GoKawiil
Tech News
iPhone owners are reporting persistent promotional banners inside the iOS Settings app pushing Apple's own paid services, including iCloud+ storage, Apple Music, Apple TV+ trials and AppleCare+. Many of these prompts lack a working dismiss option and can linger for weeks or months, leaving a notification badge on the Settings icon until users either subscribe or the offer expires on its own.
Apple increased the out-of-warranty battery replacement cost for the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max by $10, from $119 to $129, likely reflecting the larger battery capacities in the new models. Older iPhones, including the iPhone 6 and original SE, still qualify for the cheapest replacement at $69. Apple has not commented on the price change.
AppleCare has evolved from a simple flat-fee warranty into a tiered subscription system covering nearly every Apple product, including accessories like AirPods and Beats. Pricing varies by device, with theft and loss protection available only for iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch, and a new AppleCare One plan bundling three devices for $19.99 monthly, with $5.99 for each additional device.
Apple has outlined how its AppleCare+ single-device insurance compares with the newer AppleCare One subscription, which covers multiple gadgets under one plan. AppleCare+ pricing varies by device, ranging from about $10 a month for the iPhone 17e to $14 a month for the iPhone 17 Pro Max, and includes unlimited accidental damage repairs, priority support, and battery replacement once health drops below 80 percent. Deductibles still apply for specific repairs, such as $29 for screen damage and $149 for theft or loss replacement.
Apple introduced AppleCare One Family, a new device protection plan launching September 14 that covers unlimited Apple devices for up to six people under one household for a flat $50 monthly fee. The plan includes AppleCare Plus perks such as unlimited accidental damage repairs, 24/7 expert support, and up to two theft or loss claims annually for iPhones, iPads, and Apple Watches. It covers nearly all Apple hardware, including Macs, AirPods, HomePod, Apple TV, and Vision Pro.
Apple introduced a new AppleCare One Family tier priced at $50 per month, covering eligible devices belonging to up to six people through Family Sharing. The plan includes standard AppleCare+ perks like free battery swaps and accidental damage repairs, but limits theft and loss claims to six per year across the whole group.
Apple's Certified Refurbished program provides devices with new shells, new batteries, full Apple testing, complete accessory sets, and a full one-year warranty at roughly 15% off, typically appearing about three months after a product's launch. By contrast, Amazon Renewed items are inspected by third-party sellers, may include used shells and batteries rated to at least 80% capacity, possibly non-Apple accessories, and only a 90-day warranty, with cosmetic condition split into three tiers. Walmart Restored offers less transparency about condition standards compared to both Apple and Amazon.