Apple rolls out $20-a-month AppleCare One covering up to three devices

Apple Inc. has introduced a new subscription service known as AppleCare One, which allows customers to insure up to three devices with a single monthly payment of $20. This innovative plan debuted in the United States on Thursday, aiming to enhance the coverage options available while simplifying the existing AppleCare services. The AppleCare One package includes a variety of benefits such as battery replacements, 24/7 customer support, and protection against accidental damages like spills and drops. For users wishing to insure additional devices beyond the initial three, an extra fee of $6 per month will apply for each additional device. Enrollment in the plan can be done conveniently through an iPhone, iPad, or Mac, or by visiting an Apple retail store. The coverage extends to all hardware supported by AppleCare, including iPhones, iPads, Macs, Apple Watches, Vision Pro headsets, displays, headphones, Apple TV devices, and HomePods, regardless of their model or configuration. A significant enhancement of this plan is the inclusion of theft and loss protection, which was previously only available as an optional add-on in the standard AppleCare offering. This feature is particularly crucial for devices such as iPhones, iPads, and Apple Watches, providing users with added peace of mind. The launch of AppleCare One underscores Apple's strategic push to expand its services sector, which already encompasses platforms like iCloud, Apple Music, and the App Store. This division is anticipated to exceed $100 billion in revenue this year, making it the second-largest revenue contributor for the company after iPhone sales. Customers will have the option to select AppleCare One when buying new devices, both online and in retail locations. Existing devices, up to four years old, can also be added to the plan, although users must agree to a diagnostic check to verify their hardware's functionality. In some instances, Apple may request images of the device’s front screen to evaluate its physical condition. The introduction of this bundled coverage plan offers customers a flexible and potentially more economical way to insure multiple Apple products, catering especially to users who previously found single-device plans restrictive or expensive.