AppleCare+ Just Got More Expensive

AppleCare+ Prices Are Rising Again

Apple is raising the cost of AppleCare+ again, making iPhone protection a little pricier. While the increase seems small, these changes add up over time, especially for those who keep coverage for years.

What’s even more concerning is that Apple is also changing how customers can purchase AppleCare+. Instead of letting people choose between upfront and subscription payments, the company is steering more users toward monthly and annual plans.

Monthly Costs Are Adding Up

AppleCare+ subscribers are feeling the effects of these changes as monthly prices inch higher. At first glance, a small price increase might not seem like much, but over time, it makes a difference.

Customers who used to pay one-time fees are now nudged into continuous payments, leading to higher long-term expenses.

Apple is making it more difficult to avoid ongoing costs, and those who don’t keep track may find themselves paying more than they anticipated.

Is AppleCare+ Still the Best Deal for Resale Value?

Many iPhone users keep AppleCare+ to protect their devices, but does it really help when it’s time to sell? A well-maintained iPhone with AppleCare+ coverage can sometimes fetch a higher resale price, especially if the plan is still active.

However, since AppleCare+ isn’t transferable to a new owner, its value disappears once you sell. In contrast, a third-party insurance plan or a well-timed repair might make more financial sense.

How Much Are You Really Paying?

A two-year AppleCare+ plan purchased online costs significantly less than paying month by month. If you choose a subscription, you could end up spending far more than you would with a one-time purchase.

For example, a standard two-year plan for an iPhone costs much less upfront than what you’d pay over 24 months with a monthly subscription.

Theft and Loss Plans Cost Even More

If you have AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss, your plan is also seeing a price increase. These plans are already more expensive than the standard AppleCare+, but now customers are paying even more for that extra protection.

For those who rarely lose their phones, this added expense might not be worth it. Over time, the cost of Theft and Loss coverage can outweigh the value, especially if you don’t take advantage of the replacement benefits.

Apple Says It’s About Coverage, Not Cost

Apple claims these changes are meant to help customers avoid coverage gaps. By pushing subscription plans, Apple ensures users don’t forget to renew their protection.

While this reasoning sounds practical, it also means more revenue for Apple. Customers who previously paid once and forgot about it now must manage ongoing payments.

Apple’s Subscription Push Is Growing

Apple is making more money from subscriptions than ever before, and AppleCare+ is part of that strategy. The company’s service revenue has grown significantly, with more focus on recurring payments instead of one-time purchases.

Streaming services have already made monthly payments the norm, and now Apple is applying that model to warranties. While this shift may not bother some customers, those who prefer a one-time payment system are finding it harder to avoid long-term costs.

Can You Still Get a Two-Year Plan?

Yes, but only if you purchase online. If you walk into an Apple Store today, you can no longer pay for AppleCare+ upfront. Instead, Apple requires you to sign up for a recurring monthly or annual subscription.

For those who like the certainty of a one-time payment, this is frustrating. This shift suggests Apple wants to phase out lump-sum payments entirely, ensuring customers stay on recurring plans for as long as possible.

What About Other Apple Devices?

So far, this price hike only affects iPhones. iPads, Macs, and Apple Watches still have the same AppleCare+ pricing, at least for now.

That doesn’t mean future increases aren’t coming. Apple is focusing heavily on service revenue, and AppleCare+ is a key part of that strategy. If iPhone coverage is getting more expensive, it may only be a matter of time before other devices see similar changes.

How This Affects iPhone Owners

If you already have an AppleCare+ subscription, you’ll start paying more automatically. The price increase applies to all iPhone models, regardless of when you signed up.

For those considering AppleCare+, this makes the decision a bit more complicated. While the coverage remains the same, you’re now paying more for it.

Some Customers Are Upset

Apple users are speaking out about these changes, and not everyone is happy. Many feel that Apple is simply looking for more ways to generate revenue from its existing customer base.

Social media is filled with complaints about paying more for the same service. Some people believe AppleCare+ is still worth it, while others are frustrated by the lack of choices.

Are There Cheaper Alternatives?

If you don’t want to pay more for AppleCare+, you do have other options. Many credit cards offer extended warranty protection, covering some repairs at no extra cost.

Third-party insurance plans can also provide coverage at a lower price. Some of these plans even offer lower deductibles than AppleCare+.

If you’re looking to save money, comparing different options before committing to AppleCare+ might be the best approach.

Is This Just the Beginning?

AppleCare+ prices have been stable for years, but this recent increase raises concerns. If Apple sees customers willing to pay more, future price hikes may not be far behind.

With Apple continuing to prioritize service revenue, other AppleCare+ plans or even different Apple services could see similar changes. Those who rely on AppleCare+ should keep an eye on pricing updates to avoid any unexpected increases.

How Does It Compare to the Competition?

AppleCare+ isn’t the only device protection plan out there. Competing services like SquareTrade, Best Buy’s Geek Squad, and carrier insurance plans offer alternatives, sometimes at a lower price.

These plans often cover accidental damage, but some also include perks like same-day repairs or coverage for multiple devices.

One major downside of AppleCare+ is that it only covers Apple products, whereas third-party plans can protect multiple brands under one policy.

Tips to Save Money on AppleCare+

If you want AppleCare+ but don’t want to overpay, there are ways to save. The easiest way is to purchase the two-year plan online before Apple removes the option.

Skipping Theft and Loss coverage can also cut down on monthly costs if you don’t think you’ll need it. Additionally, checking with your credit card provider for warranty benefits could save you from paying for AppleCare+ at all.

Want to see what else Apple is up to? Check out how they’re supercharging Siri with ChatGPT, it’s a game-changer.

Final Thoughts on the Price Hike

AppleCare+ is still a useful service, but now it’s more expensive. Those who frequently damage their phones may still find value in it, despite the price increase.

However, for those who rarely use their coverage, this might be a good time to reconsider if it’s really worth the cost. Apple’s move toward subscriptions means long-term costs are rising, and customers need to be more mindful about how much they’re spending.

Thinking about cutting costs? You might want to check out how Apple’s AI is changing the way your storage works, here’s what you need to know.

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