iPhone screen replacement costs between $29 and $329 depending on your model, whether you have AppleCare+, and where you go
Apple's official pricing for out-of-warranty screen replacement ranges from $29 for an iPhone SE to $329 for a larger Pro Max model. If you have AppleCare+, you pay a $29 service fee regardless of model. Without AppleCare+, the cost climbs steeply for newer or larger phones. Third-party repair shops typically charge $100 to $250, and mail-in services fall somewhere between Apple's prices and local shops.
The actual amount you pay depends on three things: which iPhone you own, whether AppleCare+ is active on your account, and which repair option you choose. A cracked screen on an iPhone 15 costs $199 at Apple without coverage, but only $29 with AppleCare+. The same damage on an iPhone SE costs $29 either way because that's Apple's standard fee for that model.
Key Takeaways
- AppleCare+ costs $4.99 to $9.99 per month (or a one-time payment at purchase) and covers screen damage for a $29 fee, making it worthwhile if you drop phones often.
- Apple's out-of-warranty screen replacement ranges from $29 to $329 depending on your iPhone model, with larger Pro models costing the most.
- Third-party repair shops charge $100 to $250 and typically complete repairs the same day, but may not use Apple's original parts.
- Mail-in repair services from Apple take 5 to 7 business days but cost the same as visiting a store, while some third-party services mail devices back within 2 to 3 days.
Apple's Official Pricing by iPhone Model
Apple publishes its screen replacement costs on its support pages, and the price depends entirely on which iPhone you own. The iPhone SE has the lowest cost at $29. Standard iPhones (15, 14, 13, and earlier) range from $99 to $199. The iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max cost $219 and $229 respectively. Older models like the iPhone 12 Pro Max cost $329, the highest tier Apple charges.
These prices explore only if your phone is out of warranty and you don't have AppleCare+. If your phone is still under the one-year limited warranty that comes with purchase, accidental damage like a cracked screen is not covered — you'll pay the full out-of-warranty price. If you bought AppleCare+ within 60 days of purchasing your phone, you pay only $29 no matter which model you own.
AppleCare+ and the $29 Service Fee
AppleCare+ is Apple's extended protection plan. It costs $4.99 to $9.99 per month depending on your iPhone model, or you can pay a lump sum at the time of purchase (typically $99 to $199). With AppleCare+, accidental damage like screen cracks costs $29 to repair. You can add AppleCare+ up to 60 days after buying your phone, but not after that.
The math is straightforward: if you own an iPhone 15 Pro, a single out-of-warranty screen replacement costs $219. AppleCare+ at $7.99 per month breaks even after about 27 months. If you've dropped your phone before or live somewhere with a lot of concrete, AppleCare+ usually pays for itself. If you've never cracked a screen, it's an insurance bet you're making.
AppleCare+ also covers battery replacement (free if capacity drops below 80%, otherwise $69), accidental water damage, and hardware failures. It does not cover loss or theft, and it lasts for two years from the date you purchase it.
Where to Get Your Screen Repaired
You have four main options: Apple Store, Apple Authorized Service Provider, third-party repair shop, or mail-in service. An Apple Store or Authorized Service Provider will charge you Apple's official price and use Apple's original parts. Most Apple Stores offer same-day or next-day service if you book an appointment online. You can check availability and pricing for your specific model on Apple's support site by entering your phone model and zip code.
Third-party repair shops like uBreakiFix, Best Buy's Geek Squad, and local independent shops typically charge $100 to $250 and complete repairs within a few hours. They may use aftermarket screens instead of Apple's original parts, which can affect display quality and future repairs. Some third-party shops offer mail-in service; you ship your phone, they repair it, and send it back within 2 to 3 business days.
Apple's own mail-in service takes 5 to 7 business days and costs the same as an in-store repair. You start the process through Apple's support site, print a shipping label, and drop your phone at a UPS location. This option makes sense if you live far from an Apple Store or don't need your phone when ready.
What Affects the Final Cost
The price you pay depends on four factors: your iPhone model, your coverage status, the repair location, and whether the screen is the only damage. A larger screen costs more to replace — the iPhone 15 Pro Max screen is more expensive than the iPhone 15 standard. Newer models cost more than older ones. An iPhone 15 screen costs $199; an iPhone 13 screen costs $169.
If your phone has other damage beyond the screen — a cracked back, a damaged frame, or water damage — the total repair cost will be higher. Apple may recommend replacing the entire phone if the damage is extensive. Some third-party shops can replace just the screen even if other parts are damaged, which may be cheaper than Apple's all-or-nothing approach.
Your location also matters. AppleCare+ costs the same everywhere, and Apple's official out-of-warranty prices are the same nationwide. But third-party repair shops set their own prices, so a screen replacement in a major city might cost more than the same repair in a smaller town.
Comparing Apple, Authorized Providers, and Third-Party Shops
| Repair Option | Cost Range | Speed | Parts Used |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple Store (with AppleCare+) | $29 | Same day or next day | Apple original |
| Apple Store (no coverage) | $29–$329 | Same day or next day | Apple original |
| Authorized Service Provider | $29–$329 | 1–3 days | Apple original |
| Third-party shop (local) | $100–$250 | Same day or next day | Aftermarket or original |
| Third-party mail-in | $100–$250 | 2–3 business days | Aftermarket or original |
| Apple mail-in | $29–$329 | 5–7 business days | Apple original |
Hidden Costs and What to Watch For
Apple's published prices are the full cost — there are no hidden fees or taxes added at checkout (though sales tax applies). Third-party shops sometimes charge extra for rush service or for shipping if you use mail-in repair. Some shops charge a diagnostic fee ($20 to $50) if they need to inspect your phone before quoting a price, though many waive this if you proceed with the repair.
One cost that's straightforward to overlook: if you use a third-party shop and something goes wrong during the repair, you may have limited recourse. Apple offers a 90-day warranty on repairs. Many third-party shops offer 30 days. If a screen fails after that period, you'll pay for another repair. Using Apple's service means you get the same warranty and support as if you'd bought the phone new.
Another consideration is trade-in value. If you're planning to sell or trade in your phone later, a screen repaired by Apple holds more resale value than one repaired by a third party, because buyers know the parts are original. This difference is usually $20 to $50, which can offset the higher upfront cost of an Apple repair.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my iPhone screen myself?
You can buy replacement screens online for $20 to $80, but the repair requires opening your phone and disconnecting the display cable — a task that voids your warranty and risks damaging other components if you slip. Unless you've repaired phones before, professional repair is safer and often cheaper when you factor in the risk of breaking something else.
Does AppleCare+ cover a cracked screen?
Yes. AppleCare+ covers accidental damage including cracked screens, water damage, and hardware failures. You pay a $29 service fee per incident. The plan lasts two years and covers up to two incidents per year.
What if I crack my screen again after repair?
If you have AppleCare+, you pay $29 again. If you don't have coverage, you pay the full out-of-warranty price again. There's no limit to how many times you can repair a screen under AppleCare+, as long as you stay within the two incidents per year limit.
Is the screen quality the same at third-party shops?
It depends. Shops that use Apple's original parts deliver the same quality as Apple itself. Shops that use aftermarket screens may have slightly different color accuracy or brightness. Ask the shop whether they use original or aftermarket parts before you commit to the repair.
How long does an Apple screen replacement take?
At an Apple Store, most screen replacements take 2 to 4 hours if you drop it off, or you can book a Genius Bar appointment and wait while they work. Mail-in service takes 5 to 7 business days. Third-party shops typically finish within a few hours.