AppleCare One Now Available as a Subscription Service

Archyde Exclusive: iOS 26 Beta 4 Ushers In Prominent Design Tweaks and Key Feature Restorations

Breaking News: Apple has rolled out the fourth developer beta for iOS 26, bringing with it significant refinements to the operating system’s visual language, most notably a noticeable alteration to the “Liquid Glass” aesthetic. This update, keenly watched by the tech community, signals Apple’s ongoing commitment to user interface evolution and is poised to be the version delivered to public beta testers soon.

The most talked-about change centers on the “Liquid Glass” design elements. Following user feedback on the previous beta, Apple appears to have responded by increasing the translucency in various interface components. This reversal of some earlier changes suggests a delicate balancing act as Apple iterates on its new visual direction.Users can expect to see a more pronounced “Liquid Glass” effect in navigation bars across core applications such as Photos, Music, and the App Store, aiming for a more cohesive and visually engaging user experience.

Beyond the aesthetic adjustments, iOS 26 Beta 4 also marks the return of Apple Intelligence Notification Summaries specifically for news content. This feature, previously present in earlier betas, had been removed, and its reintroduction suggests its importance in Apple’s vision for managing information flow.

Evergreen Insights:

The rapid pace of beta testing and feature iteration, as demonstrated by this iOS 26 update, highlights a fundamental aspect of modern software development. Companies like Apple meticulously refine their operating systems through a cyclical process of introducing new features, gathering feedback, and making adjustments. This iterative approach is crucial for ensuring that the final public release is not only stable but also aligns with user expectations and design principles.

Moreover, the “Liquid Glass” design, whatever its eventual implementation, speaks to the broader trend of “skeuomorphism” versus “flat design” and the hybrid approaches that emerge. As operating systems mature, designers often seek ways to imbue the interface with a sense of depth and tactility without resorting to overly realistic textures. The push and pull between clarity, subtle gradients, and shadow effects – the essence of what “Liquid Glass” may represent – will likely continue to be a focal point in UI design for years to come, impacting not just iOS but other platforms as well.

The reintroduction of specific features like Notification summaries also underscores the dynamic nature of user experience. What might be perceived as a misstep in one beta can be rectified in a subsequent one, demonstrating the responsiveness of development teams to the real-world impact of their design choices on user productivity and convenience. As technology advances, the ability to intelligently curate and present information will remain a critical differentiator for any software platform.

What are the service fees for screen damage versus other accidental damage under AppleCare+?

AppleCare+ Now Available as a Subscription Service

Understanding AppleCare+ Subscriptions

AppleCare+ has long been a popular choice for extending the warranty and adding accidental damage coverage to Apple devices. Now, Apple has streamlined the process, making AppleCare+ subscription a more accessible and flexible option for many users. This shift allows customers to pay a monthly or annual fee rather of a large upfront cost, aligning with the growing trend of subscription-based services. This article dives deep into the details of the new AppleCare+ subscription plans, covering eligibility, pricing, benefits, and how to manage your coverage.

What Devices are Eligible for AppleCare+ Subscriptions?

The availability of AppleCare+ as a subscription varies depending on the device. Currently, you can subscribe to AppleCare+ for:

iPhone: Moast recent iPhone models are eligible, even after the initial purchase window.

iPad: Select iPad models support subscription-based AppleCare+.

Mac: Coverage is available for many MacBook, iMac, and Mac Pro models.

Apple Watch: Extending coverage for your Apple Watch is now easier with a subscription.

AirPods: AppleCare+ subscriptions are available for AirPods and AirPods Pro.

homepod: Protect your investment in smart home technology with AppleCare+ for HomePod.

It’s vital to check Apple’s official website for the most up-to-date list of eligible devices, as this can change. The eligibility window for subscribing ofen extends beyond the initial 60-day purchase window,a important change from previous AppleCare+ options.

Pricing and Payment Options

AppleCare+ subscription costs are steadfast by the device type. Here’s a general overview (pricing as of July 2025,subject to change):

iPhone 15/15 Pro: Approximately $9.99 – $19.99/month

iPad Air/Pro: Roughly $6.99 – $14.99/month

MacBook Air/Pro: Around $7.99 – $29.99/month

Apple Watch Series 9/Ultra 2: Approximately $6.49 – $11.99/month

These prices are estimates and can vary based on your region and the specific model. You can pay monthly or choose an annual subscription for potential savings. Payment is automatically charged to the Apple ID used to subscribe.

Understanding the Cost of Repairs with AppleCare+

Even with a subscription, repairs aren’t always free. AppleCare+ with theft and loss (available for iPhone and Apple Watch) offers more complete protection. Without theft and loss, you’ll typically pay a service fee for each incident. These fees are significantly lower than out-of-warranty repair costs.

Screen damage: $29 – $99 service fee (depending on the device)

Other Accidental Damage: $99 – $399 service fee (depending on the device)

Benefits of Subscribing to AppleCare+

The benefits of opting for an AppleCare+ subscription are numerous:

Extended Warranty: Extends the hardware warranty coverage beyond the standard one year.

Accidental Damage Protection: Covers accidental damage from handling, such as drops and spills (subject to service fees).

24/7 Priority access to Apple Support: Get direct access to Apple experts for troubleshooting and support.

Express Replacement Service: Receive a replacement device before sending in your damaged one (available in select locations).

Theft and Loss Coverage (Optional): Provides coverage for lost or stolen devices (available for iPhone and Apple Watch).

Flexibility: cancel your subscription at any time.

Real-World Example: A User’s experience

Recently, a user on zhihu shared their positive experience with AppleCare+. After nearly three years of use, their MacBook’s screen had minor scratches. Expecting a costly repair, they were surprised when Apple replaced the entire screen for free under their AppleCare+ coverage. This highlights the potential value of the service, even for minor issues. (source: [https://www.zhihu.com/question/347109024](https://www.zhihu.com/