Apple’s protection plans—long marketed under the AppleCare+ brand and now expanded through the recently launched AppleCare One—have become a major talking point among iPhone, Mac, and iPad users in India and abroad. With premium Apple devices often costing as much as a mid-range laptop or motorbike, consumers are asking the critical question: Is Apple’s insurance-like coverage worth the investment?
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What the Plans Offer
AppleCare+ remains the company’s flagship coverage, extending the standard one-year limited warranty and 90 days of free technical support into a multi-year, accident-inclusive safety net. In India, AppleCare+ for iPhone covers:
- Accidental damage protection: Two incidents every 12 months, subject to a service fee—₹2,500 for screen or back glass damage, and ₹8,900 for other damage.
- Battery service: Free replacement if the battery’s maximum capacity falls below 80% during coverage.
- Extended technical support: Priority access to Apple experts via phone or chat.
- Optional Theft & Loss: Covers up to two replacements per year if the iPhone is lost or stolen (Find My must be enabled).
The plan must be purchased within 60 days of device purchase in most regions, including India.
AppleCare One, unveiled in July 2025, takes a different approach: a subscription-based, multi-device plan priced at $19.99 per month in the U.S., with additional devices at $5.99 each. It includes:
- All the benefits of AppleCare+ for iPhones, iPads, Macs, Apple Watches, and even accessories.
- Theft & Loss protection across eligible iPhones.
- Coverage for devices up to four years old, a significant leap from the 60-day AppleCare+ purchase window.
- One central subscription for up to three devices, simplifying billing for multi-device households or professionals.
Industry analysts say AppleCare One could appeal strongly to users with multiple high-end devices—particularly in markets like the U.S. and Japan—while the rollout timeline for India remains to be confirmed.
The Numbers Behind the Promise
For an iPhone 15 Pro in India, AppleCare+ with Theft & Loss over two years costs roughly ₹21,900—around 27% of the device’s base price. In return, a screen replacement that might otherwise cost ₹25,000 would drop to ₹2,500, and a total device replacement could cost under ₹10,000 instead of ₹1,30,000.
AppleCare One’s subscription model can be more cost-effective if you own multiple premium devices. In the U.S., covering an iPhone, iPad Pro, and Apple Watch Ultra individually could cost over $500 in annual AppleCare+ fees—compared to $240 annually under AppleCare One.
Pros and Cons at a Glance
Advantages:
- Dramatic reduction in out-of-pocket repair costs.
- Guaranteed Apple-certified parts and repairs.
- 24/7 global technical support.
- Peace of mind for accident-prone or high-value device owners.
Drawbacks:
- High upfront or ongoing cost, especially if never used.
- Per-incident deductibles add to total cost.
- May be unnecessary for careful users or those with inexpensive Apple products.
User Experiences Are Mixed
On forums like Reddit, the feedback is split. One user wrote:
“AppleCare+ saved me when I dropped my phone and shattered the back glass—paid ₹2,500 instead of ₹25,000. Worth every rupee.”
Another countered:
“I’ve had iPhones for ten years and never cracked a screen. AppleCare would have been a waste for me.”
Expert View
Tech industry analysts suggest viewing AppleCare not as a financial investment, but as a risk management tool. If you upgrade annually, handle devices carefully, and rarely travel, the odds may be in your favor to skip coverage. However, for frequent travelers, field workers, or users with children handling devices, the math tilts toward taking the plan.
Bottom Line
For single-device, careful users, AppleCare+ may be an expensive safety net you never need. For multi-device owners or accident-prone individuals, especially those using high-value iPhones, iPads, or Macs, AppleCare+ or AppleCare One could save thousands of rupees—or dollars—over a few years.
The choice comes down to your risk profile, device value, and usage patterns. In the end, Apple is selling more than repairs—it’s selling peace of mind.
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