Apple just launched a new subscription called AppleCare One. It’s being pitched as a simpler, smarter way to protect your Apple devices, and on paper, it sounds like a good deal. For $19.99 per month, you can cover up to three products under one plan. If you want to add more, it’s $5.99 per device.
But let’s be honest here. This isn’t some grand act of generosity from Apple. It looks more like a cash grab wrapped in convenience. Most people probably won’t see real value from this plan, and for many, it could end up being just another monthly fee that adds up quickly.
According to Apple, you get the same perks as with AppleCare+. That includes unlimited accidental damage repairs, 24/7 access to support, and battery coverage. There’s also loss and theft protection now included for iPad and Apple Watch, not just iPhone. Sounds great in theory, but there are still fees and deductibles involved. You’re not exactly getting no-questions-asked replacements here.
Apple says customers can save up to $11 per month by bundling instead of buying separate AppleCare+ plans. That savings only really applies if you already own multiple Apple products and planned to insure them all anyway. If you’re just protecting one iPhone, or maybe an iPhone and an Apple Watch, the monthly cost probably won’t make sense.
There’s also a catch when adding older devices. They need to be in “good condition” and under four years old (just one year for headphones). Apple may ask you to run a diagnostic test or visit a store to prove the device is up to par before it qualifies. So while it sounds like a win for those with older gear, the process might not be all that smooth.
Apple is clearly trying to make this plan sound flexible. You can add or remove devices whenever you want, and when you trade something in, the coverage can shift to your new product automatically. But again, this mostly benefits folks who are deep in the Apple ecosystem. If you’re not juggling multiple devices or upgrading often, you’re probably better off sticking with basic AppleCare+ or skipping coverage entirely.
Let’s not forget who this really helps. Apple loves recurring revenue. This is the same company that charges for extra iCloud storage when most of its base iPhone models still ship with just 128GB. AppleCare One feels like another way to nudge customers into a subscription and rake in monthly payments for coverage most people will never actually use.
To be fair, some families or Apple enthusiasts might find this plan convenient. If you’ve got a house full of iPhones, iPads, and Watches, and you’re accident-prone or constantly upgrading, maybe it adds up. But average users with one or two devices should look at this carefully and ask whether it’s worth the monthly bill.
AppleCare One launches in the U.S. on July 24. You’ll be able to sign up from your iPhone, iPad, or Mac, or by visiting an Apple Store. Just make sure you’re not signing up for something you don’t actually need. Because the last thing most of us need right now is another subscription quietly draining our bank accounts.
