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Apple offers new AppleCare plans along with theft and loss option

The added peace of mind to keep your newer, bigger iPhone safe will cost you more.
Credit: kgw
An Apple iPhone Xs Max (R) and iPhone Xs rest on a table during a launch event on September 12, 2018, in Cupertino, California. (NOAH BERGER/AFP/Getty Images)

Cautious and clumsy consumers should be prepared to pay more for protecting the new, bigger iPhones.

As Apple prepares for the release of its newest and priciest models Sept. 21, the tech giant has rolled out additional AppleCare protection options including monthly plans and theft and loss protection.

The added peace of mind doesn't come cheap, yet can safeguard against higher repair and replacement costs.

For the new iPhone XS and XS Max, AppleCare with theft and loss protection is $299 for two years of coverage, $100 more than the company's standard extended warranty plan that protects phones from accidental damage and defects.

The deductible for theft or loss is $269 for these top models, which is comparable to insurance offered by carriers.

Susan Prescott, Apple’s vice president of product marketing, called the new AppleCare plan the company’s “most comprehensive service and support program ever.”

Although the XS and XS Max have the most durable front and back glass ever in a smartphone, Prescott said, accidents happen.

The monthly option and the theft and loss coverage were both popular customer requests, said Tara Bunch, Apple’s vice president of AppleCare.

Theft and loss protection

Many traditional plans offered through carriers and other insurance providers require customers to file and get a police report. Apple’s requirement is that the Find My iPhone app is switched on at the time the phone is lost or stolen.

“With Find My iPhone enabled, we can help you put it into lost mode, wipe the device, deactivate it and immediately get you back on your way with an Apple genuine replacement device,” Bunch said. “None of the hassle.”

Without needing a police report, getting a replacement phone is expected to be a faster and less cumbersome process.

Apple officials indicated that the company works with law enforcement whenever possible to recover stolen devices.

The option also is available when purchasing older models and ranges from $70 to $100 more than regular AppleCare plans.

Monthly plans

For those who don't want to put down big bucks when purchasing the phones, Apple also has rolled out its first-ever monthly AppleCare plans.

For the top-model phones, the costs range from $9.99 a month for the regular plan to $14.99 a month with theft and loss coverage.

The convenience of stretching the payments will cost more over the 24-month maximum period but is similar to plans offered by phone carriers.

AppleCare can be purchased up to 60 days after you buy eligible phones.

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