Apple's out-of-warranty screen replacement costs

Apple charges between $129 and $329 to replace a cracked or damaged screen on an iPhone, depending on which model you own. Newer iPhones with larger screens cost more — an iPhone 15 Pro Max runs $329, while an iPhone SE costs $129. iPad screen replacement ranges from $99 for an iPad mini to $349 for a 12.9-inch iPad Pro. These prices are what you pay if your device is out of warranty and the damage is not covered by AppleCare+.

The cost covers both parts and labour at an Apple Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider. Apple does not charge separately for the repair work itself — the price you see is the total you pay. If you have AppleCare+, you pay a $29 deductible instead of the full amount, making it worth considering if you tend to drop your phone.

Key Takeaways

  • iPhone screen replacement without AppleCare+ costs $129 to $329 depending on the model, with newer and larger phones at the higher end.
  • AppleCare+ reduces screen replacement to a $29 deductible, but you must purchase it within 60 days of buying your device.
  • Third-party repair shops often charge $50 to $150 less than Apple, though they may use non-original parts and void your warranty.
  • Mail-in repair through Apple takes 5 to 7 business days, while in-store service is usually same-day if parts are in stock.
  • Some phone insurance plans cover accidental damage for less than AppleCare+, so comparing your options before damage happens saves money.

How AppleCare+ changes the cost

AppleCare+ is Apple's extended protection plan that costs $99 to $199 upfront depending on your device, then covers two accidental damage incidents per year at $29 each. If you crack your screen with AppleCare+, you pay $29 instead of $129 to $329. The plan also covers battery replacement if your battery health drops below 80 percent, and it extends your warranty from one year to two years.

The catch is timing: you must buy AppleCare+ within 60 days of purchasing your iPhone or iPad. You cannot add it after damage happens. If you use both accidental damage claims in one year, additional repairs cost full price until your coverage resets. For someone who regularly drops their phone, AppleCare+ pays for itself after one screen replacement.

What third-party repair shops charge

Independent repair shops and chain retailers like Best Buy typically charge $80 to $200 for iPhone screen replacement, depending on the model and your location. This is usually $50 to $150 less than Apple's price. The trade-off is that many use aftermarket screens rather than original Apple parts, which may affect display quality, colour accuracy, or touch sensitivity. Some shops use refurbished original screens, which split the difference on price and quality.

Choosing a third-party shop also voids your Apple warranty on that component. If the replacement screen fails later, Apple will not cover it under warranty, and you cannot add AppleCare+ after the repair. Look for shops that offer their own warranty on the repair — typically 30 to 90 days — so you have recourse if something goes wrong when ready.

Comparing mail-in versus in-store repair

Apple offers two ways to get your screen fixed: bring your device to an Apple Store for same-day or next-day service, or mail it to Apple for repair. In-store service is faster — most stores can replace a screen the same day if they have the part in stock, though you may need to book an appointment. You walk out with your phone fixed and can start using it when ready.

Mail-in repair takes 5 to 7 business days plus shipping time, so plan for 7 to 10 days total. You start the process through Apple's website or by calling Apple Support, and they email you a prepaid shipping label. This option works if you have a backup phone or can wait, and it is your only choice if no Apple Store is nearby. The repair cost is the same either way.

Insurance and warranty coverage for screen damage

Your device's standard one-year warranty does not cover accidental damage like drops or cracks — it only covers manufacturing defects. If you cracked your screen by accident, the warranty will not pay for it. AppleCare+ is the only Apple product that covers accidental screen damage.

Some phone insurance plans through your wireless carrier or a third-party insurer cover accidental damage for a lower monthly cost than AppleCare+. Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile all offer device protection plans that typically cost $10 to $15 per month and cover screen damage with a deductible of $50 to $100. If you plan to keep your phone for two years, compare the total cost: AppleCare+ upfront plus deductibles versus monthly insurance premiums plus deductibles. The math often favours insurance if you rarely damage your phone, and AppleCare+ if you do.

Screen replacement for older iPhone models

Apple still repairs older iPhones, but availability depends on the model's age. For iPhones from the past five years, parts are generally in stock at most Apple Stores. For iPhones older than that, Apple may need to order the part, adding a few days to your repair time. Some very old models — iPhone 6s and earlier — may not be repairable because Apple has stopped manufacturing parts for them.

If your older iPhone cannot be repaired, Apple offers trade-in credit toward a new device. The credit depends on the phone's condition and model, typically ranging from $20 to $100. This is worth checking before paying for a screen replacement on a phone that is already several years old, since the repair cost plus future maintenance might exceed the cost of upgrading.

What affects the final price you pay

The screen replacement cost depends on your specific iPhone or iPad model, not just the brand. A larger screen costs more to replace because the part itself is more expensive. An iPhone 15 Pro Max with a 6.7-inch display costs $329, while an iPhone 15 with a 6.1-inch display costs $299. An iPhone SE with a 4.7-inch display costs $129. The same logic applies to iPads: a 12.9-inch iPad Pro costs more than a 10.9-inch iPad Air.

Your location can also affect the price slightly. Apple's prices are set nationally, but some states or countries add sales tax differently. If you use a mail-in repair, there is no difference. If you go to an Apple Store, the price shown on Apple's website includes tax for your location, so what you see is what you pay.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my iPhone screen myself?

Apple does not sell screens as individual parts to consumers, so you cannot buy one directly from Apple. Third-party suppliers sell replacement screens online, and some people use YouTube guides to replace them, but this requires opening your phone and risks damaging other components. If something goes wrong, Apple will not repair the damage under warranty. Most people find it safer and not much more expensive to use a repair shop.

Does Apple charge more for screen replacement on newer models?

Yes. Newer iPhones have larger, more advanced screens that cost more to manufacture, so Apple charges more to replace them. An iPhone 15 Pro Max screen costs $329, while an iPhone 14 Pro Max cost $329 when it was current. As phones age and new models arrive, older models' repair prices sometimes drop slightly, but not by much.

What happens if my screen breaks again after AppleCare+ replacement?

AppleCare+ covers two accidental damage incidents per year at $29 each. If you use both claims in one year, additional damage costs full price until your coverage resets. You can purchase AppleCare+ again when you buy your next device, but not retroactively on your current one.

Is it cheaper to buy a refurbished phone than to fix the screen?

Sometimes. A refurbished iPhone from Apple or a carrier typically costs $200 to $400 depending on the model, while a screen replacement costs $129 to $329. If your phone is already several years old, a refurbished newer model might be a better long-term investment because it will receive software updates longer and have a fresh battery. If your phone is less than two years old, screen replacement is usually the cheaper choice.

Do I need an appointment to get my screen replaced at an Apple Store?

You do not need an appointment for a Genius Bar visit, but Apple recommends booking one online to avoid waiting. Walk-ins are accepted, but you may wait 30 minutes to an hour depending on how busy the store is. If the store does not have your screen in stock, they will order it and you will need to return for the repair, so calling ahead saves a trip.