It appears AppleCare+ is set to launch in Europe. Apple’s premium support service provides customers with support for their iOS devices for two years from their original purchase date, and also offers support for up to two instances of accidental damage.
We understand that the launch is “imminent,” but no formal launch date has been announced internally. Apple, this week, has begun training its AppleCare support and Apple Store Genius Bar employees on the upcoming launch of the support initiative. At first, the European launch will occur in the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Germany, France, and Switzerland…
Apple is reportedly working with AIG to develop AppleCare+ for Europe. The service can be applied to an iPhone or iPad for up to 30 days after the initial purchase, and must also be purchased in the home country in which the device will be used. It is believed AppleCare+ will cost around €100 in Europe.
Apple support has come under fire in the past in countries like Italy and Belgium due to claims that AppleCare was misleading. 9to5Mac is told that Apple Store employees will now be required to offer AppleCare+ to every iPad or iPhone customer, complete with a full explanation.
AppleCare+ launched first in the U.S. in late 2011, initially covering the iPhone 4S. It was altered to cover the third-generation iPad in 2012.
Earlier this month, Apple updated its customer support portal on the web to include improved web chat support.
