Apple is making changes to its AppleCare+ subscription offerings. According to a report by Mark Gurman of Bloomberg, the company will phase out its current two- and three-year AppleCare+ plans in favor of more flexible monthly and annual subscriptions. This change is set to take effect next week, marking a significant shift in how customers can secure extended warranty and repair coverage for their Apple devices.
Changes in AppleCare+ Subscription Structure
Currently, Apple offers AppleCare+ as an extension of the standard one-year warranty for iPhones and other devices. Under this plan, users receive not only hardware repair coverage but also accidental damage protection. Presently, customers can buy AppleCare+ at the time of purchasing a new device or within 90 days from the date of purchase, either directly through Apple retail stores or on the device itself.
However, the company is now planning to simplify this process by moving to monthly and annual subscription plans. This means the traditional two- and three-year plans will no longer be available. According to Gurman, this change will impact Apple customers who buy devices from retail stores, as they won’t have the option to purchase long-term coverage up front anymore.
New Subscription Options and Potential Disruptions
With the new subscription model, Apple will offer customers the option to enroll in AppleCare+ through monthly or annual plans. This move could make the process of getting coverage a bit more complicated for those who don’t buy AppleCare+ right at the point of purchase. While this change will take effect next week, Apple may eventually discontinue the option to buy the plan through the device itself as well.
9to5Mac suggests that the only way customers will still be able to purchase longer AppleCare+ plans is by buying their devices directly from the Apple online store, and only at the time of purchase. If customers choose to buy a device from a physical Apple retail store, they will be limited to the monthly or annual plans.
AppleCare+ Pricing in India and the US
The prices for AppleCare+ vary depending on the device and the country. In India, the cost for the plan starts at ₹7,900 for the iPhone SE (2022), which is Apple’s most affordable iPhone. For those who own the iPhone 16 Pro Max, the subscription can cost up to ₹20,900. For Apple’s Vision Pro, the most expensive device in Apple’s lineup, AppleCare+ can set users back around ₹43,000 (or roughly $499 in the US).
The introduction of shorter subscription plans will likely affect the way consumers manage their devices’ warranty coverage. As Apple moves toward monthly and annual payments, customers might find it easier to adjust their plans to suit their needs but will lose the security of having a long-term option at the time of purchase.
Why Is Apple Making These Changes?
Apple’s decision to phase out longer AppleCare+ plans seems to be an attempt to simplify its offerings and give customers more flexibility. Monthly and annual plans allow for easier adjustments, which could cater better to users who prefer shorter commitments or changing device needs. The move also aligns with Apple’s broader focus on subscription-based services, as seen with other products like Apple One.
However, there are some drawbacks to the change. Customers who prefer the convenience of purchasing an extended plan upfront may find this new approach less straightforward. Those who purchase Apple devices in stores may also feel inconvenienced by the discontinuation of the two- and three-year options.
What’s Next for AppleCare+ Customers?
It’s still unclear when these changes will be rolled out worldwide or when other countries might see the new subscription options. As of now, AppleCare+ pricing in India and the US remains the same, but customers will soon need to adjust to the new plan structure.
For those who want to make sure their Apple devices are covered, they will need to consider subscribing to AppleCare+ at the time of purchase or when they first get their devices. This change could also encourage customers to consider different AppleCare+ plans based on their usage, as the flexible monthly and annual options may be more affordable or better suited to their needs.
The shift to shorter subscription plans for AppleCare+ signals Apple’s move toward greater flexibility in its extended warranty offerings. Although the two- and three-year plans will soon be phased out, the introduction of monthly and annual options allows consumers more control over their subscriptions. Still, these changes could be inconvenient for users who preferred a long-term commitment. As Apple rolls out these updates, customers will need to stay informed about the new options and how they affect their device coverage.
