Apple recently unveiled the newest iPhone models and a new Apple Watch. The iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, and iPhone 11 Pro Max pack powerful hardware. Likewise, the Apple Watch Series 5 brings more to the table than ever before. Improvements to iOS and WatchOS were announced and bring more capabilities to individual users. One of the more interesting announcements came after the event itself and concerned AppleCare+.
What Consumers Have Had In AppleCare+ Until Now
AppleCare+ protects various models of iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch. The extended warranty covers everything from technical support to screen and battery damage. Also, theft and loss can be covered for an additional fee. An extended warranty comes at a flat price based on device, or the cost can be broken into monthly payments. Coverage used to be limited to the two-year period, and then AppleCare+ ceased.
What Is Apple Changing With AppleCare+?
Thanks to recent changes, AppleCare+ can essentially become a month-to-month subscription plan. New devices with the extended warranty can be covered as long as Apple still provides support for those devices. A two-year extended warranty now becomes a subscription plan that could potentially last for many years longer. For device replacements, the warranty covers two replacements every 24 months.
More Information On The Finer Details Here
This new subscription model cannot be added onto existing AppleCare+ warranties. Only new device purchases qualify for the ongoing subscription plan. On top of that, new device owners have 60 days from the date of purchase to add AppleCare+. Individuals can still opt for the two-year extended warranty and nothing more. The coverage can be purchased in two-year increments, or for $7.99-$12.99 per month otherwise.
Why Has Apple Made These Changes To AppleCare+?
In this situation, consumers benefit from having an extendable extended warranty. They can get their devices repaired or replaced under warranty for much longer than before. Apple itself benefits by increasing the revenue it pulls in from its service offerings. Plus, whenever someone pays for the coverage and fails to use it, Apple reaps even more profits for essentially no loss. It’s a win-win situation nonetheless.
AppleCare+ comes with various service charges and deductibles for each type of loss. In the end, adding a monthly subscription to the mix helps Apple make more money. Consumers benefit with longer warranty coverage, but Apple is the true winner here. More companies may follow in Apple’s footsteps as such services couldn’t be easier to offer to consumers today.
