Not only did the iPod (Rasputin) Classic not die as predicted (again) today, Apple is wrapping the ‘old man of the iPods’ up with its Apple Care Plus plans along with the more popular iPod touch. According to the updated iPod support page, Apple customers can now purchase an additional year of coverage for the iPods as well as phone support beyond 90 days and most importantly, two incidents of accidental damage coverage (+$29 service fee) for $59 here.

Previously, only regular AppleCare as available to iPods and was grouped in with Apple TVs.

Apple also raised AppleCare+ fees today on iPhones from $49 to $79 and also launched in Europe.

Update: We have also learned that out of warranty replacements for the iPhone 5 (and presumably 5s) will be priced at $269, an increase of $40 over the past year. This inflated cost may make it easier for iPhone owners to justify the up-front cost of AppleCare+.

  • iPod touch (32/64GB versions) and iPod nano now available in “Space Gray” (9to5mac.com)
  • Apple iOS device sales: iPad 64GB 3G: $180, iPod touch 32GB 4th-gen: $170, 5th Gen: $259 (9to5toys.com)
  • Apple begins training support staff on iOS 7 & iTunes Radio, preparing for customer surprise (9to5mac.com)
  • People are saying the iPod classic dies this year…again (9to5mac.com)
  • Apple launches AppleCare+ in Europe (9to5mac.com)
  • Apple launches more intuitive AppleCare support website, 24/7 chat (9to5mac.com)