iPhone Screen Repair Cost

Understanding iPhone Screen Repair Costs

A cracked iPhone screen is one of the most common smartphone repairs. Whether from a drop, impact, or pressure damage, screen repair costs vary significantly based on your iPhone model, where you get it repaired, and whether you have AppleCare+ coverage.

Modern iPhones use advanced OLED displays with integrated sensors for Face ID, True Tone color matching, and haptic feedback. These technologies contribute to higher repair costs but also mean professional repair preserves all your phone's features.

iPhone Screen Repair Cost by Model

Apple's screen repair pricing correlates with display technology and screen size. Here's the complete breakdown for current and recent models:

iPhone 16 Series (2024)

iPhone 15 Series (2023)

iPhone 14 Series (2022)

iPhone 13 Series (2021)

iPhone 12 Series (2020)

Apple vs Authorized vs Third-Party Repair: Complete Comparison

Apple Store or Apple Repair

Cost: $129-$379 (out of warranty), $29 with AppleCare+

Pros:

• Genuine Apple parts guaranteed
• All features preserved (True Tone, Face ID)
• 90-day warranty on repair
• Maintains water resistance rating
• No impact on future Apple service

Cons:

• Highest cost without AppleCare+
• May require appointment or mail-in
• Longer wait times during busy periods

Best for: Phones under AppleCare+, or when Face ID and True Tone are priorities

Apple Authorized Service Providers

Cost: $110-$379 (typically matches or slightly below Apple pricing)

Pros:

• Genuine Apple parts
• Same quality as Apple repair
• Often more convenient locations
• May have shorter wait times
• Preserves warranty status

Cons:

• Pricing similar to Apple
• Quality varies by location
• May not stock all parts

Best for: When Apple Store isn't convenient, or for faster turnaround

Third-Party Repair Shops

Cost: $50-$250

Pros:

• Significantly lower cost (often 40-60% less)
• Same-day repair common
• Negotiable pricing
• Some offer lifetime warranties
• Convenient local options

Cons:

• Aftermarket parts (quality varies)
• True Tone may not work without special programming
• May void Apple warranty
• Water resistance not guaranteed
• Risk of inexperienced technicians

Best for: Out-of-warranty phones, budget-conscious repairs, older models

Mail-In Repair Services

Cost: $60-$200 plus shipping

Pros:

• Competitive pricing
• Option when no local shops available
• Some offer original Apple screens

Cons:

• 5-7 day turnaround
• Phone unavailable during repair
• Shipping damage risk

Best for: Rural areas, specific part requirements

AppleCare+ Screen Repair: Is It Worth It?

AppleCare+ changes the economics of iPhone screen repair dramatically:

AppleCare+ Costs and Coverage

AppleCare+ Break-Even Analysis

With AppleCare+, screen repair costs only $29. Here's when it pays off:

iPhone 16 Pro Max example:

• AppleCare+: $269 + $29 screen repair = $298 total
• Without AppleCare+: $379 for screen repair
• Savings: $81 on first screen repair

For iPhone Pro models, AppleCare+ pays for itself with a single screen repair. For standard iPhone models, you'd need one screen repair plus one other incident to break even. Consider AppleCare+ if you:

• Have a history of cracking screens
• Don't use a protective case
• Have an active lifestyle (sports, construction, kids)

DIY iPhone Screen Repair

DIY screen repair can save $100-$250 but comes with significant risks for newer iPhones.

What You'll Need

iFixit Pro Tech Toolkit ($70): Includes all specialty screwdrivers and spudgers Replacement Screen: $40-$120 depending on model and quality Adhesive Strips: $5-$10

Screen Quality Tiers

1. OEM Original (Refurbished): $80-$150

   • Genuine Apple screen, refurbished
   • True Tone compatible (with special tool)
   • Best color accuracy and brightness

2. High-Quality Aftermarket (OLED): $60-$100

   • Similar quality to OEM
   • May lack True Tone
   • Good color reproduction

3. Budget Aftermarket (LCD): $30-$60

   • Lower quality display
   • Thicker, different color temperature
   • Only for budget repairs

DIY Risks by Model

iPhone 12 and newer: High risk

• Face ID calibration can fail
• Multiple flex cables easily damaged
• Requires battery disconnection

iPhone 11 and older: Moderate risk

• Simpler design
• More forgiving ribbon cables
• Touch ID easier to transfer

Preserving Features During DIY Repair

True Tone: Requires transferring the display's ambient light sensor data to the new screen. This needs special equipment like the JC V1SE programmer ($50-$100) or professional software.

Face ID: Never disconnect or damage the Face ID module. If the flex cable is torn, Face ID will be permanently disabled and only Apple can restore it.

Water Resistance: Applying new adhesive seals is crucial. Test water resistance isn't guaranteed after any repair.

What Causes iPhone Screen Damage?

Understanding damage types helps you explain the repair need and prevent future damage:

Cracked Glass Only

• Spider web cracks from corner impact
• Display still works normally
• Touch function intact
• Repair cost: Standard screen replacement pricing

Display Damage (LCD/OLED)

• Black spots or bleeding colors
• Lines across screen
• Partial display failure
• Touch unresponsive in areas
• Repair cost: Same as cracked glass (full assembly replacement)

Touch IC Damage

• Touch works intermittently
• Ghost touches
• Unresponsive areas
• Often caused by drop or flex damage
• Repair cost: Screen replacement (touch IC is part of display assembly)

How to Save on iPhone Screen Repair

1. Check AppleCare+ Status

Go to Settings > General > About or check coverage.apple.com. If you have AppleCare+, use it for the $29 repair.

2. Compare Local Quotes

Get quotes from 3+ repair shops. Prices vary significantly, and some shops match competitors.

3. Look for Promotions

Many repair shops offer first-time customer discounts or seasonal promotions. Check Yelp, Google, and shop websites.

4. Consider Refurbished Screens

Some shops offer genuine refurbished Apple screens at lower prices than new aftermarket. Ask specifically.

5. Time Your Repair

Avoid busy periods (new iPhone launch weeks, holidays). Shops may offer better prices during slow periods.

6. Bundle Repairs

If your battery also needs replacement, bundling screen and battery repair often saves $20-$40 on labor.

Warranty Impact: What You Need to Know

Apple Warranty Status After Repair

Apple/Authorized repair: Maintains warranty, 90-day guarantee on repair Third-party repair: Voids Apple warranty and AppleCare+ coverage DIY repair: Voids all Apple coverage

Third-Party Repair Warranties

Quality repair shops offer their own warranties:

• Parts: 30-90 days typical, some offer lifetime
• Labor: 30-90 days
• Coverage: Manufacturing defects, not new damage

Get warranty terms in writing before authorizing repair.

Choosing a Repair Provider

Questions to Ask Third-Party Shops

1. What quality screen do you use? (OEM, aftermarket OLED, or LCD)
2. Will True Tone still work?
3. What's your warranty policy?
4. How long have you been repairing iPhones?
5. Do you guarantee water resistance after repair?
6. What happens if Face ID stops working?

Red Flags to Avoid

• Prices significantly below market rate ($30-$40 for new iPhones)
• No posted reviews or business address
• No warranty offered
• Can't explain what parts they use
• Pressure to decide immediately

Preventing Future Screen Damage

Screen Protectors

Tempered Glass ($10-$40): Best protection, maintains touch sensitivity Film Protectors ($5-$15): Basic scratch protection, no crack resistance Privacy Screens ($15-$50): Adds viewing angle privacy

Cases

Slim Cases: Raised edges protect screen from flat drops Rugged Cases: Drop protection from 6-10 feet Wallet Cases: Cover screen when not in use

Best Combination

A quality tempered glass screen protector ($20-$30) with a case that has raised edges provides excellent protection at minimal bulk. Replace the screen protector when cracked—it's sacrificial protection.

Conclusion

iPhone screen repair costs range from $50 at budget third-party shops to $379 at Apple for the latest Pro Max models. For phones under AppleCare+, the $29 repair fee makes Apple the obvious choice. For out-of-warranty phones, third-party repair saves 40-60% while professional shops maintain quality.

Consider your phone's value, remaining features you need (True Tone, Face ID), and future plans before choosing a repair path. A $150 third-party repair on a 2-year-old iPhone makes financial sense, while a $29 AppleCare+ repair on a new iPhone 16 Pro is a no-brainer.

For DIY repairs, proceed with caution on iPhone 12 and newer models. The complexity and risk of damaging Face ID make professional repair the safer choice for most users.