Apple on Tuesday began offering AppleCare+ protection plans for iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch devices as a monthly subscription that will automatically renew until canceled by the customer.
9to5Mac reports customers can now pay monthly for AppleCare+ coverage for as long as the wish, or until Apple can no longer offer service for the device.
The new option is mentioned in the company’s new AppleCare+ legal document, 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, customers that opt for AppleCare+ will now be asked if they want to “Pay monthly until canceled,” as well as having the option to pay for two years coverage upfront.
The standard AppleCare+ purchase option is the only option available for buyers of Macs, Apple TV, HomePod, and other AppleCare+ eligible products.
It should be noted that paying monthly for AppleCare+ will cost you more in the long run than paying for it upfront. Buying the protection plan for an Apple Watch Series 5 will run you $95.76 in total when paying monthly, while paying for 2 years of coverage upfront will be $79. However, the subscription option does allow buyers to protect their new device if they’re running short on funds after buying their new precious.