Apple's screen repair costs depend on your device model and whether you have AppleCare+

Apple charges between $129 and $329 to replace a cracked or damaged screen on an iPhone, depending on which model you own. iPad screens cost $99 to $349. MacBook screens run $455 to $755. These are the prices at Apple Stores and through Apple's mail-in repair service. The cost is lower if you have AppleCare+, which covers accidental damage for a $29 to $99 service fee per incident, depending on the device.

The variation exists because newer models and larger screens cost more to manufacture and require more labor to replace. A screen replacement on an iPhone 15 Pro Max costs more than one on an iPhone 15, which costs more than one on an iPhone SE. Apple does not negotiate these prices by location or by how long you have owned the device.

Key Takeaways

  • iPhone screen replacement at Apple ranges from $129 for older SE models to $329 for the newest Pro Max models, without AppleCare+.
  • AppleCare+ reduces screen damage claims to a $29 to $99 service fee, but you must purchase it within 60 days of buying your device.
  • Apple's mail-in repair service costs the same as in-store repair and typically takes 5 to 7 business days after your device arrives.
  • Third-party repair shops often charge less than Apple but may use non-original parts and can void your warranty.
  • If your device is still under the standard one-year warranty and the screen failed from a manufacturing defect (not impact damage), Apple replaces it at no cost.

iPhone screen replacement costs by model

Apple's current pricing for iPhone screen replacement without AppleCare+ starts at $129 for the iPhone SE and goes up to $329 for the iPhone 15 Pro Max. The iPhone 15 and 15 Plus cost $199. The iPhone 15 Pro costs $279. These prices cover the parts and labor to remove the old screen, install a new one, and test the device before returning it to you.

If you have an older iPhone that Apple still services — the iPhone 14, 13, 12, or 11 — the cost is typically $199 to $279 depending on the model. Apple's support website lists the exact price for your specific model if you enter the device name or serial number.

How AppleCare+ changes the cost

AppleCare+ is a protection plan you purchase at the time you buy your device or within 60 days afterward. For iPhones, it costs $4.99 to $9.99 per month or a one-time payment of $99 to $149, depending on the model. When you have AppleCare+ and your screen breaks from accidental damage, you pay a $29 service fee instead of the full replacement cost.

AppleCare+ also covers other accidental damage — water damage, battery issues, and hardware failures — under the same $29 fee. You can make up to two claims per year. The plan lasts two years from the date you purchase it. If you do not have AppleCare+ and your screen breaks, you cannot add it retroactively; you will pay the full out-of-warranty price.

Warranty coverage for screen defects

Apple's standard one-year limited warranty covers manufacturing defects but not accidental damage. If your screen stopped working because of a defect in the glass, the LCD layer, or the display connector — not because you dropped the phone — Apple replaces it at no cost while the device is under warranty. This is rare; most screen damage comes from impact.

To determine whether your damage is a defect or accidental, Apple's technician will inspect the screen in person or you can describe the damage when you contact Apple Support. Cracks radiating from a single point, shattered corners, or visible impact marks indicate accidental damage. Discoloration, dead pixels, or lines that appeared without any drop suggest a defect.

Mail-in repair versus in-store repair

Apple offers screen replacement through Apple Stores, Apple Authorized Service Providers, and by mail. The cost is the same regardless of method. In-store repair is fastest if an Apple Store is near you; most locations can complete a screen replacement the same day or within 24 hours. Mail-in repair takes longer but works if you do not have a store nearby.

To use mail-in repair, you start a repair request on Apple's support website or by calling Apple Support. Apple sends you a prepaid shipping label. You pack your device, ship it to Apple's repair center, and Apple returns it within 5 to 7 business days after it arrives. You can track the status online. During this time, you do not have your device.

Third-party repair shops and warranty implications

Independent repair shops and retailers like Best Buy's Geek Squad often charge $100 to $200 for iPhone screen replacement, less than Apple's price. However, using a non-Apple repair shop voids your remaining manufacturer warranty on that component. If the replacement screen fails within weeks, Apple will not cover it.

Third-party shops may also use refurbished or aftermarket screens instead of original Apple parts. These screens may have lower color accuracy, reduced brightness, or durability issues compared to Apple's original displays. Some third-party shops offer their own warranty on the repair, typically 30 to 90 days, which provides some protection but is shorter than Apple's coverage.

What to do before your screen breaks

If you own an iPhone and do not have AppleCare+, you can still purchase it within 60 days of buying the device. Check your purchase date on your receipt or in the Apple Store app. If you are within the window, you can add AppleCare+ through Apple's website, an Apple Store, or by calling Apple Support. The monthly payment option lets you spread the cost over time rather than paying a lump sum upfront.

If your device is older than 60 days and you do not have AppleCare+, screen replacement will cost the full out-of-warranty price. A protective case and tempered glass screen protector reduce the risk of damage, though they do not eliminate it. Screen protectors are inexpensive ($5 to $20) and can save you $129 to $329 if they prevent a crack.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a discount on screen replacement if I have an old device?

No. Apple charges the same screen replacement price regardless of how old your device is, as long as it is still in service. The price is based on the model, not the age. If your device is no longer supported by Apple, you may not be able to get a screen replacement through Apple at all.

Does AppleCare+ cover screen damage if I drop my phone in water?

Yes. AppleCare+ covers accidental damage from water, drops, and other accidents under the same $29 service fee. You do not need to choose between water damage and screen damage coverage; both are included in one plan.

What happens if I replace the screen myself with a kit from the internet?

Self-repair voids your warranty and risks damaging other components like the display connector or the frame. If something goes wrong during the repair, Apple will not cover the cost to fix it. Apple does sell some parts and tools through its Self Service Repair program, but screen replacement is not currently included for most iPhone models.

Will Apple replace my screen for free if I bought it from a carrier like Verizon or AT&T?

The warranty and repair cost are the same whether you bought from Apple, a carrier, or a retailer. AppleCare+ purchased through a carrier covers the same $29 service fee. The device itself is still an Apple product with Apple's standard warranty and pricing.

How long does it take to get my screen replaced at an Apple Store?

Most Apple Stores complete screen replacement the same day if you drop off the device in the morning. Some locations offer same-day service only if you make an appointment in advance. Call your local Apple Store or check availability in the Apple Support app before you go.