Apple has confirmed that the iPhone Duo features a replaceable cover layer on its inner foldable display, costing $19 with AppleCare+. This design aims to mitigate crease visibility and screen damage, a long-standing issue for foldable devices.
Apple's first foldable, the iPhone Duo, features a replaceable nano-texture cover layer on its inner display to mitigate crease visibility. With AppleCare+, this layer costs $19 to replace at an authorized service provider, while a full inner display repair costs $99. The device, priced at $1,999, goes on pre-order October 16 and ships October 23.
Apple has confirmed that the nano-texture cover layer on the iPhone Duo's inner foldable screen is replaceable to mitigate crease visibility. While AppleCare+ covers this repair for $19, experts warn against self-removal due to risks of display damage and interference with future Apple Pencil support.
Apple has confirmed that the nano-texture cover layer on the iPhone Duo's inner foldable display is replaceable to mitigate crease visibility. Kate Bergeron, Apple's VP of Hardware Engineering, stated that the layer can be peeled off and replaced if it wears down. With AppleCare+, the replacement costs $19 in the U.S., while the cost without coverage remains undisclosed. Pre-orders for the device begin on October 16, with retail availability starting October 23.
Apple has confirmed that the iPhone Duo includes a replaceable cover layer on its folding display to mitigate crease visibility over time. While the device launched with a matte nano-texture coating to hide the crease, critics argue this creates an inconsistent viewing experience compared to the glossy outer screen. Apple executives emphasize the device's design as a 'window' for continuity, but the replaceable layer and display quality remain points of debate.
Apple’s VP of Hardware Engineering, Tom Marieb, has publicly challenged consumers to hold the company accountable regarding the crease visibility of the new iPhone Duo. Marieb explained that the device’s matte nano-texture display is specifically engineered to minimize the appearance of hinge topology changes over time, contrasting it with glossy screens that highlight such imperfections. The iPhone Duo, priced at $1,999, is set for pre-order on October 16 and launch on October 23. While Apple emphasizes the durability and solid feel of the hinge, third-party estimates suggest AppleCare+ coverage for the device could cost approximately $299 annually, with a $99 service fee for inner display damage.
Apple has increased the out-of-warranty battery replacement fee for the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max to $129, a $10 increase over previous Pro models. While the new devices feature larger batteries and improved repairability scores, the higher service cost applies to all out-of-warranty repairs. AppleCare+ remains the primary way to avoid these fees, covering battery replacements if capacity drops below 80%.
Apple has increased the out-of-warranty battery replacement fee for the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max to $129 in the US, a $10 rise from previous models. While the iPhone 18 Pro features larger batteries and improved repairability scores, major damage repairs remain expensive, with 'other damage' fees reaching $1,239 in Canada. AppleCare+ remains the primary option for covering these costs without charge.
Apple unveils AppleCare One Family, a $50-per-month plan that covers up to six people and all eligible Apple devices (under four years old). In addition to theft and loss coverage (six claims per year across the group), the plan includes battery replacement and repairs for accidental damage. Enrollment doesn't require Family Sharing, and devices tied to members' Apple IDs are automatically included, including newly purchased devices.
Apple today announced AppleCare One Family, a US multi-device plan that covers every eligible device in a Family Sharing group of up to six people for $49.99 per month, adding newly purchased devices automatically at no extra cost and allowing six total claims per year across the group, including theft and loss protection for iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch; the plan becomes available in the United States on September 14.
Rumored iPhone Ultra could cost up to $2.5k upfront and inner-display repairs may cost about £850 ($1,155), making ownership unusually expensive; with AppleCare+ likely pricey and new hinge tech, buyers may want to wait for a second-gen model.
Apple’s new Apple Upgrade is a lease-based program with lower monthly payments that does not include AppleCare by default, and offers a buyout option to own the device at lease end. By contrast, the iPhone Upgrade Program used financing, guaranteed ownership at the end, and included AppleCare. Apple Upgrade isn’t limited to iPhones and can be used for Macs, iPads, and Apple Watches, with generally longer terms for Macs/iPads and shorter terms for iPhone/Watch. In short: leasing vs financing, ownership mechanics, optional vs included AppleCare, and a broader range of eligible devices.
Apple has replaced the iPhone Upgrade Program with a Klarna-backed Apple Upgrade leasing option in the U.S., enabling leases on iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch with 24- or 36-month terms; devices are unlocked but you must pick a carrier or postpaid plan, and you don’t own the device until the final payoff. If you miss payments, it rolls into the next month, and three consecutive misses terminates the lease with the remaining balance due; there are no late fees but it can affect your credit. AppleCare+ isn’t included; damage is charged by Klarna; some devices, education pricing, and refurbishments aren’t eligible. You can end or buy out the lease, or trade in (value split across payments). Klarna payments require debit/ACH, not credit cards. Current iPhone Upgrade Program members can stay for now.
AppleCare One stays at $19.99/month for up to three devices, while standalone AppleCare+ subscriptions have increased by 50 cents per month. The three-device AppleCare One bundle still costs less than buying separate plans for a MacBook Air, iPad, and iPhone Pro (about $239.88/yr vs $289.97/yr), making it a stronger value, especially for higher-end devices.
AppleCare Plus prices for new Mac and iPad sign-ups will rise by $0.50 per month or $5 per year, while existing subscribers keep their current rates; a sample plan for a new 13-inch MacBook Air would be $7.99/month or $79.99/year. The change follows Apple’s broader price increases across devices, attributed to RAM shortages, with Apple yet to update its site or comment.