AppleCare in 2025: Still Worth It or Total Waste of Money?

Summary

This video explores the evolution of Apple Care, from its early days to the introduction of Apple Care 1 in 2025. It breaks down how Apple Care has changed in pricing, coverage, and options, offering insights into Apple Care Plus, Apple Care subscriptions, and the new Apple Care 1 plan. Key points include coverage for accidental damage, device protection, and the introduction of theft and loss for multiple devices. The video concludes with a detailed comparison of costs, showcasing the benefits of Apple Care 1 for high-end Apple devices, and how it offers savings compared to previous options.

Takeaways

• 😀 Apple Care has evolved over the years, from standalone plans to monthly subscriptions, and now to the new Apple Care 1.
• 😀 Apple Care Plus extends the standard one-year warranty with coverage for hardware failures, accidental damage, and battery issues.
• 😀 Apple Care Plus offers 24/7 priority tech support and theft and loss protection (with specific conditions).
• 😀 The Apple Care Protection Plan was introduced in 2003 but only covered defects, not accidental damage.
• 😀 In 2011, Apple introduced Apple Care Plus for iPhone, including accidental damage coverage for a $29 repair fee for screen damage.
• 😀 Apple Care Plus allows users to renew their coverage indefinitely, as long as their devices aren’t vintage (5-6 years old).
• 😀 The introduction of Apple Care 1 in 2025 offers a more flexible subscription model for covering multiple devices at a flat price.
• 😀 Apple Care 1 costs $19.99 per month for up to three devices, with additional devices priced at $5.99 each.
• 😀 Apple Care 1 allows users to transfer coverage between devices, offering more flexibility in device management.
• 😀 Apple Care 1 offers significant savings for users with high-end devices like the iPhone Pro, MacBook Pro, and Apple Watch, but may not be cost-effective for lower-end devices.
• 😀 Apple Care 1’s value proposition depends on the number and type of devices you own, with better savings for higher-end devices rather than base models.

Q & A

What is AppleCare and how has it evolved over the years?

AppleCare is Apple's extended warranty and support plan for its devices, providing coverage beyond the standard one-year warranty. Over the years, it has evolved from a standalone plan to a subscription-based service, with features like accidental damage coverage and ongoing renewals introduced in recent years.

What does AppleCare Plus cover for a device?

AppleCare Plus covers hardware failures, accidental damage protection (such as cracked screens or liquid damage), battery replacements (if the battery health drops below 80%), and 24/7 priority tech support. It also includes theft and loss protection for eligible devices, as well as extended coverage beyond the standard one-year warranty.

How much does AppleCare Plus cost for various devices?

The cost of AppleCare Plus varies by device. For example, an iPhone starts at $9.99/month, with discounts for annual plans. A MacBook Air costs $199 for a standalone plan, while more premium devices like the MacBook Pro or iPhone Pro models will have higher costs. For Apple Vision Pro, AppleCare costs $24.99/month.

What are the key differences between AppleCare Plus and AppleCare 1?

AppleCare 1, introduced in 2025, is a subscription plan that covers up to three Apple devices for a base price of $19.99/month. It extends theft and loss protection to iPads and Apple Watches, which was not available under previous plans. It also allows users to add coverage to devices up to four years old and automatically transfer coverage when devices are replaced.

Can you renew AppleCare Plus indefinitely?

Yes, AppleCare Plus can be renewed indefinitely as long as the device remains supported by Apple. This includes annual and monthly subscriptions. AppleCare Plus coverage continues as long as the device does not enter a 'vintage' state, which typically occurs after 5-6 years.

What are the service fees for accidental damage under AppleCare Plus?

Under AppleCare Plus, the service fees for accidental damage depend on the type of damage. For screen or back glass damage, it costs $29 for repair. For other accidental damage, such as liquid damage or if the device is submerged in water, it costs $99 to replace the device.

What is the AppleCare 1 subscription model, and how does it work?

AppleCare 1 is a subscription model introduced in 2025, offering coverage for up to three devices at $19.99/month. Each additional device costs $5.99/month. This plan covers a wide range of devices, including iPhones, Macs, iPads, and Apple Watches, with a simple, one-size-fits-all pricing structure.

How does AppleCare 1 benefit those with multiple Apple devices?

AppleCare 1 is particularly beneficial for users with multiple Apple devices. It provides coverage for up to three devices for a fixed monthly price of $19.99, which can be more cost-effective than purchasing separate AppleCare Plus plans for each device. For high-end devices like the MacBook Pro or iPhone Pro, it can offer significant savings.

Are there any limitations on adding devices to AppleCare 1 after their initial subscription?

Yes, Apple allows users to add devices to AppleCare 1 up to four years old, provided the devices are in good condition. This marks a significant shift from the past, where once AppleCare expired, it could not be reactivated. Devices must be approved by Apple for coverage if they are outside the initial warranty period.

What types of devices are not recommended for AppleCare 1?

AppleCare 1 is not recommended for devices like AirPods, HomePods, or base models of iPhones, iPads, and Macs, as the cost of coverage may not justify the benefits for lower-end or older devices. However, it is beneficial for high-end devices like the MacBook Pro, iPhone Pro, iPad Pro, and Apple Watch models.