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AppleCare+ extended availability – users can now register up to a year after iPhone, iPad purchases

Apple has extended its AppleCare+ program beyond the traditional 60 days for iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch. Customers can now sign-up for AppleCare+ up to a year after purchase, bringing these devices inline with Macbooks and Apple TV.

First noticed by, and confirmed by MacRumors, further investigation has found that eligibility has only been extended to US customers. Whether Apple will roll this out to other parts of the world is uncertain.

AppleCare+ provides a variety of peace-of-mind benefits, including an extension of the device’s warranty from one year to two years, two incidents of accidental damage coverage (though subject to a service fee of $29 for screens and $99 for other damage,) plus priority calling or chat with AppleCare advisors for two years.

Related: Third-party screen repairs will no longer void your Apple device’s warranty

The plan also covers earphones and accessories like the Lightning cable, and batteries that see their capacity fall below 80 percent. It also includes software support so Apple can call advisors to ask questions about Apple’s apps, iOS, iCloud or connecting to wireless networks.

AppleCare+ support available for an iPhone 7 purchased in September 2016. Checked via Apple's Eligibility Tool

AppleCare+ support available for an iPhone 7 purchased in September 2016. Checked via Apple’s Eligibility Tool

Apple users can sign-up for AppleCare+ support on the day of purchase – either in store or online – or after purchase. However, if users sign-up after, Apple will need to check the device to ensure there’s no existing damage.

AppleCare+ costs $99 for iPads and the iPhone SE, and $129 for iPhone 7 and iPhone 6s.

Visit the AppleCare+ page on Apple.com.

Read more: iPhone SOS – how to deal with a water-damaged iPhone