Apple just launched a new $20 subscription service that offers multi-device protection

If you own an Apple device, you’re probably familiar with AppleCare and AppleCare+, Apple’s device protection programs. While AppleCare is a limited one-year warranty included with every device, AppleCare+ is an optional extended warranty that you can purchase for additional coverage, such as protection against accidental damage. However, if you own multiple Apple devices, you previously had to buy an AppleCare+ plan separately for each one. That is now finally changing.

Apple has introduced AppleCare One, a subscription that combines your AppleCare+ subscriptions into a single plan. Priced at $20 per month, it covers up to three devices, such as an iPhone, iPad, and Mac. AppleCare One retains all the same benefits of AppleCare+, so you won’t miss out on any coverage. If you have more than three devices, you can add additional devices to the plan for $6 each a month.

Apple states that you can save $11 a month by bundling an iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch with AppleCare One instead of buying AppleCare+ separately for each device.

“At Apple, we’re focused on creating and delivering exceptional experiences,” said Bob Borchers, Apple’s vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing. “Built on the trusted foundation of AppleCare+, AppleCare One extends that same reliability and makes it easier than ever to protect the products you love and depend on like iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch, combining simplicity and exceptional value.”

You can add devices up to four years old to AppleCare One

AppleCare One is only available in the US starting July 24

With the introduction of AppleCare One, Apple has expanded the eligibility period for devices that can be included in the plan. Typically, when you purchase a new Apple device, such as an iPhone, you have only 60 days to buy AppleCare+ coverage afterward. With AppleCare One, you can include devices that are up to four years old. However, Apple states that the device must be in “good condition” and may require you to run a diagnostic check or have it inspected at an Apple Store before adding it to the plan.

Apple’s extension of the eligibility window to four years is fantastic, and it will help many people obtain coverage for devices they purchased years ago but couldn’t get AppleCare+ for due to the 60-day purchase window. If you have an older device, such as an iPad or Mac, that you’re still using and have always wished you had AppleCare+ for, you can now get it, thanks to AppleCare One.

Turning to coverage, AppleCare One offers all the same benefits as AppleCare+, such as unlimited repairs for accidents like drops, spills, and other damage, 24/7 priority customer service support, unlimited battery replacements (if the battery health drops below 80 percent), and theft and loss protection for the iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch.

Previously, theft and loss protection was only available for the iPhone with AppleCare+, so it’s nice to see it now available for the iPad and Apple Watch with AppleCare One.

If you want to sign up for AppleCare One, you can do so starting July 24. You can sign up for the plan on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac by going to Settings > General > AppleCare & Warranty. You can add or remove devices from AppleCare One at any time through the same screen. It’s worth noting you can only add devices associated with your Apple ID. You can also visit an Apple Store to sign up for the service. For now, the program is only available in the US. There’s no word on whether it will expand to other countries in the future.

As someone who is currently juggling multiple AppleCare+ subscriptions, I’m pretty happy to see Apple introduce AppleCare One. It seems like it’s a much easier way to manage AppleCare+ on multiple devices, plus it will save you money every month. Apple also offers another subscription bundle called Apple One, which includes its popular services, such as iCloud, Apple Music, Apple TV+, and Arcade, at a lower monthly rate.

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