What Apple will and won't replace under warranty

Apple's standard one-year warranty does not cover chips, cracks, or any damage from drops or impacts. If your iPhone screen or back glass is chipped, Apple will not replace it for free under the manufacturer's warranty, even if the phone is brand new.

If you have AppleCare+ (the extended protection plan), you can get a replacement or repair. AppleCare+ covers accidental damage, including chips and cracks, but you pay a deductible each time you make a claim — typically $29 for screen damage or $99 for other damage, depending on your iPhone model and when you bought the plan. The repair or replacement usually takes a few days to a week.

Without AppleCare+, your only option through Apple is to pay out of pocket. A screen replacement at an Apple Store costs between $129 and $329 depending on the model. Replacing the back glass costs $99 to $199. These prices are higher than third-party repair shops charge for the same work.

Key Takeaways

  • Apple's standard warranty does not cover chips or cracks from drops; you need AppleCare+ to get coverage for accidental damage.
  • AppleCare+ costs money upfront (typically $4 to $7 per month or a lump sum at purchase) and requires a deductible per claim, usually $29 for screen damage.
  • Apple Store repairs for chipped screens or back glass cost $129 to $329 for screens and $99 to $199 for back glass, depending on your model.
  • Third-party repair shops often charge 30 to 50 percent less than Apple, but may use non-original parts and could void any remaining warranty coverage.
  • A small chip that does not affect the screen's touch response or the phone's water resistance may not need repair at all, depending on your tolerance for appearance.

Third-party repair shops and what to watch for

Independent repair shops and chains like uBreakiFix, Best Buy's Geek Squad, and local phone repair stores will replace a chipped screen or back glass for less than Apple charges. Prices vary by location and shop, but you can expect to pay 30 to 50 percent less. A screen replacement might cost $80 to $150, and back glass $50 to $120.

The trade-off is that third-party shops often use aftermarket parts — screens and glass that are not made by Apple. These parts usually work fine, but they may not be identical to the original. An aftermarket screen might have slightly different color accuracy or brightness. Aftermarket back glass may not fit quite as snugly or may not have the same oleophobic coating (the fingerprint-resistant layer).

Before you choose a third-party shop, ask whether they use original Apple parts or aftermarket parts, and get the price in writing. Also ask whether the repair comes with any warranty — most shops offer 30 to 90 days of coverage on the part and labor. If your phone still has AppleCare+ or manufacturer's warranty remaining, check Apple's policy: using a third-party repair shop may void that coverage, though Apple's right-to-repair policies have loosened in recent years.

When a chip is small enough to ignore

Not every chip requires repair. If the chip is only in the screen's protective glass layer and does not affect the touch response, and if the phone's water resistance is still intact, you may choose to leave it alone. Many people live with small chips for months or years without problems.

However, a chip can spread into a larger crack over time, especially if the phone is dropped again or exposed to temperature changes. If the chip is near the edge of the screen or back glass, it is more likely to grow. If the chip has exposed the underlying layers of glass or the LCD panel beneath, water and dust can eventually seep in and damage the phone's internals, so repair becomes more urgent.

If you are unsure whether a chip will affect your phone's function or durability, take it to any repair shop — Apple or third-party — and ask for an assessment. Most will look at it for free and tell you whether repair is necessary now or can wait.

Mail-in and carrier repair options

If you do not have an Apple Store nearby, you can mail your iPhone to Apple for repair. You can start the process through Apple's website or by calling Apple Support. Mail-in repair typically takes 5 to 10 business days, plus shipping time. You will pay the same out-of-pocket cost as an in-store repair, or the same AppleCare+ deductible if you have the plan.

If you bought your iPhone from a carrier like Verizon, AT&T, or T-Mobile, some carriers offer their own device protection plans. These plans often cover accidental damage and may have lower deductibles than AppleCare+, or they may cover the first incident for free. Check your carrier's website or call customer service to see what protection you have and what it costs to file a claim.

Replacement versus repair: when to choose each

If your iPhone is very old or has other damage beyond the chip, repair may not be worth the cost. Apple and most third-party shops will replace your phone with a refurbished unit if the repair cost exceeds a certain threshold — usually around 50 to 60 percent of the phone's current market value. A refurbished phone is one that has been returned, inspected, and restored to working condition. It comes with a warranty and functions like a new phone, but it is cheaper than a new one.

If your phone is relatively new and the only damage is the chip, repair is almost always cheaper than replacement. If you have AppleCare+, a replacement is an option but costs the same deductible as a repair, so there is no financial advantage unless the phone has multiple problems.

Preventing chips in the future

A protective case and screen protector will not prevent all chips — a hard enough drop can damage the phone even inside a case — but they reduce the risk significantly. A case absorbs impact and keeps the phone from hitting the ground directly. A screen protector is a thin layer of tempered glass or plastic that sits on top of your screen; if your phone is dropped, the protector may chip or crack instead of the screen itself.

Screen protectors cost $5 to $20 and are easy to apply yourself. Cases range from $10 to $80 depending on the brand and style. If you are accident-prone or use your phone in rough conditions, the cost of a case and protector is much less than a repair bill. If you plan to keep your phone for several years, AppleCare+ may also make financial sense, since the cost of two or three accidental damage claims could exceed the plan's price.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a small chip in the screen get worse over time?

A chip can spread into a larger crack if the phone is dropped again or exposed to temperature swings, but a small chip that is not growing may stay the same for months or years. If the chip is near the edge or has exposed the layers beneath the glass, it is more likely to worsen and let in water or dust.

Can I use my iPhone normally if the back glass is chipped?

Yes, a chipped back glass does not affect performance or touch response. However, the chip can expose the interior to dust and moisture over time. If the chip is small and not growing, you can use the phone normally; if it is large or spreading, repair is worth considering to protect the phone's internals.

Is it cheaper to buy a new iPhone than to repair the chip?

No, unless your phone is very old or has multiple problems. A screen repair costs $129 to $329 at Apple or $80 to $150 at a third-party shop. A new iPhone costs $800 to $1,600. Repair is almost always the cheaper option.

What happens if I repair my iPhone at a third-party shop and something goes wrong?

Most third-party shops offer a 30 to 90 day warranty on the repair and the part. If the screen fails or the back glass cracks again within that window, the shop will usually fix it for free. After the warranty expires, you pay for any new repairs.

Does AppleCare+ cover chips if I buy it after the phone is already damaged?

No. AppleCare+ must be purchased within 60 days of buying your iPhone. If your phone is already chipped when you try to buy the plan, Apple will not sell it to you for that device.