Apple's screen replacement costs depend on your device and whether you have AppleCare+
Apple charges between $129 and $329 to replace a cracked or broken screen on an iPhone, depending on the model year and size. If you have AppleCare+ — Apple's optional protection plan — the cost drops to $29. For iPads, Mac laptops, and Apple Watches, the prices are different and follow the same pattern: higher without coverage, much lower with it.
The reason the price varies so much is that newer models and larger screens cost more to manufacture and require more labour 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 also charges more if your device has other damage alongside the screen — water damage or a bent frame, for example — because the repair becomes more complex.
You can get a screen replaced at an Apple Store, through Apple's mail-in repair service, or at an Apple Authorized Service Provider. The location you choose affects how long the repair takes but not the price — Apple sets the same rates everywhere.
Key Takeaways
- iPhone screen replacement without AppleCare+ ranges from $129 to $329 depending on the model, with newer and larger phones costing more.
- AppleCare+ reduces screen replacement to a flat $29 fee, making it worthwhile if you are accident-prone or own an expensive model.
- iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch screen replacements follow the same structure — higher base cost, lower cost with AppleCare+.
- The price is the same whether you go to an Apple Store, use mail-in repair, or visit an Authorized Service Provider.
- Additional damage like water exposure or a bent frame can increase the repair cost beyond the standard screen replacement price.
How AppleCare+ changes what you pay
AppleCare+ is a monthly or upfront subscription that covers accidental damage, battery degradation, and hardware failures. For iPhones, it costs around $4.99 per month or a one-time payment of roughly $99 to $149 depending on the model. The real value shows up when you need a repair: instead of paying $200 or more for a screen, you pay $29.
The catch is that AppleCare+ must be purchased within 60 days of buying your device. You cannot buy it after your screen is already broken. If you already have damage, Apple will inspect the device first, and if the damage is deemed pre-existing, AppleCare+ will not cover it.
For people who keep phones for three or more years, AppleCare+ often pays for itself after one accident. For people who rarely drop their devices, it may not be worth the cost. The decision depends on your own habits and how much you can afford to replace the screen out of pocket if something happens.
Screen replacement costs by device type
iPhone screen replacement without AppleCare+ ranges from $129 for older SE models to $329 for the iPhone 15 Pro Max. The exact price depends on which generation you own — Apple charges more for current-year models and less for older ones.
iPad screen replacement costs between $99 and $349 depending on the model size and whether it is a standard iPad, iPad Air, or iPad Pro. AppleCare+ for iPad is typically $4.99 per month or $49 to $79 upfront, and it reduces screen replacement to $29.
Mac laptop screen replacement is more expensive because the screen is larger and integrated into the display assembly. Costs range from $299 to $799 depending on whether you have a MacBook Air or MacBook Pro and what year it was made. AppleCare+ for Mac costs around $9.99 per month and reduces screen replacement to $99.
Apple Watch screen replacement costs $229 to $299 without coverage and $79 with AppleCare+, which is $3.49 per month for watches.
Where to get your screen replaced and how long it takes
An Apple Store can often replace your screen the same day if you walk in without an appointment and the store is not busy. If you book an appointment ahead of time, you can usually get a slot within a few days. The repair typically takes one to two hours while you wait, though it can be longer if the store is full.
Apple's mail-in repair service sends you a box, you pack your device and ship it back, and Apple repairs it and returns it to you. This takes seven to ten business days total, including shipping time both ways. You pay for return shipping unless you have AppleCare+, which covers it.
Apple Authorized Service Providers — independent repair shops certified by Apple — can also replace screens. They charge the same price as Apple but may have different wait times depending on how busy they are. Some have faster turnaround than Apple Stores in your area; others are slower. Call ahead to ask.
What happens if your screen damage is not just a crack
If your screen is cracked but the device still turns on and responds to touch, Apple will replace just the screen at the standard price. If the screen is shattered so badly that it does not respond to touch, or if there is water damage, a bent frame, or damage to the back glass, Apple may charge you for a full device replacement instead of a screen replacement.
A full device replacement costs significantly more — often $300 to $500 or more depending on the model — but it may be cheaper than paying for multiple repairs. Apple will assess the damage in person or through photos if you use mail-in repair, and they will tell you the cost before they start work.
If your device is out of warranty and you do not have AppleCare+, you can ask Apple for a mail-in estimate before committing. They will inspect it and send you a quote. You are not obligated to accept it.
Third-party repair shops and what they charge
Independent repair shops not affiliated with Apple often charge less for screen replacement — sometimes $80 to $150 for an iPhone — because they use aftermarket screens instead of genuine Apple parts. These screens usually work fine, but they may not be as colour-accurate or durable as Apple's original screens.
The trade-off is that using a third-party repair shop may void any remaining warranty on your device. If something else breaks shortly after, Apple may refuse to cover it under warranty because the device was opened by someone other than Apple. This matters more if your device is still under the standard one-year limited warranty; it matters less if that warranty has already expired.
Some third-party shops offer their own warranty on the repair work itself, usually 30 to 90 days. Ask what they cover before you hand over your device.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my iPhone screen myself?
You can buy replacement screens and tools online, but it is difficult and risky. If you crack the new screen during installation, damage the display connector, or accidentally break something else inside the phone, you have created a bigger problem. Most people find it cheaper and safer to pay Apple or a repair shop than to attempt it themselves.
Does Apple's warranty cover a cracked screen?
No. Apple's standard one-year limited warranty covers manufacturing defects and hardware failures, not accidental damage like drops or cracks. Only AppleCare+ covers accidental damage. If your screen cracked on its own without you dropping the phone, contact Apple — that might be a defect they will cover.
What if I drop my phone the day after I buy AppleCare+?
AppleCare+ covers accidental damage from day one, as long as you purchased it within 60 days of buying the device. You do not have to wait. You will pay the $29 deductible for the screen replacement.
Is it cheaper to replace the screen or buy a used phone?
For most people, screen replacement is cheaper. A used phone of the same model costs $200 to $400 depending on condition and age, while a screen replacement is $29 to $329. You also lose your data and settings when you switch phones, even if you back up. Screen replacement is usually the faster and cheaper choice.
Do I need to back up my phone before a screen replacement?
No. A screen replacement does not erase your data or require you to set up the phone again. Apple only replaces the display; everything else stays the same. You will get your phone back with all your apps, photos, and settings intact.