AppleCare+ Updated to Cover 2 Accidental Damage Incidents Every 12 Months, Theft and Loss Deductible Lowered
Apple today updated its AppleCare+ protection plan for Apple devices to cover two incidents of accidental damage protection every 12 months. Prior to now, AppleCare+ covered two incidents of accidental damage every 24 months.
The AppleCare+ changes apply to the new Apple Watch models as well as the iPhone, a change made ahead of the launch of the new iPhone 12 models. Macs and iPads also offer the same updated coverage.
Accidental damage is subject to service fees that vary based on the damage and the device. For the iPhone, for example, screen damage requires customers to pay a $29 deductible, while other accidental damage requires a $99 fee.
Apple's separate Theft or Loss plan for the iPhone also has a lowered deductible that's now $149 for all iPhones. Previously, replacing a stolen or lost iPhone cost $149 to $269 depending on the device, so it's much more affordable to get a lost iPhone replaced under the new terms.
Apple also recently changed its AppleCare+ policies to make it possible for customers in the United States and Canada to purchase Apple Care for up to a year after buying a new device. The year-long purchase window is available for all devices eligible for AppleCare+ (iPhones, iPads, Macs, iPods, HomePods), AirPods, Apple Watch, and Pro Display XDR) and for AppleCare+ subscriptions.
Popular Stories
Apple turns 50 this year, and its CEO Tim Cook has promised to celebrate the milestone. The big day falls on April 1, 2026.
"I've been unusually reflective lately about Apple because we have been working on what do we do to mark this moment," Cook told employees today, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. "When you really stop and pause and think about the last 50 years, it makes your heart ...
While the iOS 26.3 Release Candidate is now available ahead of a public release, the first iOS 26.4 beta is likely still at least a week away. Following beta testing, iOS 26.4 will likely be released to the general public in March or April.
Below, we have recapped known or rumored iOS 26.3 and iOS 26.4 features so far.
iOS 26.3
iPhone to Android Transfer Tool
iOS 26.3 makes it easier...
Apple recently acquired Israeli startup Q.ai for close to $2 billion, according to Financial Times sources. That would make this Apple's second-biggest acquisition ever, after it paid $3 billion for the popular headphone maker Beats in 2014.
This is also the largest known Apple acquisition since the company purchased Intel's smartphone modem business and patents for $1 billion in 2019....
Apple plans to announce the iPhone 17e on Thursday, February 19, according to Macwelt, the German equivalent of Macworld.
The report, citing industry sources, is available in English on Macworld.
Apple announced the iPhone 16e on Wednesday, February 19 last year, so the iPhone 17e would be unveiled exactly one year later if this rumor is accurate. It is quite uncommon for Apple to unveil...
In the iOS 26.4 update that's coming this spring, Apple will introduce a new version of Siri that's going to overhaul how we interact with the personal assistant and what it's able to do.
The iOS 26.4 version of Siri won't work like ChatGPT or Claude, but it will rely on large language models (LLMs) and has been updated from the ground up.
Upgraded Architecture
The next-generation...
