Whenever a new Apple device finds its way into my hands, the question of whether to invest in AppleCare arises, presenting a moral and ethical quandary. Indeed, AppleCare increases the upfront costs of an already pricey laptop or smartphone. Nevertheless, it could potentially save considerable money in the event of an accident—be it a shattered screen from a fall or worse, losing your iPhone to theft.

The issue with warranties such as AppleCare is not merely their cost; they are also limited to the specific product for which they are purchased. This paradigm makes perfect sense—one item, one warranty. However, Apple’s ecosystem thrives on the idea of acquiring multiple devices. Thus, the dilemma broadens from just insuring your iPhone to considering your MacBook, iPad, and Apple Watch as well. Faced with this reality, one might empty their pockets to secure all devices or selectively choose which ones to protect, often prioritizing the more expensive gadgets and leaving others vulnerable.

More often than not, the latter scenario applies: AppleCare is a must-have for my Mac, yet I tend to forego it for my iPhone, hoping it stays intact. The introduction of AppleCare One, however, might sway those with similar views to reconsider covering more devices than they normally would.

Introducing AppleCare One

On a recent Wednesday morning, Apple unveiled its latest warranty option named AppleCare One. The highlight? For just $19.99 per month, coverage for up to three Apple devices is included. For those with more than three devices, additional coverage can be acquired for $5.99 each.

If you’re familiar with AppleCare+, the features of AppleCare One will not come as a surprise. This plan includes unlimited repairs for accidental damage and 24/7 priority support from Apple, along with coverage for battery issues. Like AppleCare+, theft and loss coverage applies to iPhones. What sets AppleCare One apart is that it extends this coverage to iPads and Apple Watches as well. (Consequently, the prices of these devices’ AppleCare+ plans will see an increase.) If your Apple Watch goes missing while on vacation, or your iPad gets stolen, this plan has you covered.

Moreover, AppleCare One permits users to add devices that have been owned for some time. Previously, you needed to sign up for AppleCare within 60 days of purchase. Now, devices up to four years old can be added to this new plan, enabling you to cover older products, even if purchased secondhand, provided they remain in good working order.

However, Apple doesn’t provide a clear guideline for determining if a device qualifies for AppleCare One. If it powers on without visible damage like cracks or scratches, it may pass inspection, but it does require approval. This can be done at an Apple Store or using diagnostic tools available in both the Apple Store app and your device’s Settings app. These tools will evaluate the device’s condition and functionality; however, a second device, like an iPhone, will be needed for taking photos of the device for inspection purposes. If the device fails the inspection, repairs can be made first, before enrolling in AppleCare One.

Additionally, AppleCare One has no expiration date. Coverage can be maintained as long as desired, and since it operates on a monthly basis, flexibility is offered in choosing which devices to insure.

Cost Analysis

At $20 per month, this plan may seem a bit steep—equivalent to at least one or two subscription services. However, the situation can become complex. For those intending to cover all Apple devices, this plan is likely a boon. For instance, if you own a 13-inch MacBook Air ($6.99/month), an iPhone 16e ($9.99/month), and an Apple Watch Series 10 ($3.99/month), you would save a dollar with this new arrangement. Conversely, if you possess a pricier MacBook like the 16-inch Pro ($14.99/month) and an expensive iPhone model, the financial savings could be substantial.

On the flip side, if only two relatively inexpensive devices are owned—such as an iPhone 16e at $9.99 and a Mac mini at $3.49—this plan may not be appealing. It’s advisable to compare the overall costs of insuring individual devices through AppleCare+ versus consolidating them under AppleCare One. Detailed pricing for different devices can be found on Apple’s support page.

AppleCare One: A Viable Choice

Several aspects of this plan are commendable. For one, it simplifies the process of insuring multiple devices—$20 isn’t an unreasonable price to ensure that your Mac, iPhone, and iPad are all protected. More importantly, it may lead to extended device usage. People often feel compelled to upgrade as soon as a device shows signs of wear, and limited warranties do little to foster longevity. The ability to add older devices without a coverage expiration gives assurance that existing devices will have support well into the future. It changes the mindset from “use it until it breaks” to “use it until it can’t be repaired,” which is a refreshing perspective.

Mark your calendars: AppleCare One is set to be available from Thursday, July 24.