Apple offers optional protection against theft and loss for new iPhones

The major disadvantage of AppleCare +, Apple's extended warranty program, has always been that it was worthless if your device was lost or stolen. This is the main factor that pushes some people to take out a telephone insurance with their operator. But after the introduction of its latest iPhones today, Apple is changing things – and it will begin to offer optional protection against loss / theft.

As detailed on this updated AppleCare + website, AppleCare + with theft and loss protection requires an iPhone for Find My iPhone to be enabled so that it can be replaced if it is lost. This does not seem to be something you can retroactively add to existing AppleCare + coverage; it's a separate, more expensive plan that you select at the time of purchase (or during the window when you can always add it).

And it is not cheap.

AppleCare price with flight and loss:

iPhone XS and XS Max: $ 299

iPhone XR, 8 Plus, 7 Plus: $ 249

iPhone 7 and 8: $ 199

Apple

The only difference is the new cover. So, if you do not need this extra measure to have peace of mind, you'll save a lot of money by complying with the AppleCare + standard, which always covers broken screens or other damage.

These prices above are just to get coverage. Apple lets customers pay either at one time or monthly over 24 months. If your device is lost or stolen, a new unit will cost:

• $ 199 for iPhone 8, iPhone 7, iPhone 6S and iPhone 6
• $ 229 for iPhone XR, iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone 7 Plus, iPhone 6S Plus and iPhone 6 Plus
• $ 269 for iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max and iPhone X

However, adding optional protection against loss and theft could make the iPhone upgrade program more appealing because the monthly payment includes AppleCare +. Apple adds that the cost of the loss and theft will cost "from $ 4.16 more per month" than what you normally pay.