You dropped it. That sickening "thwack" on the hardwood floor usually leads to one of two things: a lucky escape or a spiderweb of glass staring back at your reflection. Honestly, it’s a gut-punch. Whether you're holding the latest M4 iPad Pro or a dusty 9th Gen model you use for recipes, the immediate question is always the same. How much is this going to cost me?
The short answer is that a new iPad screen cost is all over the map. You might pay $29. You might pay $1,049. It basically depends on three things: the model in your hand, whether you have AppleCare+, and if you’re willing to trust a guy in a mall kiosk with a heat gun.
The Brutal Reality of Out-of-Warranty Prices
If you didn’t buy the extra insurance, brace yourself. Apple doesn’t really "repair" screens on most older iPads in the traditional sense. Often, they just swap the whole device for a refurbished one and charge you a "service fee" that feels suspiciously like buying a new tablet.
For the high-end hardware, the prices are eye-watering. The 13-inch iPad Pro (M4) currently sits at a staggering $999 for a screen replacement (or up to $1,049 for the cellular version) if you're paying out of pocket. That’s because the Tandem OLED tech in those screens is incredibly complex. It’s not just glass; it’s two layers of OLEDs working in perfect sync.
Here is a rough breakdown of what Apple usually charges for out-of-warranty screen issues:
- iPad Pro 13-inch (M4): $999 – $1,049
- iPad Pro 11-inch (M4): $849 – $899
- iPad Air 13-inch (M2): $599 – $649
- iPad (10th Gen): $319 – $369
- iPad Mini (6th Gen): $349
- iPad (9th Gen): $249
These prices are basically 60-80% of the cost of a brand-new device. It’s a tough pill to swallow. If you’re rocking an older base-model iPad, you might actually be better off just trading it in for parts and buying the latest version.
The $29 AppleCare+ Miracle
If you were smart (or lucky) enough to pay for AppleCare+, the conversation changes completely. Apple recently updated their policy for the newest models. For the iPad Pro (M4) and iPad Air (M2), a cracked screen—specifically front-only damage—now costs a flat $29.
This is a massive shift. Historically, iPad "screen" repairs under AppleCare+ were $49 or $99 because Apple would just replace the whole unit. Now, they are actually performing screen-only repairs on the newest thin-bezel models.
But there’s a catch. If the back casing is bent or there’s liquid damage, that $29 price jumps back up to the "other damage" fee, which is usually **$99**. Still, $99 is a lot better than $1,000.
Why Some Models Are Cheaper to Fix Than Others
You might wonder why a 10th Gen iPad is so much cheaper to fix than an iPad Air. It comes down to lamination.
Older iPads and the current base-model iPad (10th Gen) use a non-laminated display. This means there is a gap of air between the top glass (the digitizer) and the actual LCD that shows the picture. If you only crack the glass, a shop can theoretically just replace that top layer. It’s cheaper. It’s easier.
Most other models—the Pro, the Air, the Mini—use laminated displays. The glass, the touch sensor, and the display panel are all fused into one single piece. If you crack the corner of the glass, the whole expensive assembly has to go. It’s a premium look with a premium repair bill.
Going the Third-Party Route: Is It Worth It?
Local repair shops are everywhere. They usually charge significantly less than the Apple Store—often between $120 and $400 depending on the model.
But you have to be careful.
Third-party shops don't always have access to genuine Apple parts. You might end up with a screen that isn't quite as bright, or one where the colors look slightly "off." Even worse, on newer iPads, swapping the screen can sometimes disable Face ID or True Tone if the shop doesn't have the right tools to transfer the original sensor data.
- The Pros: Often same-day service, much cheaper for older models, and they actually fix your device rather than wiping your data and giving you a replacement unit.
- The Cons: It definitely voids your Apple warranty. Part quality is a gamble. Water resistance is usually gone forever.
Can You Do It Yourself?
If you’re feeling brave, sites like iFixit sell DIY kits. A 9th Gen iPad digitizer kit might only cost you about $60.
👉 See also: Mirror iPhone 16 to TV: Why Your Connection Keeps Dropping and How to Fix It
Just know that iPads are held together with some of the strongest adhesive known to man. You’ll need a heat gun, guitar picks, and a lot of patience. One wrong move with a pry tool and you’ve sliced a ribbon cable for the home button or the battery. If you aren't comfortable working on tiny electronics, this is a great way to turn a "broken screen" into a "dead iPad."
Actionable Next Steps
Before you hand over your credit card, do these three things:
- Verify your model: Go to Settings > General > About. Don't guess. A 1st gen Pro and a 4th gen Pro look similar but have wildly different part costs.
- Check your coverage: Even if you don't think you have AppleCare+, check. Sometimes it's bundled with carrier plans or credit card benefits.
- Back up your data: If you take it to Apple, they will likely give you a different device. If you don't have an iCloud backup, those photos are gone.
If your iPad is more than four years old and out of warranty, the cost of a professional repair often exceeds the resale value of the device. In those cases, the most "economical" repair is usually putting that money toward a new model.