Does Applecare — Cover |best| Cracked Screens

This is only covered if you specifically purchased the AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss plan. How to Check Your Coverage

Does AppleCare Cover Cracked Screens? Everything You Need to Know

Yes, AppleCare+ does cover cracked screens, but the specifics depend on which Apple protection plan you have and the circumstances of the damage. For most iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch users, AppleCare+ provides substantial financial relief when a screen cracks due to accidental handling.

Does AppleCare cover iPhone cracked screen? ... If you purchased AppleCare + you can use one of your 2 incidents of accidental dam... Apple Support Community AppleCare | Prices, Deductibles, Coverage - AppleInsider Screen or enclosure damage costs $99 to repair, and any other damage costs $299. Customers only get two out-of-warranty repairs fo... AppleInsider AppleCare Guide: Is it Worth Paying For? - MacRumors Jul 24, 2025 — does applecare cover cracked screens

To understand the coverage for cracked screens, one must first distinguish between the standard limited warranty and AppleCare+. The standard warranty that comes with a new Apple product covers manufacturing defects, not accidental damage. Consequently, a user who drops their phone and cracks the screen is technically out of luck under the base warranty. AppleCare+ changes this dynamic by extending the coverage to include "incidents of accidental damage." This is the crucial clause that covers cracked screens. Without this specific extension, a shattered display would result in a prohibitive out-of-pocket repair cost, often amounting to hundreds of dollars.

In the era of modern technology, the smartphone is the central hub of daily life, making the physical integrity of these devices a primary concern for users. As devices have evolved, so too has their fragility; the sleek glass fronts and backs of iPhones, iPads, and Macs are susceptible to the inevitable accident. For consumers navigating the high cost of repairs, AppleCare+ serves as the primary safeguard. While many consumers assume that Apple’s extended warranty functions as all-encompassing insurance, it is vital to understand the specifics of its coverage structure. A close examination reveals that while AppleCare+ does cover cracked screens, it operates through a service-fee model that sits between a traditional warranty and full device insurance.

If you aren't sure if you have AppleCare+, you can check quickly: This is only covered if you specifically purchased

Minor scratches or scuffs that do not affect the functionality of the device are typically not covered for repair.

However, AppleCare+ coverage for cracked screens is not a "free repair" scenario. Instead, it utilizes a deductible system, referred to by Apple as a "service fee." When a user presents a device with a cracked screen, AppleCare+ significantly reduces the cost of the repair, but does not eliminate it. For example, at the time of writing, an iPhone screen repair under AppleCare+ typically carries a service fee of $29. In contrast, an out-of-warranty screen replacement for a flagship iPhone model can cost upwards of $279. In this light, AppleCare+ functions as a risk-mitigation tool, absorbing the bulk of the financial shock of an accident while keeping the user accountable for a small portion of the cost.

Under AppleCare+ for iPhone, a cracked screen repair costs a service fee of (plus tax) as of 2025. Without AppleCare+, the same repair could exceed $300. For iPads, the screen repair fee under AppleCare+ is $49, compared to hundreds of dollars otherwise. For Apple Watches, the fee is $69. Notably, if you also damage other components (like the enclosure or buttons) in the same incident, AppleCare+ applies a higher deductible—$99 for iPhones—but a purely cracked screen falls under the lower tier. For most iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch users,

Both single hairline cracks and completely shattered displays.

Whether the plan is "worth it" depends on your history with devices and the value of your hardware.

It is also important to note the limitations within this coverage. AppleCare+ plans generally come with a limit on the number of incidents covered. Most plans allow for two incidents of accidental damage coverage every 12 months (or every 24 months depending on the specific plan and region). If a user were to crack their screen a third time within that period, they would be required to pay the full out-of-warranty price for the repair. This cap encourages responsible device handling, reminding users that AppleCare+ is a safety net, not an unlimited replacement service.