A cracked iPhone screen is one of the most common smartphone repairs, and the cost to fix it depends on your iPhone model, where you get the repair done, and whether you have AppleCare+. Prices in 2026 range from around $29 with AppleCare+ to roughly $399 without it, depending on the model. Third-party repair shops and DIY kits offer cheaper alternatives, but each comes with trade-offs.
This guide covers exact pricing from Apple, what AppleCare+ actually saves you, typical third-party repair shop costs, DIY kit pricing and risks, and how to tell whether your screen actually needs replacing.
How Much Does Apple Charge for iPhone Screen Replacement?
Apple charges different amounts depending on the iPhone model and display type. Newer iPhones with OLED and ProMotion displays cost more to repair than older models with standard LCD screens. These are out-of-warranty prices, meaning you either don’t have AppleCare+ or your warranty has expired.
| iPhone Model | Apple Screen Replacement (Out of Warranty) |
|---|---|
| iPhone 16 Pro Max | $379 to $399 |
| iPhone 16 Pro | $329 to $379 |
| iPhone 16 / 16 Plus | $279 to $329 |
| iPhone 15 Pro Max | $349 to $379 |
| iPhone 15 Pro | $299 to $329 |
| iPhone 15 / 15 Plus | $279 to $329 |
| iPhone 14 Pro Max | $329 to $349 |
| iPhone 14 / 14 Plus | $249 to $279 |
| iPhone 13 / 13 Pro | $249 to $299 |
| iPhone 12 / 12 Pro | $229 to $279 |
| iPhone SE (3rd gen) | $129 to $149 |
Apple uses genuine parts and guarantees the repair for 90 days or the remainder of your existing warranty, whichever is longer. Repairs done at an Apple Store typically take one to two hours. Mail-in repairs through Apple take roughly three to five business days.
One important detail: Apple’s screen replacement preserves Face ID, True Tone display calibration, and water resistance. These features are tied to hardware pairing at the factory level, and only Apple and Apple Authorized Service Providers have the calibration tools to maintain them after a screen swap.
How Much Does AppleCare+ Screen Replacement Cost?
With AppleCare+, a screen replacement costs a flat $29 per incident, regardless of your iPhone model. That applies to every iPhone from the SE to the 16 Pro Max. The program covers unlimited screen repairs for accidental damage, so there is no cap on how many times you can use it per year.
AppleCare+ itself costs between $79 and $199 depending on the model and plan length. Monthly payment options range from roughly $3.99 to $13.49 per month. The plan also covers back glass damage at a separate deductible.
| AppleCare+ Detail | What You Get |
|---|---|
| Screen repair fee | $29 per incident |
| Back glass repair fee | $29 per incident |
| Other accidental damage | $99 per incident |
| Repair incidents | Unlimited |
| Battery replacement | Free if capacity drops below 80% |
For anyone with an iPhone 15 Pro or newer, AppleCare+ almost always pays for itself with a single screen repair. Without the plan, you would pay $299 to $399 at Apple. With it, you pay $29. The math is straightforward if you tend to drop your phone.
How Much Do Third-Party Repair Shops Charge for iPhone Screens?
Independent repair shops and chains like uBreakiFix typically charge 20% to 40% less than Apple for the same repair. The exact price depends on your iPhone model, the quality of replacement screen used, and your location.
| iPhone Model | Third-Party Screen Replacement (Typical Range) |
|---|---|
| iPhone 16 Pro Max | $260 to $350 |
| iPhone 16 / 16 Plus | $200 to $270 |
| iPhone 15 Pro Max | $240 to $310 |
| iPhone 15 / 15 Plus | $190 to $260 |
| iPhone 14 Pro / 14 Pro Max | $220 to $290 |
| iPhone 13 / 13 Pro | $170 to $240 |
| iPhone 12 / 12 Pro | $130 to $200 |
| iPhone SE (3rd gen) | $90 to $130 |
The wide price range exists because third-party shops use different quality screens. A budget Incell LCD panel might cost the shop $40, while a near-original Soft OLED panel could cost $150 or more. One shop quoting $90 and another quoting $250 for the same model is not unusual. Always ask what type of screen they are using before committing.
Third-party repairs come with important trade-offs. True Tone display calibration is often lost because most independent shops lack Apple’s calibration software. Water resistance may be compromised if the adhesive seal is not properly reapplied. Some shops also cannot recalibrate Face ID sensors after a screen swap, which can leave Face ID non-functional.
Apple Authorized Service Providers (AASPs) like Best Buy’s Geek Squad sit between Apple and independent shops. They use genuine Apple parts and have access to Apple’s calibration tools, but their pricing is generally the same as Apple’s own pricing.
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How Much Do DIY iPhone Screen Replacement Kits Cost?
DIY screen replacement kits from sites like iFixit range from about $50 to $250 depending on the iPhone model. Apple also offers a Self Service Repair program that sells genuine parts directly to consumers, though prices through that program are close to what Apple charges for the full repair.
| DIY Option | Typical Cost | Includes Tools? |
|---|---|---|
| iFixit kit (older models) | $50 to $130 | Yes |
| iFixit kit (iPhone 14/15/16) | $130 to $250 | Yes |
| Apple Self Service Repair (part only) | $199 to $379 | No (tool rental $49) |
| Aftermarket screen + generic tools | $35 to $100 | Sometimes |
DIY repairs carry real risks. The most common problems include puncturing the battery during removal, damaging the flex cables that connect the screen to the logic board, and breaking the Face ID sensor module. Screens on iPhone 12 and newer models are fused OLED units, meaning the display and digitizer are bonded together. Separating them without proper equipment usually destroys the panel.
Face ID is especially fragile. The TrueDepth camera system includes a dot projector, infrared camera, and flood illuminator, all calibrated to extremely tight tolerances. If the Face ID module is damaged during a screen swap, Apple charges $399 or more to replace the entire front sensor assembly. A $50 DIY kit can easily turn into a $400+ repair if something goes wrong.
The iPhone 16 earned a 7 out of 10 repairability score, making it Apple’s most repairable iPhone yet. Older models with more tightly integrated components are harder to work on. If you have never opened an iPhone before, a DIY repair is not recommended on any model with Face ID.
What Factors Affect iPhone Screen Replacement Cost?
Several variables determine the final price you pay for a screen replacement. Understanding them helps you avoid overpaying.
OLED vs LCD. Every iPhone since the iPhone X (except the iPhone SE and iPhone 11) uses an OLED display. OLED panels cost significantly more to manufacture than LCD panels. The iPhone SE uses an LCD screen, which is why its replacement cost is roughly $129 compared to $279 or more for OLED-equipped models.
ProMotion (120Hz) displays. The iPhone 13 Pro and newer Pro models use ProMotion LTPO OLED displays that refresh at up to 120Hz. These panels are more expensive than standard 60Hz OLED screens. The price difference between replacing an iPhone 15 screen ($279) versus an iPhone 15 Pro screen ($299 to $329) reflects this.
Face ID calibration. Apple pairs the Face ID module to the display at the factory. Replacing the screen without transferring and recalibrating the Face ID sensor can disable Face ID permanently. Only Apple and AASPs have the software to perform this calibration. Third-party shops that cannot recalibrate Face ID will either leave it broken or charge extra for the additional work.
Dynamic Island. iPhone 14 Pro and newer models integrate the front camera and Face ID sensors into the Dynamic Island cutout. This design fuses more components into the display assembly, raising both parts cost and repair complexity.
Location and labor. Repair costs in major cities like New York or San Francisco tend to run higher than in smaller markets. Apple’s pricing is consistent nationwide, but independent shops set their own rates based on local overhead.
How to Tell If You Need a Screen Replacement
Not every crack or display issue requires a full screen replacement. Some problems are cosmetic, while others indicate deeper damage that affects usability.
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You probably need a replacement if:
- The screen has visible cracks that catch your fingertip when you swipe across them. Sharp cracks can cut your finger and will spread over time.
- Touch response is inconsistent. You tap a button and nothing happens, or the screen registers touches in the wrong location. This means the digitizer layer is damaged.
- Black spots, colored lines, or ink-like bleeding appear on the display. These indicate a damaged OLED panel that will not heal on its own.
- The screen flickers, turns green, or goes completely black even though the phone still vibrates and makes sounds. This points to a failed display connection or cracked OLED panel.
- The display has separated from the phone body. A lifted or bulging screen may also indicate a swollen battery, which is a safety concern that needs immediate attention.
You might not need a replacement if:
- The crack is small, surface-level, and does not affect touch response. A tempered glass screen protector placed over the crack can prevent it from spreading.
- The screen looks fine but has a single stuck pixel. Stuck pixels sometimes fix themselves or can be addressed with pixel-cycling apps.
If you are unsure, Apple offers a free diagnostic at the Genius Bar. They will inspect the phone and tell you whether you need a screen replacement, a full display assembly swap, or another repair entirely.
What Does AppleCare+ Cover for iPhone Screens?
AppleCare+ covers accidental screen damage from drops, impacts, and pressure cracks. It does not cover cosmetic damage that does not affect functionality, and it does not cover intentional damage. The $29 service fee applies each time you bring the phone in for a screen repair.
The plan also covers the back glass on models that have it (iPhone 12 and newer), also at a $29 service fee. Any other accidental damage, like a bent frame or water damage to internal components, falls under a $99 service fee.
AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss is a more expensive tier that adds coverage for lost or stolen devices. Screen replacement is handled the same way under either plan.
You can purchase AppleCare+ within 60 days of buying your iPhone. After that window closes, Apple requires a remote diagnostic or in-person inspection before they will sell you the plan. If the phone already has a cracked screen, you will need to pay for the repair before AppleCare+ can be added.
iPhone Screen Replacement Cost FAQs
Is it cheaper to replace an iPhone screen at Apple or a third-party shop?
Third-party shops are almost always cheaper, with savings of 20% to 40% compared to Apple. The trade-off is that you may lose True Tone calibration, water resistance, and potentially Face ID functionality. For iPhone 12 and newer models, the risk of losing Face ID makes Apple or an AASP the safer choice.
Does replacing an iPhone screen void the warranty?
Getting the screen replaced at Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provider does not void your warranty. Having the repair done at an unauthorized third-party shop may void your remaining warranty, especially if non-genuine parts are used or if additional damage occurs during the repair.
How long does an iPhone screen replacement take?
At an Apple Store, most screen replacements take one to two hours if the parts are in stock. Walk-in availability varies by location, so booking an appointment through the Apple Support app is recommended. Mail-in repairs through Apple take three to five business days, plus shipping time. Third-party shops often complete the repair in 30 to 60 minutes.
Can I replace my own iPhone screen to save money?
You can, but it is risky. DIY kits cost $50 to $250 and are available from iFixit and other retailers. Apple’s Self Service Repair program also sells genuine parts. The main risks are damaging the Face ID sensor, puncturing the battery, and losing True Tone calibration. If you have never opened a phone before, the savings may not be worth the risk of causing additional damage that costs more to fix.
Does a cracked iPhone screen get worse over time?
Yes. Cracks weaken the structural integrity of the glass and tend to spread with everyday use, temperature changes, and pocket pressure. A small crack today can become a shattered screen next week. A cracked screen also allows dust and moisture to enter the phone, which can damage internal components over time.
Will Face ID still work after a screen replacement?
Face ID will work after a screen replacement done by Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provider. They have the calibration tools to transfer the Face ID module to the new screen. Many third-party shops cannot perform this calibration, which means Face ID may stop working. Always confirm whether the shop can preserve Face ID before agreeing to the repair.
Sources
Apple Support – iPhone Screen Repair and Replacement | iFixit – iPhone Screen Repair Costs and Considerations | RepairSpotter – iPhone Screen Replacement Cost 2026
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