Apple has recently updated its AppleCare+ program. As suggested over the weekend by Mark Gurman, Apple will no longer offer upfront payment options for AppleCare+ in retail locations and on devices, now only providing monthly or annual subscription plans unless purchased online.
AppleCare+ now exclusively offers monthly and annual subscriptions except for online purchases
Mark Gurman reports at Bloomberg:
The tech giant is altering the sales approach for AppleCare+ for iPhones, its protection plan for the device. Users will no longer have the option to pay upfront for an AppleCare+ Theft and Loss plan in physical stores or through the AppleCare menu on their iPhones. Instead, they will be required to subscribe monthly or annually.
A monthly plan for AppleCare+ for an iPhone 16 Pro is priced at $13.99, while the prior two-year upfront plan was offered for $269. AppleCare representatives have been instructed to inform customers that this shift aims to reduce initial costs and avoid lapses in coverage. The company is also placing greater emphasis on the more costly Theft and Loss plans, which allow users to replace lost devices by paying a deductible.
Starting today, AppleCare+ will mainly be available through subscription options, with both monthly and annual payments offered.
The annual subscription appears to offer a modest discount for consumers. For instance, I can purchase AppleCare+ for my Vision Pro at either $24.99/month or $249/year.
If a one-time purchase option is what you prefer, it’s still accessible but only under one condition: during an online purchase at the Apple Store.
The multi-year upfront payment choice remains available when buying a product from Apple’s website, but it must be selected during the product configuration process.
However, if you wish to acquire AppleCare+ in a physical Apple Store or through your device’s Settings app, subscriptions are now the only available method.
What are your thoughts on this change to the AppleCare+ subscription model? Share your opinions in the comments.
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