Apple has made it easy to transition from its older AppleCare+ plans to the newly introduced AppleCare One plan. Not only is the switch simple, but Apple is also giving customers an added bonus: a refund of any unused AppleCare+ balance in the form of an Apple Gift Card.
What is AppleCare One?
AppleCare One is a new monthly subscription plan from Apple that lets users cover multiple devices under one plan. It includes support for:
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iPhone
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iPad
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Mac
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Apple Watch
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and more
This all-in-one service launched on July 24, and it brings a much more convenient way to protect your Apple devices, especially if you have more than one.
The basic plan starts at $19.99/month for coverage of three devices, and you can add extra devices for just $5.99 each. All devices must be in good condition, but they don’t need to be brand new.
How to Switch From AppleCare+ to AppleCare One
Apple makes the switch super easy — and all of it happens right inside your iPhone or iPad, with no need to visit Apple’s website or a store.
Step-by-step:
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Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
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Tap your Apple ID name at the top.
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Select Subscriptions.
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If you are eligible, you'll see AppleCare One listed.
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Tap on it and follow the simple steps to switch.
The interface will show you available tiers, allow you to confirm that your devices are in good condition, and give you the option to cancel your AppleCare+ plan during the transition.
Refund via Apple Gift Card: No Extra Action Needed
One of the best parts about this switch? If you have time left on your AppleCare+ plan, Apple will automatically refund the unused balance — not to your bank account, but as an Apple Gift Card.
You’ll receive an email notification once your new AppleCare One plan is active, and the gift card will be automatically applied to your Apple ID. You can use this credit just like any other Apple Gift Card — whether it’s for apps, games, iCloud storage, or even hardware from the Apple Store.
Benefits of AppleCare One
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Covers multiple devices under one plan
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Flexible and scalable: add more devices for a low monthly fee
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Simplified billing: one payment for all covered devices
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Convenient management through your Apple ID
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Automatic refunds when switching from old plans
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No extra steps for applying gift card credit
Who Should Consider AppleCare One?
If you own more than one Apple device — like an iPhone, a MacBook, and an iPad — AppleCare One can help simplify your coverage and save money in the long run.
It’s especially useful for:
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Families with multiple devices
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Tech enthusiasts with Apple Watch, iPhone, iPad, and Mac
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Small business owners using Apple devices
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Students and professionals managing multiple gadgets
No Push Notification — So Check Manually
You won’t get a popup or alert about AppleCare One. The only way to know if you’re eligible to switch is by checking manually in your Subscriptions.
This quiet rollout means many users might miss the chance to make the switch and grab that Apple Gift Card — so it’s worth checking your Settings > Subscriptions today.
Use Your Apple Gift Card Wisely
Once you receive the Apple Gift Card, you can use it to:
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Purchase apps or subscriptions
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Buy iCloud+ storage
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Apply to hardware purchases (Mac, iPhone, etc.)
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Pay for future AppleCare One billing
This makes the switch even more valuable for users who were already planning to continue coverage.
Final Thoughts
AppleCare One is a smart move by Apple to unify and simplify how users protect their devices. Whether you're switching from an existing AppleCare+ plan or signing up fresh, the new plan gives you more flexibility, better control, and even a bonus gift card refund if you're transitioning.
The process is smooth, and Apple takes care of the refund automatically — no forms, no support calls. Just a few taps in your iPhone settings, and you're all set.
So if you have AppleCare+, now might be the perfect time to upgrade to AppleCare One.
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