AppleCare Plus prices for Macs and iPads are going up

An AppleCare Plus subscription for a Mac or iPad will cost more soon, with prices going up by $0.50 per month or $5 per year for new sign-ups while remaining the same for existing subscribers, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. Gurman says that under the new AppleCare Plus pricing, "a plan for a new 13-inch MacBook Air increased to $7.99 from $7.49, or to $79.99 from $74.99 annually," following a move last year that similarly raised the plan's price on iPhones. We haven't seen the new pricing reflected on Apple's site in the US or terms of service yet, and Apple has not yet responded to a request for comment.

The price hike for AppleCare Plus on Macs and iPads comes as Apple continues to adjust its service offerings and pricing strategies. This move may signal a broader effort to maintain profit margins on its expanding services business, which has become an increasingly important contributor to the company's overall revenue. Why this matters: The price increase for AppleCare Plus on Macs and iPads will likely have a mixed impact on consumers and developers.

For consumers, the higher costs may make AppleCare Plus less appealing, particularly for those on a budget or who don't expect to heavily use their devices. For developers and businesses that rely on Apple devices, the price hike may be a consideration in their device management and support strategies. The move also raises questions about how Apple will balance the value proposition of its services offerings with growing competition in the tech industry.

As Apple continues to evolve its services business, it will be important to watch how these changes affect the company's relationships with its customers and partners.