Apple doubles down on durability: repairability, new AppleCare One plan and smarter battery modes

Apple has been rolling out initiatives and features designed to prolong the life of its devices and reduce their environmental footprint. This week we look at three announcements: the 2025 Environmental Progress Report, the new AppleCare One plan, and the Adaptive Power Mode in iOS 26. Although these seem like separate news items, they all relate to the same goal—extending your devices’ useful life and offering more repair options. At iProX we explore what these moves mean and whether they justify upgrading.

2025 environmental report: more recycled materials and better repairability

Apple’s latest environmental report highlights major progress in recycled materials and repairability. The company now uses 99 % recycled rare‑earth elements in the magnets across its products and is scaling up recycled aluminum, tungsten, cobalt, gold and lithium apple.com. At the same time, Apple stresses that its products are being designed to be more durable and easier to repair, arguing that technology that lasts longer is better for the environment and customers’ wallets apple.com.

Concrete improvements include:

• iPhone 16 battery removal: the latest iPhones introduce a low‑voltage battery removal process that makes swapping the battery faster and safer apple.com.

• Support for third‑party and used parts: Apple has improved compatibility for used or third‑party parts, and the “Repair Assistant” in iOS 18 lets users configure new or used Apple components directly on the device apple.com.

• Longer availability of parts: the company now offers repair parts for up to seven years after a product was last sold, and Mac laptops may be eligible for battery service for up to ten years apple.com.

• Global repair network: Apple says it has more than 10,000 authorized and independent repair providers worldwide and that it balances repairability with safety, security and privacy apple.com.

  
  

These measures reinforce Apple’s sustainability narrative but also reflect pressure from regulators and pro‑repair organizations. For owners of recent devices, they mean more options to keep their hardware running without buying new gear.

AppleCare One: a unified insurance for multiple devices

On July 23 Apple unveiled AppleCare One, a subscription that covers up to three devices for US$19.99 per month tomsguide.com; each additional device costs US$5.99. The plan expands on AppleCare +, allowing you to include devices you already own (up to four years old; headphones must be under one year) tomsguide.com. For the first time, theft and loss coverage extends to the Apple Watch and iPad tomsguide.com.

Benefits include unlimited accident repairs, 24/7 priority support, Apple‑certified service, battery coverage and protection against theft or loss tomsguide.com. Tom’s Guide estimates that someone covering an iPhone 16 Pro, Apple Watch 10 and MacBook Pro would save about US$6.48 per month compared with purchasing separate AppleCare + plans tomsguide.com.

From a longevity perspective, AppleCare One is interesting because it allows you to insure older devices, reducing the incentive to replace them prematurely. However, if you own only one device or prefer occasional independent repairs, the subscription may not pay off. Assess your usage and risk tolerance before committing.

Adaptive Power Mode in iOS 26: AI to prolong battery life

The iOS 26 beta introduces an Adaptive Power Mode alongside the familiar Low Power Mode. Apple says the new mode can make small performance adjustments when your battery usage is high, such as slightly dimming the screen or letting some tasks take a bit longer macrumors.com. The goal is to use on‑device intelligence to stretch battery life and reduce charging frequency.

The catch is that the feature is only available on iPhone 15 Pro models and later, because it relies on hardware capable of running Apple Intelligence macrumors.com. Users of older models can still manage battery consumption manually through Low Power Mode, disabling unnecessary services and replacing the battery when needed. You don’t need a new phone to practice good power management.

Final thoughts: upgrade or stick with what you have?

Apple’s recent initiatives—enhanced repairability, a wider service network, unified insurance plans and smarter power modes—point toward longer‑lasting devices. Yet the most sustainable option is still to care for and repair the device you already own. Before signing up for AppleCare One or considering a phone that supports Adaptive Power Mode, ask yourself:

• Does your current device work well and simply need a battery replacement or software update?

• Do you truly need to insure multiple devices, or would paying for an occasional repair be cheaper?

• Is it worth buying a new iPhone just to gain a power‑management feature?

  
  

At iProX we believe technology should serve you, not the other way around. Repair and durability aren’t just marketing concepts; they can reduce waste, save money and help you make smarter choices. Take advantage of Apple’s improvements to extend your devices’ lives, but don’t feel pressured to upgrade if your current hardware still has plenty of value.