What iPhone Upgrade Program users need to know about AppleCare One

AppleInsider

Apple's new AppleCare One subscription is compatible with the iPhone Upgrade Program, but making the switch takes a bit of manual work.

AppleCare One subscription

The clarification comes from Apple spokesperson Anna Mitchell, who confirmed to Six Colors that iPhone Upgrade Program users can unbundle their AppleCare+ coverage and move to AppleCare One.

Customers must contact Apple Support to make the change, and they'll need a U.S.-based Apple ID in good standing.

AppleCare One launched on July 24 as a unified coverage plan for multiple devices. It replaces AppleCare+ for new subscribers, offering tiered pricing that starts at $19.99 per month for up to three devices.

You can add more devices for $5.99 each, and it supports iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, AirPods, Apple TV, and Apple Vision Pro.

What iPhone Upgrade Program users should know

The iPhone Upgrade Program has historically included AppleCare+ as part of the bundled monthly payment. That made it unclear how AppleCare One would affect those already enrolled in the program.

According to Apple, switching is possible. However, it requires manually separating the AppleCare+ plan from the loan and enrolling in the new subscription separately.

Decoupling the included coverage may introduce complexity when ordering the next iPhone, especially if the system expects bundled AppleCare+ for eligibility or processing. While technically allowed, it's unclear if users will see any cost savings.

If you're curious about switching, call Apple for help. Otherwise, keep the included AppleCare+ and use AppleCare One for your other products.

U.S. only for now

AppleCare One is currently available only in the United States, with no word yet on international expansion. Anyone switching from an existing AppleCare+ plan will receive the remaining balance as an Apple Gift Card, typically delivered by email once the new plan is active.

For iPhone Upgrade Program users who want to consolidate coverage or add protection for other Apple devices, AppleCare One offers a flexible alternative.

But the lack of a streamlined migration means it may not be the right fit for everyone-- at least not yet.



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fattribble

I spoke to 6 different reps at Apple yesterday and 3 this morning including a senior rep from AppleCare One.  Their final answer is that if you’re in the iPhone Upgrade Program you cannot bundle your iPhone with AppleCare One.