Apple has quietly raised the price of AppleCare+ for its newest Mac and iPad models, as first noted by Bloomberg. The increase amounts to 50 cents per month and $5 per year across the board, affecting all current-generation devices. While the change is modest, it signals a broader trend in Apple's approach to extended warranty pricing.
What is AppleCare+?
AppleCare+ is Apple's extended warranty and device protection service. It goes beyond the standard one-year limited warranty by offering up to two or three years of coverage, including unlimited incidents of accidental damage protection (each subject to a service fee). The plan also includes 24/7 priority access to Apple technical support. For users who rely heavily on their Apple devices for work or personal use, AppleCare+ provides peace of mind against costly repairs and replacement.
New Pricing Details
The price adjustment applies only to new purchases of AppleCare+ for Macs and iPads. Current subscribers will continue paying the rates they originally agreed to, at least for now. Below is the full breakdown of the updated monthly and annual pricing for each device.
New Macs
- Mac mini: $4.49/month or $44.99/year
- Mac Studio: $6.99/month or $69.99/year
- iMac: $6.99/month or $69.99/year
- MacBook Neo: $5.99/month or $59.99/year
- 13-inch MacBook Air: $7.99/month or $79.99/year
- 15-inch MacBook Air: $8.99/month or $89.99/year
- 14-inch MacBook Pro: $10.99/month or $109.99/year
- 16-inch MacBook Pro: $15.99/month or $159.99/year
- Mac Pro: $18.49/month or $184.99/year
New iPads
- iPad and iPad mini: $5.99/month or $59.99/year
- 11-inch iPad Air (M4): $6.99/month or $69.99/year
- 13-inch iPad Air (M4): $7.99/month or $79.99/year
- 11-inch iPad Pro (M5): $10.99/month or $109.99/year
- 13-inch iPad Pro (M5): $11.99/month or $119.99/year
Impact on Customers
For new buyers, the extra cost is relatively small. Over a two-year plan, the increase amounts to about $12 per device; over three years, it is $18. However, when multiplied across millions of Macs and iPads sold annually, the additional revenue for Apple becomes significant. Existing AppleCare+ holders should note that if they cancel their current plan and later re-subscribe for a new device, they will be subject to the new rates.
It is also worth noting that AppleCare One, the multi-device protection plan launched last year, does not appear to have been affected by this price increase. That plan bundles coverage for iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Watch at a single monthly price, offering a potentially better value for heavy Apple users.
Historical Context
Apple has periodically adjusted AppleCare+ pricing since the service's introduction in 2011. Initially, plans were sold as one-time upfront payments. In subsequent years, Apple added monthly and annual subscription options to make the service more accessible. Price increases have been rare, but have occurred when Apple launched new product categories or when repair costs rose due to more complex designs. For instance, the shift to all-flash storage and soldered components in MacBooks increased the cost of out-of-warranty repairs, making AppleCare+ more attractive.
Compared to competitors like Microsoft's Complete protection plan or Samsung's Care+, Apple's pricing remains in the mid-to-high range. Microsoft charges $7.99 per month for Surface devices, while Samsung Care+ ranges from $4 to $13 per month depending on the device. Apple's rates, especially for high-end Macs like the Mac Pro at $18.49 per month, are among the highest in the industry. However, Apple's plan includes coverage for accidental damage with lower deductibles and a broader network of service providers.
Market Implications
The price increase could be seen as a hedge against rising component costs and inflation. Apple's services segment, which includes AppleCare+, warranty revenue, and other subscriptions, has been a key growth driver. In recent quarters, services revenue has approached $25 billion per quarter. Even a small bump in AppleCare+ pricing can add substantial recurring revenue without negatively impacting hardware sales, as the cost is a fraction of the device's price.
For consumers, the decision to purchase AppleCare+ depends on risk tolerance and usage patterns. Frequent travelers, creative professionals, and families with children often find the coverage worthwhile. The increase of 50 cents per month is unlikely to deter most buyers, but it may push some toward third-party insurance options or simply self-insuring by setting aside savings for potential repairs.
What Remains Unchanged
Apple has not altered the core benefits of AppleCare+. Each plan still includes unlimited accidental damage incidents, with service fees of $29 for screen damage and $99 for other accidental damage on Macs, and $49 for iPads. The plans also still offer 24/7 priority support via phone or chat, and coverage for battery repairs that fall below 80% capacity. Moreover, Apple has not changed pricing for iPhone or Watch AppleCare+ plans in this round.
Current subscribers who are grandfathered into the old pricing should be aware that if they upgrade to a new device and transfer their plan, they will likely be charged the new rates. Apple's policy typically allows plan transfers within 30 days of purchase, but the new device's plan will reflect current pricing.
Source: 9to5Mac News