Is Getting a Cracked iPad Screen Repaired at AppleCare Worth It?

The unthinkable has happened! You've dropped your iPad without a case to protect it. Your iPad screen is cracked and there's a hairline of fractured glass running straight across the front of your device. So, is taking a cracked iPad to Apple Repair worth it?

How Much Is An iPad Cracked Screen Repair?

If the crack is purely cosmetic, and you don't have your device insured with AppleCare coverage, the answer is usually no. Let’s have a look at the various options available.

iPad Screen Repair Costs by Model

iPad Model	Cost to Repair (without AppleCare+)
iPad Pro 12.9-inch (M2, 5th/6th generation)	$699 for screen-only damage through Apple's official repair channels
iPad Pro 11-inch	$499 for screen replacement
iPad Pro M4 Models	$499–$749, cost varies by screen size
iPad Air Models	$449–$599 depending on generation and screen size
iPad 10.2-inch	$249 for screen replacement
iPad Mini	$399–$449 depending on generation

Repair Service Options

Apple Official Channels:

• Apple Store Genius Bar appointments

• Apple Authorized Service Providers

• Mail-in repair service directly to Apple 

• Genuine Apple parts and 90-day guarantee

Third-Party Repair Shops:

• Typically cost $50 to $400 for screen repairs 

• May void any remaining Apple warranty

• Variable quality of replacement parts

• Best Buy offers Apple-authorized repairs at comparable prices

Coverage and Insurance Options

With AppleCare+:

• Screen-only repairs cost just $29 for newer M2 iPad Air and M4 iPad Pro models 

• Older iPad models with AppleCare+ pay $49 for screen repairs 

• Monthly payments start around $2.49-$7.99/month depending on iPad model

• Annual plans available at discounted rates.

Notably, AppleCare+ includes up to two incidents of accidental damage coverage.

Without Coverage:

• Full out-of-pocket costs range from $99 to $599 for official Apple repair

• No coverage for accidental damage under standard Apple Limited Warranty

• Full replacement value may be charged if damage is severe.

Extent of Damage

Screen-Only Damage (Front Glass):

• Available for iPad models launched after May 1st, 2024

• Lower repair costs if only the front glass is cracked

• No other damage to body, cameras, or internal components

Other Damage:

• If additional damage is found during inspection, you'll pay higher fees

• Back glass damage, bent frame, or internal component issues increase costs

• May require full unit replacement rather than just screen repair

Buying the AppleCare coverage will cost you $99, so if you're likely to crack your screen, you can think of it as having paid part of the repair cost ahead of time. The coverage lasts two years.

Alternatives to Apple Screen Repair

Have you got a cracked screen on your iPad Pro but no AppleCare coverage or hundreds of dollars to repair it? If it's just a cracked screen and the digitizer and touch screen work fine, you can still use your iPad, but be extremely careful about any sharp edges caused by broken glass or plastic.

There was once a time when you could replace the damaged screen on your iPad with a new piece of glass. Unfortunately, today, that's no longer the case. Since the launch of the iPad Air 2, iPad Mini 4/5, and the iPad Pro, screen glass can no longer be removed as a single component, and replacing a damaged screen now requires a new full unit that includes the inner LCD.

This is because Apple now makes its screens as a laminate. The idea is that this allows the latest models to become even more slender than the previous iteration while also reducing reflections and glare. However, this means that the iPad's cover glass, touch sensor, and LCD are now bonded together and have to be replaced as a whole, at greater expense to the user.

You can also bring your device to a third-party repair service. These are usually considerably cheaper than Apple Repair when it comes to fixing screens, but there are several important factors to bear in mind.

Apple Screen Repair vs Third Party Comparison

Factor	Apple/AASP Repair	Third-Party Repair
iPad Screen Repair Cost (without AppleCare+)	$249–$699	$100–$400
iPad Screen Repair Cost (with AppleCare+)	$49	N/A
Parts Quality	Genuine Apple parts	Aftermarket/generic parts
Warranty Impact	Maintains warranty	Voids warranty
Functionality After Repair	Full functionality preserved	May impair Touch ID, Apple Pencil, security features
Repair Time	3–5 business days	1–3 days
Technician Certification	Apple-certified technicians	Varies

Note: Apple does not supply genuine components to any third-party repairer. Genuine parts are only available to Apple and Apple Authorized Service Providers (AASP). 

Plus, Apple and AASPs will only hold those parts while your device is still formally supported by Apple. Bear in mind that if you decide to use a third-party repair service while your device still has its warranty, the warranty would be deemed void.

Is It Worth Repairing an Old iPad?

If your iPad has become old enough that Apple no longer offers its own repair service,  genuine parts will not be available. In this instance, any third-party screen repair service offering to mend your tablet will almost certainly use aftermarket parts.

These are generic components built by unendorsed manufacturers to fulfill the same basic function. However, repairs using these components could affect the way your iPad works , with features such as Touch ID and Apple Pencil not working correctly or being permanently disabled.

Can You Fix an iPad By Yourself?

DIY repair is another option for those tech-savvy few with the skills and confidence. The number of iPad users who can repair their own devices has increased in recent years. The demand for parts, along with tools and instructions, has risen to the point where, in 2022, Apple launched its own Self-Service Repair Store. 

This online facility now provides repair manuals, genuine Apple parts, and tools, allowing those with the skills to repair their Apple products and devices.

For older models, you can buy a screen repair kit that includes suitable generic parts not produced by Apple fairly inexpensively. These kits usually come with replacement parts, all the tools needed, and detailed instructions that walk you through the process step by step.

Use an Apple Authorized Service Provider

For the vast majority of iPad users who don't have in-depth experience in repairing electronic devices, there are Apple Authorized Service Providers (AASP). This is the safest and smartest solution for fixing a chipped, shattered, or cracked iPad screen, especially if your device is out of warranty.

An AASP must demonstrate a proven history of delivering a high-quality service and undergo a comprehensive certification process. Once qualified, an AASP is endorsed and authorized by Apple to provide repair services for all Apple products the company still supports, within and outside warranty periods. 

These service providers operate independently but with approval from Apple. This means they are obligated to only use technicians certified by Apple, and they're supplied with all the requisite Apple components necessary for extending the proper support service to owners of Apple devices.

Over the last four years, Apple has almost doubled the number of AASPs with access to genuine Apple parts, tools, and training to create more than 3,000 Independent Repair Providers across the United States. A global network of more than 5,000 Apple Authorized Service Providers supports more than 100,000 active technicians. This means that in the US, eight out of 10 Apple customers are located no further than 20 minutes from an authorized service provider.

How to Avoid a Cracked iPad Screen

Prevention is always better than cure. If you’re lucky enough to be reading this before a screen-cracking incident, take heed! If you’re less fortunate, here’s some guidance on safe usage to avoid it in the future:

• Use a protective iPad case to protect it from drops and falls

• Buy a screen protector to guard against scratches and cracks

• Don’t put heavy objects on top of your iPad, even in a case

• Keep your iPad away from the edge of tables or other surfaces

• Store your iPad in a safe location, away from liquids and extreme hot or cold

• Regularly clean the screen with screen wipes to remove any dirt or debris that could cause scratches over time.

At ZUGU, we're so confident that your iPad won't suffer a cracked screen while in a ZUGU case that if it does, we will pay your AppleCare+ bill for you. So, don't test your luck. Get your iPad a ZUGU case today!

 

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to repair a cracked iPad screen at Apple?

Apple’s iPad screen repair costs vary by model: $249 for the 10.2-inch iPad, $499 for the 11-inch iPad Pro, and $699 for the 12.9-inch iPad Pro. With AppleCare+, all repairs cost just $49.

Is AppleCare+ worth it for iPad screen repairs?

Yes, AppleCare+ costs $99 and reduces cracked iPad screen repairs to $49. If you're prone to accidents or use your iPad heavily, it can save you hundreds in iPad screen repair costs.

How long does Apple take to fix a cracked iPad screen?

Apple typically takes 3-5 business days to complete iPad screen repair, though this may vary based on parts availability and service location.

Is it cheaper to repair an iPad screen at Apple or a third-party shop?

Third-party repair services are typically cheaper ($100-$400) than Apple's iPad screen repair cost ($249-$699), but they use non-genuine parts and void your warranty.

Does Apple repair a cracked iPad screen without AppleCare?

Yes, Apple will repair your cracked iPad screen without AppleCare, but you'll pay the full iPad screen repair cost, which varies depending on your model, from $249-$699. 

Can I replace an iPad screen myself?

While possible, DIY iPad screen repair carries significant risks. These risks include permanently damaging your device, voiding warranty, and requiring complex disassembly.

Will Apple give me a replacement iPad instead of repairing the screen?

Apple typically repairs cracked iPad screens rather than providing replacements, unless the damage is too extensive or other components are affected beyond economical repair.