iPhone screen replacement costs between $129 and $329 at Apple, depending on your model, and between $50 and $200 at third-party repair shops
Apple's official pricing covers the most common models: iPhone 15 and 15 Plus cost $129, iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max cost $199. iPhone 14 and 14 Plus cost $129, iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max cost $199. Older models like iPhone 13 cost $129, iPhone 13 Pro Max costs $169, and iPhone 12 costs $129. These prices assume you have AppleCare+, which covers two accidental damage incidents per year for $29 each. Without AppleCare+, the same repairs cost $279 to $329.
Third-party shops charge less upfront but vary widely by location and shop reputation. Independent repair stores typically charge $80 to $150 for standard models and $150 to $200 for Pro models. Best Buy's Geek Squad charges $150 to $250. Mail-in services like uBreakiFix (now part of Best Buy) fall in the $100 to $180 range. The trade-off is that third-party repairs may not preserve water resistance and typically void any remaining manufacturer warranty.
Key Takeaways
- Apple charges $129 to $199 for screen replacement on current models, or $29 if you have AppleCare+ coverage.
- Third-party repair shops cost $50 to $200 less but may not restore water resistance and will void your Apple warranty.
- AppleCare+ costs $99 to $199 upfront depending on model and covers two accidental damage incidents at $29 each, making it worthwhile if you drop your phone regularly.
- Repair time at Apple ranges from same-day to one week depending on stock; third-party shops often finish in one to three hours.
- Some homeowners insurance, renters insurance, and credit cards offer accidental damage coverage that may cover screen replacement at no cost to you.
What Apple charges for each iPhone model
Apple's screen replacement pricing is straightforward if you know your model. Current models (iPhone 15 series) cost $129 for standard and Plus sizes, $199 for Pro and Pro Max. The previous generation (iPhone 14 series) costs the same: $129 for standard and Plus, $199 for Pro and Pro Max. iPhone 13 and 13 Pro cost $129, iPhone 13 Pro Max costs $169. Older models like iPhone 12 cost $129, and iPhone 11 costs $99.
These prices apply when you walk into an Apple Store or mail your phone to Apple's repair center. You can check your exact model's price on Apple's support page by entering your serial number or IMEI. Prices do not include tax, which varies by state and location. If your phone is still under the standard one-year warranty and the screen damage is a manufacturing defect rather than accidental damage, Apple may replace it at no cost — bring your phone and receipt to an Apple Store to ask.
How AppleCare+ changes the cost
AppleCare+ is Apple's extended warranty and accidental damage plan. It costs $99 to $199 upfront depending on your iPhone model, then covers two accidental damage incidents per year at $29 each. A cracked screen counts as accidental damage, so with AppleCare+ you pay $29 instead of $129 to $199.
The math works out if you drop your phone more than once every two years. If you pay $129 for AppleCare+ and use it once at $29, you spend $158 total. Without it, one screen replacement costs $129 to $199. If you use it twice in a year, you spend $187 total ($129 + $29 + $29), versus $258 to $398 without coverage. AppleCare+ also covers battery replacement ($0 instead of $69 to $99) and other hardware failures, which adds value beyond screen damage.
You can purchase AppleCare+ within 60 days of buying your iPhone, or sometimes after if your phone has no damage. Check your purchase date in Settings > General > About to see if you are still within the window. If you missed the window, some credit card companies or insurance providers offer accidental damage coverage as an alternative.
Third-party repair shops and their trade-offs
Independent repair shops charge $80 to $150 for iPhone screen replacement on standard models and $150 to $200 on Pro models. Best Buy's Geek Squad charges $150 to $250. Specialty mail-in services like uBreakiFix (owned by Best Buy) charge $100 to $180 and typically complete repairs within one to three business days plus shipping time.
The main advantage is cost and speed. Many independent shops finish repairs in one to three hours while you wait. The main disadvantage is that third-party repairs typically do not restore your phone's water resistance rating — the seal around the screen may not be as tight as Apple's. Additionally, any repair by a non-Apple shop voids your remaining Apple warranty, though it does not affect any third-party insurance you may have purchased separately.
Quality varies significantly between shops. Look for shops certified by the Repair Association or those that use OEM (original equipment manufacturer) parts rather than generic replacements. Generic screens are cheaper but may have worse color accuracy or durability. Ask the shop whether they use OEM or aftermarket parts before you commit, and read recent customer reviews on Google or Yelp to check whether the shop stands behind its work.
Insurance and credit card coverage you might already have
Some homeowners or renters insurance policies cover accidental phone damage, though you typically pay a deductible ($100 to $500) and must file a claim. Check your policy documents or call your insurer to ask whether phone damage is covered and what the deductible is. If the deductible is high, filing a claim may not be worth it for a screen replacement.
Certain credit cards offer purchase protection or accidental damage coverage on items bought with that card. American Express, Chase Sapphire Reserve, and some premium cards include this. The coverage usually caps at $500 to $1,000 per incident and requires you to file a claim with the card issuer, not the retailer. Check your card's benefits guide or call the number on the back of your card to confirm whether screen damage is covered and what documentation you need to provide.
Carrier insurance through Verizon, AT&T, or T-Mobile typically costs $10 to $15 per month and covers accidental damage with a deductible of $50 to $200. If you already pay for carrier insurance, screen replacement may be covered — contact your carrier to check your plan details and whether you have met your deductible for the year.
Repair time and what to expect at each option
Apple Store repairs vary by location and demand. In busy urban areas, same-day service is common if you book an appointment and parts are in stock. In slower locations or during peak times, you may wait three to seven days. You can check estimated wait time on Apple's website by selecting your location and starting a repair request. Apple also offers mail-in repair, which takes one to two weeks including shipping both ways.
Third-party shops are usually faster. Independent repair stores often complete screen replacement in one to three hours while you wait. Best Buy's Geek Squad typically takes one to three days. Mail-in services like uBreakiFix take one to three business days for the repair itself, plus two to four days for shipping. If you need your phone urgently, an independent shop is usually your fastest option.
Before you drop off your phone at any repair shop, back up your data to iCloud or a computer. Most shops do not erase your phone during screen replacement, but accidents happen. Also ask whether the shop will test the screen and other functions before you leave, so you can catch any problems while you are still there.
Comparing total cost: Apple versus third-party over time
| Scenario | Apple with AppleCare+ | Apple without AppleCare+ | Third-party shop |
|---|---|---|---|
| One screen replacement in two years | $99 + $29 = $128 | $129 | $80–$150 |
| Two screen replacements in two years | $99 + $29 + $29 = $157 | $258 | $160–$300 |
| Three screen replacements in two years | $99 + $29 + $29 = $157 (max two incidents) | $387 | $240–$450 |
AppleCare+ makes sense if you drop your phone regularly or live in a household where damage is common. It also covers battery degradation and other hardware failures, which adds value beyond screen replacement. Third-party shops make sense if you want to minimize upfront cost and do not mind losing water resistance or warranty coverage.
If you plan to sell or trade in your phone within a year, an Apple repair preserves resale value better than a third-party repair. Buyers and trade-in programs can usually tell if a screen was replaced by a third party and may offer $20 to $50 less for the phone. An Apple-repaired screen has no impact on resale value.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my iPhone screen myself?
You can, but it is difficult and risky. iFixit sells screen replacement kits for $30 to $80, but the process requires removing dozens of screws, disconnecting delicate cables, and heating the adhesive around the screen. One mistake can damage the display connector or the logic board. Most people should use a professional repair service instead.
Does AppleCare+ cover water damage?
AppleCare+ covers accidental damage including liquid damage, but only if you report it within 14 days and the damage is not from intentional submersion. If you spill water on your phone, dry it immediately and contact Apple within two weeks. Liquid damage claims cost $29 under AppleCare+, or $199 to $299 without it.
What is the difference between OEM and aftermarket iPhone screens?
OEM (original equipment manufacturer) screens are made by the same supplier Apple uses and match the original in color accuracy, brightness, and durability. Aftermarket screens are made by third parties and are cheaper but may have worse color reproduction, lower brightness, or shorter lifespan. Ask your repair shop which type they use before you commit.
Can I get a screen replacement if my phone is water damaged?
Yes, but the repair may cost more. If water has entered the phone, Apple or a third-party shop must dry and inspect the internal components before replacing the screen. This can add $50 to $100 to the cost and may reveal additional damage that needs repair. If your phone is water damaged, get a diagnosis before committing to a screen replacement.
Will a third-party screen replacement affect my phone's resale value?
Yes, slightly. Buyers and trade-in programs like Apple's can usually tell if a screen was replaced by a third party, and they may offer $20 to $50 less for the phone. An Apple-repaired screen has no impact on resale value. If you plan to sell or trade in your phone within a year, an Apple repair is worth the extra cost.