The MacBook Upgrade Program by Upgraded offers a flexible, cost-effective way to own a MacBook by paying monthly and upgrading every 2 years, with options for custom builds, included AppleCare, and no resale hassle, making it ideal for professionals and Apple enthusiasts. Prices start at $33.28/month for MacBook Air and $52.17/month for MacBook Pro, with rates as low as 0% APR.
Apple has launched AppleCare One, a subscription plan that covers multiple Apple devices with a single monthly fee, offering potential savings and extended theft/loss coverage, but with limitations such as device age and account linkage. It is most beneficial for users with at least three Apple devices under four years old, and it simplifies coverage management, though alternatives like self-insurance or third-party policies may be better for some.
Apple is offering a seamless switch from AppleCare+ to AppleCare One, a new multi-device subscription plan, with the added benefit of automatically receiving a gift card refund for the remaining balance on the old plan, simplifying device coverage and providing a bonus for users transitioning to the new service.
Apple has launched AppleCare One in the US, a multi-device protection plan for $19.99/month that covers up to three devices, including theft and loss coverage for iPads and Apple Watches, with flexible management and extended enrollment periods.
Apple is expanding its AppleCare+ Theft and Loss coverage beyond iPhone to include Apple Watch and iPad, offering new bundled plans and individual options for these devices, while coverage for Mac and other products remains unchanged.
Apple has extended the grace period for adding AppleCare+ to iPhone, iPad, and Mac devices from 60 days to four years after purchase, allowing more flexibility in securing warranty coverage, provided the device is in reasonable condition and passes a condition check.
A small number of Apple Vision Pro owners have reported hairline cracks in the front cover glass of their headsets, with speculation that it may be due to pressure from tightening the straps or an overheating issue. Repair costs for the cover glass are $300 with AppleCare and $800 without, and affected owners have been asked to pay the repair costs as the crack has not been officially identified as a manufacturing defect. Apple is unlikely to undertake an internal manufacturing probe unless reports of identical defects become more widespread, and affected individuals are advised to contact Apple Support and escalate their case for a potential formal investigation.
Apple has secretly developed an AI tool called Ask, similar to ChatGPT, to assist AppleCare Support advisors in providing faster technical support by automatically generating responses to customer queries. The tool analyzes Apple's internal support database to find the best answers and is currently available to a limited number of advisors, with plans for wider implementation. This is part of Apple's broader push into AI, with upcoming iOS 18 and iPhone 16 releases expected to incorporate AI features such as auto-summarizing and auto-complete features, improved playlist creation in Apple Music, a Siri overhaul, and more. Apple's CEO, Tim Cook, has hinted at significant AI developments to be revealed later this year.
Apple is testing a new ChatGPT-like generative AI tool called "Ask" internally, which will enable AppleCare support advisors to offer faster technical support by automatically generating responses to customer queries from Apple's internal knowledge base. The tool is being piloted with select advisors and is expected to be rolled out more widely in the future. This move aligns with Apple's broader adoption of generative AI, with plans to incorporate such features in iOS 18 and beyond.
Despite Apple's recommendation against wearing Apple Vision Pro with prescription glasses, some users have found ways to make it work, although it poses a risk of scratching the expensive headset's lenses. With a large portion of the population requiring vision correction, the lack of accommodation for prescription glasses in VR headsets has been a longstanding issue. While companies like Zenni Optical offer corrective lens inserts for popular headsets, Apple's policy for the Vision Pro requires users to purchase Zeiss-branded corrective lens inserts. The potential damage to the expensive device from wearing personal glasses raises concerns, especially given the limited warranty and repair costs.
Amazon is offering a discount on Apple's 10th-gen iPad, including two years of AppleCare+ warranty coverage, bringing the price of the 64GB model down to $409 from $518, a savings of over $100. The sale extends to various models, including 256GB and cellular options. The iPad features USB-C, a large display, and an A14 Bionic chip, with solid battery life. While lacking accessories and having an upcoming new model, this discounted iPad remains a capable choice.
If you own a pre-ban Apple Watch with the blood oxygen feature, be cautious about replacing it through AppleCare, as there is uncertainty about whether the feature will be retained in the replacement. Apple has informed AppleCare representatives that replacements may not include this feature, creating uncertainty for users who may need to replace their watches.
AppleCare+ for Apple Vision Pro provides service and support from Apple experts, extending coverage to include unlimited incidents of accidental damage protection and battery service. It offers 24/7 priority access to Apple experts, Express Replacement Service, and software support for visionOS and iCloud. Customers can purchase coverage on a fixed term or monthly plan, with service fees for damage to included accessories and other accidental damage.
Apple's new Vision Pro headset comes with hefty repair costs, with a cracked cover glass replacement priced at $799 and other damages potentially costing up to $2,399. Even with AppleCare+, repair fees are still high at $299 for any damage, on top of the $25-a-month extended warranty fee. While third-party repairs may be cheaper, they could cause issues with future Apple repairs, and the necessary components may not be available. The headset is available for pre-order, starting at $3,499, with accessories sold separately, including a $199 travel case.
Apple's new Vision Pro headset, priced between $3,499 and $4,800, comes with a hefty repair cost of up to $2,400 for damages to its fragile glass front. To mitigate this risk, customers are advised to purchase AppleCare+ for $499, which covers damages for two years and includes unlimited repairs for accidental damages, though replaced accessories may incur additional fees. Additionally, it is recommended to handle the headset with care and consider purchasing a protective case, either from Apple or third-party manufacturers.