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

Apple's out-of-warranty screen replacement costs range from around $129 for an iPhone SE to $329 for a larger iPhone Pro Max, as of 2024. If you have AppleCare+ — Apple's optional protection plan — you pay a flat $29 service fee instead, regardless of which iPhone you own. iPad screen repairs run higher: $99 to $199 with AppleCare+, or $299 to $599 without it, depending on the model.

The exact price depends on three things: which device you own, whether the screen is the only damage, and whether you bought AppleCare+ when you got the device. Apple's pricing changes occasionally and varies slightly by region, so the numbers above are current examples, not guarantees. The fastest way to find your exact cost is to visit apple.com, select your device, and choose "Screen Repair" — the site will show you the price before you book.

Key Takeaways

  • Without AppleCare+, iPhone screen replacement costs $129 to $329 depending on the model; with AppleCare+, you pay $29 per repair.
  • AppleCare+ costs $3 to $4 per month for iPhones and covers two accidental damage incidents per year, making it worth considering if you drop your phone often.
  • Apple charges more if other damage exists alongside the cracked screen, such as a damaged frame or water damage.
  • You can get the repair done at an Apple Store, an Apple Authorized Service Provider, or by mail-in repair, and turnaround time varies from same-day to one week depending on the method.

How AppleCare+ changes the math

AppleCare+ is a monthly or annual subscription that covers accidental damage — including screen cracks — plus hardware failures. For iPhones, it costs roughly $3 to $4 per month, or you can pay upfront for two years. The plan covers two accidental damage incidents per year, each with a $29 service fee.

Whether AppleCare+ makes financial sense depends on your habits. If you drop your phone once every two years, you will pay more in AppleCare+ premiums than you would for a single out-of-warranty repair. If you drop it twice a year, AppleCare+ saves you money. The plan also covers hardware failures like battery degradation and speaker problems, which screen-only insurance does not.

What happens if other damage exists alongside the crack

If your screen is cracked but the frame, back glass, or internal components are also damaged, Apple will not repair just the screen. Instead, they may offer a full device replacement or repair all damage together at a higher cost. A cracked screen plus a damaged frame, for example, might cost $400 to $500 out of warranty instead of the $200 to $300 for screen alone.

Water damage complicates things further. If Apple detects liquid damage during the repair assessment, they may refuse the screen repair and instead quote you for a full device replacement. This is why it matters to get the damage assessed in person or through Apple's online tool before committing to a repair.

Where you can get the repair done

Apple offers three repair routes: Apple Stores, Apple Authorized Service Providers (independent repair shops certified by Apple), and mail-in repair. Apple Stores often have same-day or next-day availability in urban areas, but you may need to book an appointment online first. Authorized Service Providers vary by location — some offer same-day service, others take three to five business days.

Mail-in repair is the slowest option but works if no local service is available. You ship your device to Apple, they repair it, and ship it back. This usually takes one to two weeks total, plus a few days for shipping. During that time, you will not have your phone. If you need your device urgently, the Apple Store or a local Authorized Service Provider is faster.

How to check your device's warranty status

Before you pay for a repair, check whether your device is still under Apple's standard one-year limited warranty. Visit apple.com/support, enter your device's serial number, and the site will show you the coverage end date. If you are still under warranty and the damage is not accidental (for example, a manufacturing defect caused the screen to fail), Apple will repair it at no cost.

If you bought AppleCare+ but are unsure whether it is still active, the same tool will show you the plan's expiration date. AppleCare+ can be purchased up to 60 days after you buy the device, so if you are thinking about it, you have a window to add it before it becomes unavailable.

Third-party repair shops and parts

Independent repair shops often charge less than Apple — typically $80 to $150 for an iPhone screen replacement. However, using a non-Apple repair shop voids any remaining warranty on your device, and the quality of parts and labor varies widely. Some shops use genuine Apple screens; others use aftermarket screens that may have color accuracy or durability issues.

If cost is your main concern, get quotes from two or three local repair shops before deciding. Ask whether they use genuine or aftermarket parts, and whether they offer any warranty on the repair itself. A $50 savings is not worth it if the replacement screen fails in six months and the shop is no longer in business.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get my screen fixed the same day I call?

At Apple Stores in most cities, yes — but only if you book an appointment online or in the Apple Store app first. Walk-ins are not may provide same-day service. Authorized Service Providers vary; some offer same-day repairs, others do not. Call ahead to check availability in your area.

Does AppleCare+ cover screen damage if I cracked it on purpose?

AppleCare+ covers accidental damage, not intentional damage. If you deliberately broke the screen, Apple will deny the claim. However, the plan does not require you to prove how the damage happened in most cases — they assume accidental damage unless there is obvious evidence otherwise.

What if I drop my phone and the screen cracks two days after I buy AppleCare+?

You are covered. AppleCare+ takes effect when ready when you purchase it, even if you buy it the same day as your device. There is no waiting period for accidental damage coverage.

Will Apple repair my screen if I have a cracked back glass too?

Apple will assess the damage and quote you for repairing both the front and back. They will not repair just the screen if the back is also cracked, because the device needs to be fully functional and watertight. The combined repair costs more than screen alone.

How long does a mail-in screen repair take?

Typically one to two weeks from the time you ship the device until it arrives back at your door. This includes shipping time both ways, plus processing and repair time at Apple's facility. During this period, you will not have access to your phone, so plan accordingly.