Is this the end of multi-year AppleCare+ plans? What’s replacing them and why
Sabrina Ortiz/ZDNETIf you purchase AppleCare+ for your devices, the company’s repair and tech support coverage program, pay attention because some big changes are on the way.Also: Is Apple launching an AirTag 2 this year? Here’s what we knowRight now, you have the option to add a multi-year AppleCare+ plan within 60 days of buying a new iPhone. You can do this straight from your device through the settings menu or in an official Apple Store as long as you have your phone inspected.Limited optionsAccording to Mark Gurman, a reliable Apple tipster, the multi-year option is going away. Apple is apparently eliminating the option to purchase a two- or three-year AppleCare+ plan in an Apple Store or on your device. Instead, if you’re purchasing device protection through those methods, Apple is going to limit you to a single-year subscription or a month-by-month plan. You’ll still be able to purchase a multi-year plan online (for now).Paying more to protect devicesThis means that you’ll ultimately end up paying more to protect your devices (unless you opt for the online option). For the iPhone 16 Pro or iPhone 16 Pro Max, for example, AppleCare+ costs $9.99 a month or $199 for a two-year plan. If you pay monthly, two years of coverage is $40 more. If you add in theft coverage too, the difference ends up costing you $55 more over two years.Also: Is this the new iPhone SE? Leaked images reveal major changes coming in 2025Apple hasn’t said anything officially, but this seems to be a move toward making AppleCare+ an ongoing monthly subscription instead of a one-time purchase. More