Image Credit: Apple - AppleCare Logo
With every purchase of an Apple device, customers will continue to receive a year of complimentary AppleCare. However, industry sources indicate that the technology giant is transitioning its extended warranty plan, known as AppleCare+, to a subscription model only.
According to the latest updates, brick-and-mortar locations worldwide— including Apple’s own retail stores—will no longer provide extended plans for immediate purchase. Online subscriptions for AppleCare+ are expected to remain accessible as they have since 2019.
This shift in service models is anticipated to occur prior to the conclusion of February 2025.
In the interim, it appears that customers may still acquire prepaid two or three-year periods of coverage online; however, a monthly subscription option is available and can be renewed indefinitely. This update was shared by Mark Gurman via social media channel X.
Mark Gurman Comment: “A significant modification regarding AppleCare+ will take effect next week: physical retail locations will cease offering pre-paid two or three-year plans directly at their stores and focus solely on monthly and annual subscriptions. Nevertheless, you can still purchase multi-year options through the online store.” — Mark Gurman (@markgurman) February 2, 2025
The standard warranty issued with devices includes coverage against manufacturing errors along with 90 days of free customer service via phone. In contrast, the comprehensive contracts offered under AppleCare+ cover accidental damages applicable across most hardware products (excluding the Apple TV) and incorporate up to two years of complimentary phone support.
The Evolution of Extended Coverage
Previously, consumers could choose to activate their additional coverage during their initial transaction or within a 60-day period post-purchase through Apple’s website. Starting from mid-February onwards, prepayment options will not be available directly at any retail environment but remain obtainable exclusively online from Apple’s website.
The traditional physical sale options for extended warranties had significantly longer validity compared to the basic one-year coverage provided initially but were limited in duration when purchased ahead—up to either two or three years based on individual devices. The ongoing subscription model was introduced by Apple in late 2021.
This flexible subscription approach enables users to secure coverage according to their preferences without fixed timelines; essentially functioning like a perpetual warranty as long as users maintain their payments each month.
Coverage Options Available Under Subscription
The scope of available protection under existing warranties extends across numerous product categories including Mac computers, iPhones, iPads, and more recently added items such as AirPods and HomePods. Subscription rates vary significantly ranging from approximately $2.49 monthly for an entry-level smartwatch up towards $24.99 per month designated for advanced devices such as Vision Pro headsets at present time.
Annual vs Monthly Subscriptions
For Mac systems specifically along with displays produced by these manufacturers through this program starting at annual billing rates beginning around $34.99 yearly covering core models while exclusive offerings commence minimally at $49 annually corresponding with certain display units sold separately which adhere accordingly styled pricing standards post them begun after previous purchases concluded ensuring respectfulness regards original commitments made previously stated accurately upon agreement terms passed presently closing paragraphs/stipulations issued matching formats held constant throughout tenure-changed stated contexts relating easily costs subjected toward discussed understandings mentioned reflectively retaining respective practices instituted regarded together originally constructed attentively earnest acknowledgement appropriated budgetary guidelines depicted repeated absolutely consistent monitored regularly observably holding correctness maintained aligned fairly assured invocations keeping given historical commentary modestly reflective capturing frames set before readers familiar noticeably.
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