AppleCare+ Renewable Monthly Payment Plans Now Available for iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch

[MacRumors]

Last year, Apple added monthly payment options to some of its AppleCare+ protection plans on select devices, and now the company has decided to make them even more flexible: On Tuesday, it began offering rolling monthly subscription plans that automatically renew until canceled by the customer.

AppleCare+ renewable monthly plan offered at checkout​

As reported by 9to5Mac, customers purchasing an iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch can now continue to pay for monthly AppleCare+ coverage for as long as they like, or until Apple can no longer service the device.

The key change in the company's new AppleCare+ legal document was spotted in the following passage, which sets out the terms of Apple's monthly plans.

For Monthly Plans, your Plan Term is one (1) month. Your Plan will automatically renew each month unless cancelled as set forth in the "Cancellation" Section 9 below, including in the event that Apple is no longer able to service your Covered Equipment due to the unavailability of service parts, in which case Apple will provide you with thirty (30) days' prior written notice of cancellation, or as otherwise required by law.

When purchasing an Apple Watch Series 5, iPhone, or iPad via Apple's online store, the change is explicit. Customers who choose AppleCare+ are now asked if they want to "Pay monthly until canceled," as opposed to paying for two years of coverage outright.

However, the subscription-style monthly plans aren't universally available on the Apple Store. For Macs, Apple TV, HomePod, and other AppleCare+ eligible products, Apple is still only offering upfront fixed term payment plans.

It's also worth noting that the monthly AppleCare+ plans do cost more than paying an upfront price. For example, an AppleCare+ plan for Apple Watch Series 5 totals $95.76 when paid monthly for two years, whereas paying for 24 months of coverage upfront costs $79.

Still, it does mean customers who want coverage beyond the two (or in some cases three) years now have the ability to subscribe and the flexibility to cancel whenever they choose.

Apple has yet to open orders for the new iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Pro, so the AppleCare+ options don't show yet, but we do know that upfront pricing is going to be $149 and $199, respectively, for those models, and we can be fairly sure that the new monthly rolling plans will be extended to them, too.

Update: Apple has options to renew AppleCare+ for the iPhone SE, 6s, and 6s Plus, even though these are iPhones that Apple no longer sells, though they're not eligible for theft and loss coverage at renewal.

AppleCare renewal options are not available for older iPhones, including the iPhone 4, 4s, 5, 5c, 6 and 6 Plus, but all iPads are eligible for AppleCare+ renewal.

Apple Watch Series 3, 4, and 5 models are eligible, but Apple Watch Series 0, 1, and 2 are not. More information on renewal options is available through Apple's support document on the subject.

Article Link: AppleCare+ Renewable Monthly Payment Plans Now Available for iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch

 

[Eduardo1971]

This sounds like a decent option for those who keep their current iPhone for three years.

 

[Dwalls90]

Not sure if I’m missing something, but I’ve had AppleCare on a monthly basis since last years’ Apple Watch Series 4 and iPhone XS Max came out. How is this different from this year?

 

[QquegChristian]

Not sure if I’m missing something, but I’ve had AppleCare on a monthly basis since last years’ Apple Watch Series 4 and iPhone XS Max came out. How is this different from this year?

You can keep paying for the coverage after 2 years.

I was just thinking that now that I’ve decided to keep my X a third year that a mishap this year would be a big blow without coverage and end up costing me almost as much out of pocket to fix as selling my phone and upgrading to the 11 Pro now.

 

[RightMACatU]

Interesting new subscription model

 

[Dwalls90]

You can keep paying for the coverage after 2 years.

I was just thinking that now that I’ve decided to keep my X a third year that a mishap this year would be a big blow without coverage and end up costing me almost as much out of pocket to fix as selling my phone and upgrading to the 11 Pro now.

You’d think the article title would reflect that instead. Thanks for clarifying.

 

[newyorksole]

You’d think the article title would reflect that instead. Thanks for clarifying.

Yeah a lot of these new articles are confusing. This 1 included.

I still don’t see where Apple says you can still pay for AppleCare beyond 2 years. Let me look again Lol.

 

[Canubis]

Can one really count on this for more than 2 years? Who says Apple won't just cancel the plans beyond 2 years or after the first incident?

 

[Dwalls90]

Yeah a lot of these new articles are confusing. This 1 included.

I still don’t see where Apple says you can still pay for AppleCare beyond 2 years. Let me look again Lol.

Can one really count on this for more than 2 years? Who says Apple won't just cancel the plans beyond 2 years or after the first incident?

Re-reading the article, it looks like the 3 year time frame is a MacRumors and not Apple statement. Apple appears to be now offering coverage that will go beyond the traditional 2 years of AppleCare+ on a month-to-month basis, and there doesn't appear to be any time limit on that. However, this timeframe isn't truly unlimited:

"including in the event that Apple is no longer able to service your Covered Equipment due to the unavailability of service parts, in which case Apple will provide you with thirty (30) days' prior written notice of cancellation, or as otherwise required by law"

My guess is that coverage can continue so as long as Apple can service the device, and it's not considered obsolete per below list:

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201624

MacRumors appears to be hinting at the fact that this new extended coverage option is perfect for users that keep their phones beyond the usual 2 year coverage period Apple has historically offered, but it's not necessarily limited to 3 years.

Unfortunately, it would appear you still can't add AppleCare+ after 60 days from purchase of the item.

 

[bronksy]

Re-reading the article, it looks like the 3 year time frame is a MacRumors and not Apple statement. Apple appears to be now offering coverage that will go beyond the traditional 2 years of AppleCare+ on a month-to-month basis, and there doesn't appear to be any time limit on that. However, this timeframe isn't truly unlimited:

"including in the event that Apple is no longer able to service your Covered Equipment due to the unavailability of service parts, in which case Apple will provide you with thirty (30) days' prior written notice of cancellation, or as otherwise required by law"

My guess is that coverage can continue so as long as Apple can service the device, and it's not considered obsolete per below list:

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201624

MacRumors appears to be hinting at the fact that this new extended coverage option is perfect for users that keep their phones beyond the usual 2 year coverage period Apple has historically offered, but it's not necessarily limited to 3 years.

Unfortunately, it would appear you still can't add AppleCare+ after 60 days from purchase of the item.

So you can buy the plan on the 2 year plan then roll into a pay monthly if you want- OR do you have to start paying monthly from the beginning if you want to roll past the 2 years?

 

[newyorksole]

Re-reading the article, it looks like the 3 year time frame is a MacRumors and not Apple statement. Apple appears to be now offering coverage that will go beyond the traditional 2 years of AppleCare+ on a month-to-month basis, and there doesn't appear to be any time limit on that. However, this timeframe isn't truly unlimited:

"including in the event that Apple is no longer able to service your Covered Equipment due to the unavailability of service parts, in which case Apple will provide you with thirty (30) days' prior written notice of cancellation, or as otherwise required by law"

My guess is that coverage can continue so as long as Apple can service the device, and it's not considered obsolete per below list:

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201624

MacRumors appears to be hinting at the fact that this new extended coverage option is perfect for users that keep their phones beyond the usual 2 year coverage period Apple has historically offered, but it's not necessarily limited to 3 years.

Unfortunately, it would appear you still can't add AppleCare+ after 60 days from purchase of the item.

Ah ok that makes sense. Very interesting. Thanks for clarifying.

 

[Dwalls90]

So you can buy the plan on the 2 year plan then roll into a pay monthly if you want- OR do you have to start paying monthly from the beginning if you want to roll past the 2 years?

That part I’m not sure of. Probably have to contact Apple, or read the fine print.

 

[gsmornot]

I want to convert my current plan to monthly.

 

[dougal55]

Last year, Apple added monthly payment options to some of its AppleCare+ protection plans on select devices, and now the company has decided to make them even more flexible: On Tuesday, it began offering rolling monthly subscription plans that automatically renew until canceled by the customer.

AppleCare+ renewable monthly plan offered at checkout​

As reported by 9to5Mac, customers purchasing an iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch can now continue to pay for monthly AppleCare+ coverage for as long as they like, or until Apple can no longer service the device.

The key change in the company's new AppleCare+ legal document was spotted in the following passage, which sets out the terms of Apple's monthly plans.
When purchasing an Apple Watch Series 5, iPhone, or iPad via Apple's online store, the change is explicit. Customers who choose AppleCare+ are now asked if they want to "Pay monthly until canceled," as opposed to paying for two years of coverage outright.

However, the subscription-style monthly plans aren't universally available on the Apple Store. For Macs, Apple TV, HomePod, and other AppleCare+ eligible products, Apple is still only offering upfront fixed term payment plans.

It's also worth noting that the monthly AppleCare+ plans do cost more than paying an upfront price. For example, an AppleCare+ plan for Apple Watch Series 5 totals $95.76 when paid monthly for two years, whereas paying for 24 months of coverage upfront costs $79.

Still, it does mean customers who want coverage beyond the two (or in some cases three) years now have the ability to subscribe and the flexibility to cancel whenever they choose.

Apple has yet to open orders for the new iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Pro, so the AppleCare+ options don't show yet, but we do know that upfront pricing is going to be $149 and $199, respectively, for those models, and we can be fairly sure that the new monthly rolling plans will be extended to them, too.

Article Link: AppleCare+ Renewable Monthly Payment Plans Now Available for iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch

[doublepost=1568207691][/doublepost]I recently bought my new iPhone XR so I still have time to use AppleCare but there isl still no monthly subscription available for me. Why not?

 

[Ant2369]

This is awesome! And something that’s been sought after for a very long time

 

[curtis242]

Anyone know if they are bringing the monthly plan to the UK

 

[CarlJ]

This was, unexpectedly, one of the more difficult decisions while ordering a new watch yesterday - $40/yr for 2 years fixed, or $50ish every year as long as I keep the watch. Ended up going with the old-style 2 year upfront plan for a couple reasons: a slight revulsion to yet-one-more subscription, and figuring that the first two years is kind of a sweet spot - if something goes wrong a year from now the watch still feels new, and it's a major pain point, while if something goes wrong in 3 or 4 years (I've had my S0 since launch), you're more likely to be looking longingly at a new one anyway. Four years from now, for instance, the monthly cost would add up to $191.52 - that's a $112.52 difference that could go towards a new watch, instead of repairing the old one ($100ish towards a new watch isn't exactly a slam dunk "yes this is the right choice", but it swayed me towards the fixed 2 year plan - and if the watch doesn't break, I'm $100 up - my S0 is still running fine after 4+ years).

Another factor in this is for my original S0 and the new S5, I've gone with aluminum. If I were getting one of the spendier materials, that $4/mo might seem more prudent protection.

 

[jaack]

Anyone know if they are bringing the monthly plan to the UK

It's not available for the Apple Watch preorders so probably not this year (or for now at least)

 

[anshuvorty]

Everything is a subscription now: your iPhone, your TV, your music, your office applications, and now, your warranty...just insane....

 

[Dimwhit]

I really like this. Especially if you only care to cover something for a year. I kind of wish they'd do this for the computers, too.

 

[ijordano]

Everything is a subscription now: your iPhone, your TV, your music, your office applications, and now, your warranty...just insane....

Your optional, extended warranty with extra features. Get a grip

 

[konqerror]

Re-reading the article, it looks like the 3 year time frame is a MacRumors and not Apple statement.

I read that differently:

Still, it does mean customers who want coverage beyond the two (or in some cases three) years

It's referring to the fact that AppleCare on Macs is 3 years, as is standard in the industry for enterprise hardware. Companies usually get a 3 year warranty on their enterprise PCs and servers because that's their expected life. (Whether it's included or not depends on the vendor and model line i.e. Lenovo is usually 1 year on their clients, 3 years on workstations, Dell Optiplex/Latitude/Precision is usually 3 years included)

These vendors offer an extension up to 5 years at added cost. It now looks like Apple is offering a 5 year+ option as it fits with Apple's support policy (5 years after last sale).

 

[moabal]

I do not understand the point of choosing the subscription option?

It seems like regardless of you how pay, the warranty only lasts for 2 years. If you sell the watch within those two years, Apple will refund the prorated difference. It seems like you pay monthly in perpetuity. However, after 2 years, the exception is you would "always" get a new watch.

Can someone clarify this for me?

 

[ApfelKuchen]

Sometimes it pays to read the Terms and Conditions (note that it's important to read the Terms and Conditions that apply where you live, since they can vary from country to country).

Interesting note regarding renewals (quoting the US Terms and Conditions, emphasis added):

For Single-Pay Plans, your Plan Term is two (2) years (or three (3) years for Apple Watch Edition or Hermès). Apple is not obligated to renew your Single-Pay Plan. If Apple does offer to renew, Apple will determine the price and terms.

That emphasized part is new. Previously there was no mention of renewal at all. That suggests that Apple is allowing for the possibility of extending the coverage past 2/3 years.

Until now, AppleCare has not been renewable under any circumstances. It appears they've reconsidered. On the monthly payment plans that makes AppleCare+ consistent with most of the monthly plans offered by the phone companies, which typically bill monthly on an indefinite basis. And if they do offer extensions on the pay-in-one-lump-sum plans... also a big change for Apple.

Can one really count on this for more than 2 years? Who says Apple won't just cancel the plans beyond 2 years or after the first incident?

Apple's Terms and Conditions do cover these questions. For the month-to-month plans (again, the US terms):

For Monthly Plans, your Plan Term is one (1) month. Your Plan will automatically renew each month unless cancelled as set forth in the “Cancellation” Section 9 below, including in the event that Apple is no longer able to service your Covered Equipment due to the unavailability of service parts, in which case Apple will provide you with thirty (30) days’ prior written notice of cancellation, or as otherwise required by law.

In other words, the monthly plan is no longer a 2-year plan, but an indefinitely renewing plan. As far as cancellations go, the Terms do describe the circumstances under which Apple is able to cancel. The reasons for cancellation by Apple would be non-payment of monthly plans, fraud, or repair parts becoming unavailable.

9.2 Apple’s Cancellation Rights

If your Payment Source cannot be charged for any reason for amounts due, including for any Monthly Plan renewal payment, and you have not otherwise made the appropriate payment by the due date or any applicable renewal date, your Plan may be cancelled for nonpayment and your Plan coverage will cease from the due date or renewal date.

Additionally, unless applicable local law provides otherwise, Apple may cancel this Plan for fraud or material misrepresentation, or if service parts for the Covered Equipment are not available, upon thirty (30) days’ prior written notice. If local law permits and Apple cancels this Plan for the unavailability of service parts, you will receive a pro-rata refund for the Plan’s unexpired Term.

I've never heard of someone's coverage being canceled after a single incident.

 

[araadt]

[doublepost=1568207691][/doublepost]I recently bought my new iPhone XR so I still have time to use AppleCare but there isl still no monthly subscription available for me. Why not?

Same, but with an iPad Pro in Canada. While the Canadian AppleCare+ Terms list "monthly plan," I don't see anywhere to purchase.