iPhone screen replacement costs between $129 and $329 at Apple, depending on your model and whether you have AppleCare+

The price varies because newer iPhones and larger screens cost more to replace. An iPhone 15 standard model runs $129 through Apple's official repair service, while an iPhone 15 Pro Max costs $329. If you have AppleCare+ (Apple's protection plan), you pay a $29 deductible instead of the full price. Without AppleCare+, you pay the full amount out of pocket.

Third-party repair shops often charge less — typically $80 to $200 — but the screen quality and warranty coverage vary widely. Some use original Apple parts salvaged from other devices, while others use aftermarket screens that may not match the original display quality or durability. Apple's official repair comes with a one-year warranty on the replacement screen.

Key Takeaways

  • Apple charges between $129 and $329 for screen replacement depending on your iPhone model, with AppleCare+ reducing the cost to $29 plus the deductible.
  • Third-party repair shops typically charge $80 to $200 but may use aftermarket screens that differ in brightness, color accuracy, or longevity compared to original parts.
  • Repair time at Apple ranges from same-day service at busy locations to several days, while independent shops often complete repairs within hours.
  • Mail-in repair through Apple takes one to two weeks total but works if no Apple Store is nearby and you cannot be without your phone for a few hours.
  • AppleCare+ costs $4 to $5 per month and covers two accidental damage incidents per year, making it worthwhile only if you plan to keep the phone for at least two years.

Apple's official repair pricing by model

Apple publishes its screen replacement prices on its support website, and the cost depends on which iPhone you own. The standard model in each generation costs less than the Pro or Pro Max versions because the screens are smaller and use different technology. An iPhone 15 costs $129, an iPhone 15 Pro costs $199, and an iPhone 15 Pro Max costs $329. Older models like the iPhone 14 or iPhone 13 cost slightly less — typically $20 to $40 less per tier — but Apple may discontinue repairs for very old models.

If you purchased AppleCare+ when you bought your phone, you pay only $29 per incident instead of the full price. AppleCare+ covers two accidental damage claims per year, so a second broken screen in the same year would also cost $29. The plan costs $4 to $5 per month depending on your model, so it breaks even after roughly 10 to 15 months if you need one repair. If you never damage your phone, you lose the money you paid into the plan.

How to get your screen repaired at Apple

You have three options: visit an Apple Store in person, mail your phone to Apple, or use an Apple Authorized Service Provider (a third-party shop certified by Apple to use genuine parts). The fastest route is an Apple Store if one is within driving distance. You can book a repair appointment online through Apple's website or the Apple Support app, and most locations can complete a screen replacement the same day if you drop it off in the morning. Busy stores may ask you to come back later that afternoon or the next day.

If no Apple Store is nearby, you can mail your phone to Apple through the mail-in repair service. You start the process on Apple's support website, print a prepaid shipping label, and send your phone in a box. Apple typically receives it within two to three business days, completes the repair within one to two business days, and ships it back. Total time is usually one to two weeks. You lose access to your phone during this period, so this option works best if you have a backup device or can wait.

Apple Authorized Service Providers are independent repair shops that Apple has certified to use genuine Apple parts and follow Apple's repair standards. You can find them through Apple's website by entering your zip code. They often have shorter wait times than busy Apple Stores and may offer same-day service, but their hours and availability vary by location.

Third-party repair shops and what to watch for

Independent repair shops charge less than Apple because they have lower overhead and often use refurbished or aftermarket screens instead of brand-new original parts. Prices typically range from $80 to $200 depending on your model and the shop's location. A shop in a rural area may charge $100, while the same repair in a major city could cost $150 or more. Many shops can complete the repair in one to three hours, which is faster than Apple's typical timeline.

The trade-off is screen quality and warranty coverage. An aftermarket screen may have slightly different brightness, color accuracy, or touch sensitivity compared to the original. Some aftermarket screens fail sooner than genuine Apple screens, though many last for years without problems. Independent shops typically offer a warranty of 30 to 90 days on the repair, compared to Apple's one-year warranty. If the screen fails after the warranty period, you pay for another repair.

Before choosing a third-party shop, check online reviews on Google Maps or Yelp to see what other customers report about screen quality and durability. Ask the shop directly whether they use original Apple parts, refurbished parts, or aftermarket parts — the answer tells you what to expect. Some shops will show you the part before they install it so you can see what you are getting.

Whether AppleCare+ makes financial sense

AppleCare+ costs $4 to $5 per month depending on your iPhone model. Over two years, that adds up to $96 to $120. If you break your screen once during that time, AppleCare+ saves you roughly $100 (the difference between the $29 deductible and the full $129 to $329 price). If you break it twice, you save roughly $200. If you never break it, you lose the entire amount you paid.

AppleCare+ makes sense if you have a history of dropping your phone, live somewhere with a high cost of living where repairs are expensive, or plan to keep your phone for at least three years. It does not make sense if you use a protective case and screen protector, rarely drop your phone, or plan to upgrade within two years. You can also purchase AppleCare+ after you buy your phone, though you have only 60 days from your purchase date to add it.

Repair time and what to expect

At an Apple Store, a screen replacement typically takes two to four hours if you drop the phone off and come back later, or same-day if you wait in the store. Busy locations during peak hours (lunch time, evenings, weekends) may have longer waits. You can check estimated wait times on the Apple Support app before you book your appointment.

Third-party shops often complete repairs faster because they have fewer customers and simpler scheduling. Many can finish a screen replacement in one to three hours. Some shops offer while-you-wait service, meaning you sit in the shop while they work. Others ask you to leave your phone and return later that day.

Mail-in repair through Apple takes the longest — typically one to two weeks total including shipping time both ways. This option works if you have a backup phone or can be without your device for that long, but it is not practical if you need your phone when ready.

What happens if your phone is still under warranty

If your iPhone is less than one year old and the screen broke from a manufacturing defect (not from dropping it), Apple may replace it for free under the standard one-year warranty. Manufacturing defects are rare — they typically show up as dead pixels, lines across the screen, or touch problems that started on their own, not from physical damage. If you dropped the phone and cracked the screen, that is accidental damage, not a defect, and the warranty does not cover it.

To find out whether your damage qualifies, visit an Apple Store or contact Apple Support. They will examine the phone and tell you whether it is covered. If it is, you pay nothing. If it is not, you pay the standard screen replacement price or the AppleCare+ deductible if you have the plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my iPhone screen myself?

You can, but it is difficult and risky. iPhone screens are glued to the frame, and prying them off without damaging the phone requires specialized tools and experience. If you slip, you can crack the frame, damage the battery, or break internal components. Most people who try end up paying more for professional repair than if they had gone to a shop initially. Unless you have done phone repairs before, professional repair is the safer choice.

Does Apple offer any discounts on screen replacement?

Apple does not offer discounts on screen replacement beyond AppleCare+. Some third-party shops run promotions or discounts during slow periods, so it is worth calling a few shops in your area to ask about current pricing. Student discounts do not explore to repairs, only to new phone purchases.

What if my screen is cracked but still works?

A cracked screen that still works will not get worse on its own, but the crack can spread if you drop the phone again or explore pressure to it. The longer you wait, the more likely the crack spreads to the touch sensors, making the phone unusable. If you plan to keep the phone for more than a few months, repair sooner rather than later — a small crack is cheaper to fix than a severely damaged screen.

Will my data be erased if I send my phone for screen repair?

No. Screen replacement does not require erasing your phone or accessing your data. Apple and certified repair shops only remove and replace the screen, leaving everything else untouched. Your photos, messages, and apps stay exactly as they are. If you are concerned, you can back up your phone to iCloud before you send it in, but it is not necessary for a screen repair.

How do I know if a third-party shop is trustworthy?

Check Google Maps and Yelp reviews, looking for comments about screen quality and whether the repair lasted. Ask the shop whether they use original Apple parts or aftermarket parts, and ask about their warranty. Shops that are transparent about parts and offer at least a 30-day warranty are usually reliable. Avoid shops that refuse to say what parts they use or offer no warranty at all.