iPhone screen replacement costs between $129 and $329 at Apple, depending on your model and whether you have AppleCare+
Apple's official pricing varies by iPhone generation. A standard screen replacement at an Apple Store or through Apple's mail-in repair runs $129 for iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus, $199 for iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max, and $169 for older models like iPhone 14 and iPhone 13. If you have AppleCare+ — Apple's protection plan — you pay a $29 deductible instead of the full amount.
Third-party repair shops typically charge $100 to $200 for the same work, though prices vary by location and shop reputation. Independent repair shops are often faster than Apple (same-day service is common) but the quality of replacement screens varies more widely. Some use original parts salvaged from other phones; others use aftermarket screens that may not match your original display's brightness or color accuracy.
The cost jumps significantly if your phone has other damage. If the frame is bent or the back glass is cracked, you may be quoted a full device replacement price instead of a screen-only repair, which can run $500 to $1,200 depending on your model.
Key Takeaways
- Apple charges $129 to $199 for screen replacement depending on your iPhone model, or $29 if you have AppleCare+.
- Third-party repair shops usually cost $100 to $200 and often complete repairs the same day, but screen quality varies.
- AppleCare+ costs $4 to $13 per month depending on your model and covers accidental damage with a $29 deductible.
- Damage beyond the screen — bent frames or cracked back glass — may trigger a full device replacement quote instead of a repair.
- Mail-in repair through Apple takes 5 to 7 business days; in-store repair at an Apple Store usually takes 2 to 4 hours.
Apple Store repair versus mail-in service
If you have an Apple Store nearby, in-store repair is usually the fastest option. You can make an appointment through the Apple Support app or website, and most screen replacements are completed within 2 to 4 hours. You'll need to bring your phone and a valid ID. The technician will back up your data before starting the repair, though you should back up yourself beforehand to be safe.
Mail-in repair through Apple's website takes longer but works if no Apple Store is near you. You'll ship your phone to Apple, and the repair typically takes 5 to 7 business days from the moment they receive it. You'll get a prepaid shipping label and can track your phone's status online. During this time you won't have your device, so plan accordingly if it's your only phone.
Both routes use genuine Apple parts and come with a 90-day warranty on the repair itself. If something goes wrong with the replacement screen within that window, Apple will fix it again at no charge.
Third-party repair shops and what to watch for
Independent repair shops — both local businesses and chains like uBreakiFix — typically charge less than Apple and work faster. Many offer same-day service if you drop off your phone in the morning. However, the quality of the replacement screen matters. Some shops use original screens harvested from damaged phones; others use aftermarket screens made by third-party manufacturers.
Aftermarket screens are cheaper for the shop to source, so they pass some savings to you. The trade-off is that these screens may have lower brightness, weaker color accuracy, or a slightly different feel when you touch them. Some also have thicker bezels or don't support features like True Tone (automatic color temperature adjustment). Original screens perform identically to what came in your phone but cost the shop more, so the repair price is higher.
Before choosing a shop, ask directly: "Are you using an original Apple screen or an aftermarket screen?" A reputable shop will tell you upfront and show you the part before installing it. Check online reviews on Google or Yelp, and look for shops that offer a warranty on their work — typically 30 to 90 days. Avoid shops that won't may provide their repairs or won't let you see the part before installation.
AppleCare+ and whether it makes sense
AppleCare+ is Apple's optional protection plan. It costs $4 to $13 per month depending on your iPhone model (iPhone 15 Pro Max is the most expensive). The plan covers accidental damage like drops and spills, with a $29 deductible per incident. Without AppleCare+, a screen replacement costs $129 to $199; with it, you pay $29.
The math depends on how many times you expect to damage your phone. If you drop your phone once during the two or three years you own it, AppleCare+ pays for itself. If you've never cracked a screen and you're careful with devices, the monthly cost adds up faster than a single repair would. AppleCare+ also covers battery replacement (normally $69) and other hardware failures, which shifts the calculation if you keep your phone for four or more years.
AppleCare+ must be purchased within 60 days of buying your iPhone. If your phone is already damaged when you try to sign up, Apple will reject the purchase. You can cancel anytime and get a prorated refund for unused months.
What happens if you ignore a cracked screen
A small crack that doesn't affect touch sensitivity can technically wait, but larger cracks get worse quickly. Every time you use your phone, the crack spreads slightly from the pressure and flexing of the device. A hairline crack can become a spiderweb within weeks, and once the damage reaches the touch sensor layer, your screen stops responding to taps in that area.
Water and dust also enter through cracks. Your iPhone has some water resistance, but a cracked screen bypasses that protection. Moisture can corrode the display connector or damage the logic board, turning a $129 screen repair into a $500+ device replacement. If your phone gets wet after the screen cracks, the repair cost often jumps immediately.
Cosmetically, a cracked screen makes your phone look damaged and can affect resale value if you plan to trade it in or sell it later. Most carriers and retailers offer less money for phones with visible screen damage.
Comparing your repair options side by side
| Repair Route | Cost (No AppleCare+) | Cost (With AppleCare+) | Typical Timeline | Screen Quality |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple Store (in-person) | $129–$199 | $29 | 2–4 hours | Original Apple part |
| Apple Mail-in Repair | $129–$199 | $29 | 5–7 business days | Original Apple part |
| Third-party shop (original screen) | $150–$220 | N/A | Same day or next day | Original Apple part |
| Third-party shop (aftermarket screen) | $100–$150 | N/A | Same day or next day | Third-party part |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my iPhone screen myself?
You can buy replacement screens and tools online, but self-repair is difficult and risky. You need to remove the display adhesive, disconnect the screen connector, and reassemble the phone without damaging other components. One slip can break the logic board or damage the camera. Most people end up paying for professional repair anyway after a failed attempt. Unless you have experience with phone repair, professional service is safer.
Does Apple charge more for newer iPhone models?
Yes. iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max screens cost $199 to replace, while iPhone 15 and 15 Plus cost $129. Older models like iPhone 14 and 13 cost $169. Larger screens and more advanced display technology (like ProMotion on Pro models) increase the replacement cost. The difference is usually $30 to $70 between standard and Pro models.
Will my phone work normally after a screen replacement?
Yes, if the repair is done correctly. A screen replacement doesn't affect your data, apps, or phone performance. Your phone will work exactly as it did before the crack, assuming no other damage occurred. If you use an original Apple screen or a high-quality aftermarket screen from a reputable shop, you won't notice any difference in daily use.
What if the screen cracks again after repair?
If it cracks within 90 days of an Apple repair, Apple will replace it again at no charge under the repair warranty. After 90 days, you pay the full replacement cost again. If you have AppleCare+, you pay the $29 deductible each time. Third-party shops typically offer 30 to 90 day warranties as well — ask before you leave the shop.
Is there a cheaper way to get my screen fixed?
Third-party shops with aftermarket screens are usually the cheapest option at $100 to $150. If you're willing to wait, buying AppleCare+ before damage happens and then using it costs only $29 per repair. Buying a used or refurbished iPhone of the same model is sometimes cheaper than repair if your phone is several years old, though you lose your data and settings in the process.