Apple
Apple just launched a new product coverage plan called Apple Care One, offering consumers comprehensive accident coverage on up to three Apple devices for $20 a month. That includes iPhones, MacBooks, iPads, and Apple Watches and AirPods.
The plan's benefits include unlimited repairs for damage, 24/7 live support from Apple experts, battery replacement at no extra charge, and theft coverage for the iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch.
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The coverage service launches at a time when consumers are looking at their devices with longevity in mind. Economic uncertainties mean not everyone is going to be springing for the latest iPhone year after year, and Apple knows this all too well.
Apple MacBook Air M4 (15-inch) Kyle Kucharski/ZDNET
If you're wondering how this stacks up against current Apple Care coverage, Apple Care One consolidates coverage into one flat rate, instead of associating them with individual products. The result is that consumers with multiple devices could save money with the single flat fee – around $10 on average – especially if they're prone to accidents.
There are some caveats, of course. The most important being that not every Apple device is eligible for coverage. In order to be added to the plan, the device must be less than four years old and in "good condition." If that sounds a little vague, it is, but a good rule of thumb here is to consider whether or not the device is in good enough condition to be resold.
This means that scratches, dents, and cracked screens could disqualify a device from being eligible for coverage. But if you're just facing cosmetic damages, you could simply have it repaired, significantly improving its chances for coverage.
A product's software and hardware can be checked through Apple's diagnostic tool, which will determine a device's eligibility. During this process, you may also need to provide photos of the device to verify its condition.
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