional add-on available only for iPhones (and it increased the plan’s price). No other device had an official theft/loss plan. AppleCare One, on the other hand, bundles theft and loss coverage for iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch by defaultappleinsider.com. This is a significant broadening of scope. Furthermore, Apple has indicated that going forward, standalone AppleCare+ for iPad and Watch will also offer theft/loss as an optiontechcrunch.com, but previously that didn’t exist. Another difference is in the number of claims: AppleCare+ for iPhone allowed 2 theft/loss claims per device per year. AppleCare One allows 3 combined theft/loss claims per year across the covered devicesapple.comapple.com. In practice, unless you have extraordinarily bad luck, three total loss incidents in a year should be plenty. But theoretically, if you had separate AppleCare+ on three devices (and if iPad/Watch had theft coverage), you could make 2 claims on each – up to 6 total across devices. AppleCare One caps it at 3 total. So there is a slightly lower cap on loss/theft incidents with the bundled approach. Most users will never hit that cap, but it’s a distinction.
• Coverage Window for Enrollment: As discussed, AppleCare+ typically required adding coverage within a short window (usually 60 days from device purchase in many regions). AppleCare One offers a much longer grace period – up to 4 years for most devicesapple.com. This is a huge difference and effectively means you can decide to add coverage to older devices later on. It reflects a shift in Apple’s strategy to capture more customers who initially skipped AppleCare or bought devices second-hand. Flexibility in enrollment time is a major advantage of AppleCare One over the old model9to5mac.com.
• Family Sharing and Account Binding: A downside of AppleCare One relative to separate AppleCare+ is the lack of Family Sharing support. Individual AppleCare+ was inherently tied to one device (and its serial number), so family sharing didn’t apply; each device could have its own plan regardless of owner. With AppleCare One, because the plan is tied to one Apple ID account, you cannot pool devices from different family members into one subscription9to5mac.com. For families where each person has their own Apple ID (which is most), this means each person would need their own AppleCare One plan if everyone wants coverage. There is no “family plan” for AppleCare One at this time. This is something to consider – it might be convenient for an individual with many devices, but not as cost-efficient if you were hoping to cover, say, three iPhones used by three different people under one plan. Apple may refine this in the future, but as of launch, one plan = one Apple ID’s devicesappleinsider.com.
• Plan Term and Payment: AppleCare+ could be bought upfront for a fixed term (like 2 or 3 years) or on a monthly recurring basis (which many regions now allow, and which automatically extends until canceled). AppleCare One is only offered as a monthly recurring subscription so far9to5mac.com. There is no multi-year upfront payment option announced. This means AppleCare One is inherently a subscription service, contributing to the growing list of monthly charges (which some users may be cautious about). The upside is you can cancel anytime; the downside is you can’t save money by paying upfront (sometimes AppleCare+ upfront was slightly cheaper than paying over two years monthly). Additionally, some users, like the commenter highlighted on 9to5Mac, simply prefer not to have another monthly subscription9to5mac.com. Apple will have to navigate some subscription fatigue concerns, though they’re betting the convenience and savings will win people over9to5mac.com.
• Automatic Device Upgrades: With separate AppleCare+, when you bought a new device you’d have to get a new plan for it. If you sold or gave away a device, its AppleCare+ (if still active) might or might not transfer to the new owner (Apple’s warranty transfers with the device to new owners, but monthly plans are generally tied to the original owner’s account until canceled). AppleCare One, as mentioned, automatically handles device upgrades (when done through Apple Trade In) by moving coverage to the new deviceapple.com. This automation is a quality-of-life improvement not present in the old scheme, where you had to be mindful to cancel old coverage or start new coverage manually.
• Consolidated Support: Under AppleCare One, if you call Apple Support, they can see you have coverage on all your devices, which might make support interactions smoother. With separate plans, you’d discuss one device at a time. This is a subtle difference, but it speaks to the holistic approach of AppleCare One – your entire set of devices is covered and Apple’s support systems know that. AppleCare+ versus AppleCare One in support may not differ in outcome (both give you priority help), but AppleCare One could simplify verifying your coverage or discussing multiple devices in one call.

In summary, AppleCare One vs AppleCare+ comes down to bundle vs individual: The new plan offers greater flexibility, a longer enrollment window, and potentially better value across multiple devices, at the cost of a combined claim limit for theft and loss and the inability to share across different user accounts. Apple is not phasing out AppleCare+; rather, AppleCare One is an optional upgrade for those who stand to benefit. Many observers see this as Apple adapting to the reality that customers own many Apple devices and want a more convenient way to protect themappleinsider.com. It also aligns with Apple’s push into subscription services. As one tech analyst noted, AppleCare One’s introduction alongside making warranty status more visible in iOS settings indicates Apple’s seriousness about growing its AppleCare service business and integrating it into the user experience9to5mac.com9to5mac.com.

For a quick side-by-side comparison, consider the following table highlighting some differences:

As the table shows, AppleCare One provides a unified solution with consistent benefits across devices, whereas AppleCare+ is à la carte. Customers will need to evaluate their own device portfolios and use cases to decide which approach offers the best value and convenience.

Use Cases: Who Should Consider AppleCare One?

AppleCare One is a compelling offering, but it may not be for everyone. Here are some scenarios and use cases where AppleCare One makes a lot of sense – and some where sticking to the old model or no coverage might be better:

• Multi-Device Owners: If you’re someone who owns multiple Apple devices – for example, you have an iPhone, a couple of iPads, a MacBook, and an Apple Watch – AppleCare One is tailor-made for you. Rather than juggling five separate AppleCare+ plans (and likely paying more in total), you can put all devices under one plan and save money while simplifying managementappleinsider.comappleinsider.com. Tech enthusiasts, professionals reliant on Apple gear, or just loyal Apple customers with a full suite of devices will appreciate the convenience of one subscription covering everything.
• Households in the Apple Ecosystem: For a household deeply invested in Apple products, AppleCare One addresses the needs of long-time users with multiple devices. It’s designed to meet the needs of multi-device households and those who stick within Apple’s ecosystemappleinsider.com. For instance, a family that owns a couple of iPhones, an iPad for the kids, and a shared Mac might use AppleCare One to cover three of those under one parent’s account and another plan for the remaining devices. While, as noted, you can’t mix accounts on one plan, families can still use multiple AppleCare One subscriptions if needed. Each member can cover their gear, and overall you’d likely still come out ahead as opposed to everyone buying separate AppleCare+.
• Users Who Missed AppleCare+ on Older Devices: If you have a device that is a year or two (or three) old and you regret not buying AppleCare+ originally, AppleCare One offers a second chance. As long as your device is under four years old and in good shape, you can now add it to a planapple.com. This is especially useful for devices that start to age – for example, a three-year-old MacBook might soon need a battery replacement or could face a hardware issue. With AppleCare One, you could cover that MacBook now and potentially save a lot on such repairs. Similarly, if you bought a used iPhone from someone, you typically couldn’t get AppleCare+ on it; but now you could, via AppleCare One (after a check). This added flexibility greatly broadens the audience that can benefit from Apple’s support and repair services.
• Frequent Upgraders: If you upgrade your iPhone or other devices every year (trading in the old one), AppleCare One is very convenient. It will automatically switch coverage to your new device at upgrade time, as long as you do it through Apple’s programsapple.com. You don’t have to worry about overlapping plans or losing money on unused months – it’s all one continuous coverage. This is ideal for those on iPhone upgrade programs or who just like to keep current with Apple’s latest.
• Professionals and Power Users: Those who rely heavily on their Apple devices for work – think photographers with MacBooks and iPads, developers with multiple test devices, or designers with Macs and iPads – often can’t afford downtime or unexpected repair costs. AppleCare One provides a safety net across all their tools, likely at a lower combined cost than multiple AppleCare+ fees. The 24/7 support is also a plus for professionals who might need help after hours.
• Value Seekers: If you are cost-conscious and normally skip AppleCare+ for budget reasons, AppleCare One might be worth a look if you have multiple devices. The bundled price can offer solid value compared to one-off repair costs. For example, replacing one iPhone screen out of warranty can cost ~$279, which is over a year’s worth of AppleCare One subscription. With AppleCare One, you’d have not only that iPhone covered but multiple devices, plus theft protection. Over time, even if you only occasionally need repairs, the subscription could pay for itself by avoiding a single expensive fix. Moreover, as AppleInsider notes, the plan reduces the hassle of managing different warranties – sometimes that convenience alone is worth it to many usersappleinsider.com.

On the other hand, who might not need AppleCare One?

• Single-Device Users: If you only own one Apple device (say just an iPhone), or you only care to cover one device, AppleCare One is probably overkill. You’d be paying $19.99 for just that device when the standalone AppleCare+ could be less. Apple’s guidance is that such users can and should stick with individual AppleCare+ for that single producttechcrunch.com. AppleCare One is optional; you’re not forced into it when buying a new device. In fact, at launch it’s only available separately (not automatically suggested unless you choose it).
• People Who Avoid Subscriptions: Some customers prefer to pay upfront or not have recurring charges. If you dislike monthly subscriptions on principle, you might opt to either buy AppleCare+ outright for each device (if available) or not at all, rather than adding another monthly bill. As one TechCrunch commenter pointed out, subscription fatigue is real9to5mac.com. AppleCare One currently doesn’t offer an annual payment option (which could save a bit or at least reduce billing frequency), so it’s something to consider.
• Families Wanting One Plan for All: If you envisioned one AppleCare One plan that covers everyone’s devices in a family, the current setup will disappoint because of the Apple ID limitation9to5mac.com. You can’t mix devices from different accounts. So a household will have to manage multiple plans if they want to cover each person’s devices, which could become complex or negate some simplicity. It could still save money overall, but it’s not as tidy as a single family-wide coverage.
• Very Low-Risk Users: If you’ve never cracked a screen, never lost a device, and feel confident you won’t, you might skip paid warranties altogether. Some people would rather take the risk and not pay anything per month. For them, AppleCare One doesn’t change the equation, except maybe the extended window means they could jump in later if they change their mind. But AppleCare isn’t mandatory – it’s about peace of mind. AppleCare One just makes that peace of mind more accessible to those who want it across multiple products.

In conclusion, AppleCare One is a flexible, value-packed offering for a large segment of Apple’s customer base, particularly those integrated deeply into the Apple ecosystem or looking for an easier way to manage device protection. It provides tangible cost savings and convenience for multi-device usersappleinsider.comappleinsider.com, and it reflects Apple’s understanding that its users now have more devices than ever and need a support solution that scales accordinglyappleinsider.com. Whether you’re an Apple aficionado with every gadget or just someone with an iPhone and Mac, AppleCare One is worth considering for the comprehensive safety net it offers.

Availability and How to Sign Up

AppleCare One was officially announced on July 23, 2025, and became available to customers in the United States starting July 24, 2025apple.commacrumors.com. At launch, it is limited to U.S. customers; you must have a U.S.-based Apple account to subscribe, and coverage is provided in the U.S. (AppleCare services generally work in other countries for repairs, but purchasing the plan itself is region-specific). Apple has not yet announced availability in other countries, but it is likely that AppleCare One will expand to additional regions in the future. AppleCare+ is offered in many countries worldwide, so we can expect AppleCare One to follow suit once Apple navigates any regulatory requirements (AppleCare plans involve insurance underwriting in some locales). As of this writing, no exact timeline has been given for international rollout, so non-U.S. customers should stay tuned to Apple’s announcements or local Apple websites for updates.

For U.S. customers, signing up for AppleCare One is straightforward. Apple provides multiple channels to subscribe:

• On Your Device: Perhaps the easiest way is directly on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. Simply navigate to the Settings app (or System Settings on Mac), then go to the “AppleCare & Warranty” section. Here you should see an option to learn about AppleCare One and enroll your devices. The interface will guide you, possibly performing a quick device diagnostic if you’re adding an older device, and let you choose the devices to cover and confirm the $19.99/month plan (plus any additional device fees). This on-device enrollment was highlighted by Apple as a key convenienceappleinsider.com.
• Apple’s Website: You can also learn more about AppleCare One on Apple’s official website (apple.com/applecare) and potentially sign up there. The site might direct you to log in with your Apple ID to select devices to cover. As of the launch, Apple’s site prominently features AppleCare One with a “Available 7.24” note and likely a link to get startedapple.com.
• Apple Store App: The Apple Store app or Apple Support app may also present an option to add AppleCare One, especially if you have an eligible device without coverage. These apps often show warranty status and offer AppleCare if applicable. It’s worth checking if you prefer an app interface.
• In-Store at Apple Retail: If you’re near an Apple Store, you can visit and ask a Specialist or Genius to help you subscribe to AppleCare Oneapple.com. This might be useful if you need a device inspection (for adding an older device). Apple Stores can run diagnostics and add your device to the plan on the spot. Also, if you’re purchasing a new device in-store, you can opt for AppleCare One at the time of purchase – the staff can set up the subscription instead of the old individual AppleCare+.
• By Phone: Apple Support could likely help set up AppleCare One over the phone or chat as well, guiding you through the process or sending a link.

When subscribing, remember that only devices less than four years old and in good working condition are eligible to be addedapple.com. If any device is outside the window or fails the condition check, Apple won’t let it onto the plan. Each device you add will be verified (serial numbers are checked against your Apple ID account and purchase dates).

Region-specific considerations: For now, U.S. pricing is $19.99/month. If and when AppleCare One comes to other countries, expect local pricing (e.g., in Europe it might be priced in euros, in the UK in pounds, etc) likely adjusted for exchange rates and local tax/VAT. The $5.99 per additional device fee will also have regional equivalents. It’s not confirmed, but typically AppleCare+ pricing can vary by region, so AppleCare One’s value proposition may differ slightly elsewhere. Apple enthusiasts in other countries are certainly eager for the plan – it fills a gap in Apple’s offerings that is universally relevant. Keep an eye on the Apple Newsroom and your country’s AppleCare page for announcements of AppleCare One availability in your region.

Once subscribed, the plan will automatically bill you monthly via the payment method on your Apple ID (just like any app subscription or iCloud storage payment). You’ll see it in your subscriptions list in your Apple ID settings. If you ever need to cancel, you can do so from that same subscriptions management screen; coverage would then end at the conclusion of the billing period.

Apple has made it clear that AppleCare One is part of their commitment to enhancing customer experience and service. By making it easy to sign up and manage digitally, they’re integrating it into the overall Apple ecosystem seamlessly. As Apple’s press release states, customers can get “one-stop service and support” across all products in the plan, simplifying their support experience and giving “simple, affordable peace of mind.”apple.com

Final Thoughts

AppleCare One represents a significant evolution in how Apple approaches device coverage. It underscores Apple’s recognition that many of its customers own multiple Apple products and would benefit from a more consolidated, flexible protection plan. By providing a single subscription for all devices, Apple is not only adding value for users (through potential cost savings and ease of use) but is also strengthening the ties within its ecosystem – customers covered by AppleCare One are likely to stay within Apple’s brand family, knowing all their gadgets are protected and supported under one roofappleinsider.com.

Early impressions from the tech community have been positive about the value and simplicity AppleCare One offers, with some noting that it “simplifies support while reducing costs” for loyal Apple usersappleinsider.com. The plan effectively lowers the barrier to entry for protecting devices, thanks to the extended enrollment window and the bundling of theft/loss coverage that was previously unavailable for certain products. It’s a win-win scenario: users get more comprehensive coverage and Apple gets a new stream of recurring revenue, plus likely higher customer satisfaction and loyalty.

As with any new offering, there are a few limitations and areas to watch – particularly the lack of family sharing and the reliance on a monthly subscription model. These may be points of feedback that Apple addresses in the future (for example, one could envision a family-tier AppleCare One down the line, or an option to pay annually at a slight discount to appease those averse to monthly fees). For now, however, AppleCare One fills a gap in Apple’s lineup and modernizes the AppleCare program for 2025 and beyond.

If you’re a global reader, keep an eye out for AppleCare One reaching your country. And whether you jump on AppleCare One or not, the very existence of this plan is a reminder of how much our personal technology usage has grown. Apple is essentially offering an insurance bundle for your digital life, recognizing that for many, an iPhone, Mac, Apple Watch, and more are indispensable daily tools worth safeguarding. AppleCare One could very well become the de facto way new Apple device buyers protect their investments, much like Apple One has become a go-to for bundling services.

In summary, AppleCare One is Apple’s new umbrella of protection – one plan to rule them all, bringing together the best of AppleCare+ with new flexibility. It’s “one simple plan with incredible value,” as Apple describes itapple.com, and it marks a noteworthy shift in Apple’s customer care strategy. Whether you have just a couple of Apple devices or a whole collection, AppleCare One offers a promising option to keep them covered, supported, and ready for whatever life throws at them – all while potentially saving you money and hassle in the long run.

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