lcd screen repair apple free sample

Use our “Get an Estimate” tool to review potential costs if you get service directly from Apple. If you go to another service provider, they can set their own fees, so ask them for an estimate. For service covered by AppleCare+, your fee per incident will be the same regardless of which service provider you choose. We"ll inspect your product when we receive it. If additional damage is found, you could pay an additional fee.

The Apple Limited Warranty covers your Apple Display and the Apple-branded accessories that come in the box with your product against manufacturing issues for one year from the date you bought them. Apple-branded accessories purchased separately are covered by the Apple Limited Warranty for Accessories. This includes adapters and spare cables.

Depending on the issue, you might also have coverage with AppleCare+. Terms and Conditions apply, including fees. Feature availability and options may vary by country or region.

If your situation isn’t covered, you’ll pay a fee. If the issue with your Apple Display is ineligible for service, you might pay the full replacement value.

We guarantee our service, including replacement parts, for 90 days or the remaining term of your Apple warranty or AppleCare plan, whichever is longer. This is in addition to your rights provided by consumer law.

Replacement equipment that Apple provides as part of the repair or replacement service may contain new or previously used genuine Apple parts that have been tested and pass Apple functional requirements.

Use our “Get an Estimate” tool to review potential costs if you get service directly from Apple. The prices shown here are only for screen repair. If your iPhone needs other service, you’ll pay additional costs.

If you go to another service provider, they can set their own fees, so ask them for an estimate. For service covered by AppleCare+, your fee per incident will be the same regardless of which service provider you choose.

Your country or region offers AppleCare+ for this product. Screen repair (front) is eligible for coverage with a fee by using an incident of accidental damage from handling that comes with your AppleCare+ plan.

The Apple Limited Warranty covers your iPhone and the Apple-branded accessories that come in the box with your product against manufacturing issues for one year from the date you bought them. Apple-branded accessories purchased separately are covered by the Apple Limited Warranty for Accessories. This includes adapters, spare cables, wireless chargers, or cases.

Depending on the issue, you might also have coverage with AppleCare+. Terms and Conditions apply, including fees. Feature availability and options may vary by country or region.

We guarantee our service, including replacement parts, for 90 days or the remaining term of your Apple warranty or AppleCare plan, whichever is longer. This is in addition to your rights provided by consumer law.

Replacement equipment that Apple provides as part of the repair or replacement service may contain new or previously used genuine Apple parts that have been tested and pass Apple functional requirements.

Apple has determined that some iPhone X displays may experience touch issues due to a component that might fail on the display module. An affected device may exhibit the following:

If your iPhone X has any damage which impairs the ability to complete the repair, such as a cracked screen, that issue will need to be resolved prior to the service. In some cases, there may be a cost associated with the additional repair.

Apple has determined that a small percentage of iPhone 11 displays may stop responding to touch due to an issue with the display module. Affected devices were manufactured between November 2019 and May 2020.

If your iPhone 11 has been exhibiting this issue, please use the serial number checker below to see if your device is eligible for this program. If so, Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provider will provide service, free of charge.

If your iPhone 11 has any damage which impairs the ability to complete the repair, such as a cracked screen, that issue will need to be resolved prior to the service. In some cases, there may be a cost associated with the additional repair.

CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIAApple today announced Self Service Repair, which will allow customers who are comfortable with completing their own repairs access to Apple genuine parts and tools. Available first for the iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 lineups, and soon to be followed by Mac computers featuring M1 chips, Self Service Repair will be available early next year in the US and expand to additional countries throughout 2022. Customers join more than 5,000 Apple Authorized Service Providers (AASPs) and 2,800 Independent Repair Providers who have access to these parts, tools, and manuals.

The initial phase of the program will focus on the most commonly serviced modules, such as the iPhone display, battery, and camera. The ability for additional repairs will be available later next year.

“Creating greater access to Apple genuine parts gives our customers even more choice if a repair is needed,” said Jeff Williams, Apple’s chief operating officer. “In the past three years, Apple has nearly doubled the number of service locations with access to Apple genuine parts, tools, and training, and now we’re providing an option for those who wish to complete their own repairs.”

Apple builds durable products designed to endure the rigors of everyday use. When an Apple product requires repair, it can be serviced by trained technicians using Apple genuine parts at thousands of locations, including Apple (in-store or by mail), AASPs, Independent Repair Providers, and now product owners who are capable of performing repairs themselves.

To ensure a customer can safely perform a repair, it’s important they first review the Repair Manual. Then a customer will place an order for the Apple genuine parts and tools using the Apple Self Service Repair Online Store. Following the repair, customers who return their used part for recycling will receive credit toward their purchase.

Self Service Repair is intended for individual technicians with the knowledge and experience to repair electronic devices. For the vast majority of customers, visiting a professional repair provider with certified technicians who use genuine Apple parts is the safest and most reliable way to get a repair.

In the past three years, Apple has nearly doubled the number of service locations with access to Apple genuine parts, tools, and training, including more than 2,800 Independent Repair Providers. The rapidly expanding Independent Repair Provider program originally launched in the US in 2019 and has since grown to more than 200 countries, enabling independent repair shops to access the same training, parts, and tools as other Apple Authorized Service Providers.

In addition, Apple continues to offer convenient repair options for customers through its global network of over 5,000 AASPs that help millions of people with both in- and out-of-warranty service for all Apple products.

By designing products for durability, longevity, and increased repairability, customers enjoy a long-lasting product that holds its value for years. Apple also offers years of software updates to introduce new features and functionality.

Apple revolutionized personal technology with the introduction of the Macintosh in 1984. Today, Apple leads the world in innovation with iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, and Apple TV. Apple’s five software platforms — iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS — provide seamless experiences across all Apple devices and empower people with breakthrough services including the App Store, Apple Music, Apple Pay, and iCloud. Apple’s more than 100,000 employees are dedicated to making the best products on earth, and to leaving the world better than we found it.

Affected devices were sold between October 2016 and February 2018. Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provider will service affected MacBook Pro units, free of charge.

To identify your computer"s model and to see if it is eligible for this program, choose Apple () menu > About This Mac. Eligible models are listed below.

Note: If your MacBook Pro has any damage which impairs the service, that issue will need to be repaired first. In some cases, there may be a cost associated with the repair.

For most customers, visiting a professional repair provider with certified technicians who use genuine Apple parts is the safest and most reliable way to get a repair. These providers include Apple and Apple Authorized Service Providers, and Independent Repair Providers, who have access to genuine Apple parts.* Repairs performed by untrained individuals using nongenuine parts might affect the safety of the device or functionality of the display. Apple displays are designed to fit precisely within the device. Additionally, repairs that don"t properly replace screws or cowlings might leave behind loose parts that could damage the battery, cause overheating, or result in injury.

Depending on your location, you can get your iPhone display replaced—in or out of warranty—by visiting an Apple Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider, or by shipping your iPhone to an Apple Repair Center. Genuine Apple parts are also available for out-of-warranty repairs from Independent Repair Providers or through Self Service Repair.*

* Independent Repair Providers have access to genuine Apple parts, tools, training, service guides, diagnostics, and resources. Repairs by Independent Repair Providers are not covered by Apple"s warranty or AppleCare plans, but might be covered by the provider"s own repair warranty. Self Service Repair provides access to genuine Apple parts, tools, and repair manuals so that customers experienced with the complexities of repairing electronic devices can perform their own out-of-warranty repair. Self Service Repair is currently available in certain countries or regions for specific iPhone models introduced in 2021 or later. To view repair manuals and order parts for eligible models, go to the Self Service Repair page.

CUPERTINO, California Apple today announced Self Service Repair is now available, providing repair manuals and genuine Apple parts and tools through the Apple Self Service Repair Store. Self Service Repair is available in the US and will expand to additional countries — beginning in Europe — later this year.

The new online store offers more than 200 individual parts and tools, enabling customers who are experienced with the complexities of repairing electronic devices to complete repairs on the iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 lineups and iPhone SE (3rd generation), such as the display, battery, and camera. Later this year the program will also include manuals, parts, and tools to perform repairs on Mac computers with Apple silicon.

To start the Self Service Repair process, a customer will first review the repair manual for the product they want to repair by visiting support.apple.com/self-service-repair. Then, they can visit the Apple Self Service Repair Store and order the necessary parts and tools.

Every genuine Apple part is designed and engineered for each product, and goes through extensive testing to ensure the highest quality, safety, and reliability. The parts are the same ones — at the same price — as those available to Apple’s network of authorized repair providers. For certain repairs, customers will receive a credit when returning a replaced part for recycling.

The Apple tools available to customers on the Self Service Repair Store are the same as used by Apple’s repair network. They are custom designed to help provide the best repairs for Apple products, and are engineered to withstand the rigors of high-volume, professional repair operations where safety and reliability are the utmost priority. The high-quality tools offered through Self Service Repair include torque drivers, repair trays, display and battery presses, and more.

Apple will offer tool rental kits for $49, so that customers who do not want to purchase tools for a single repair still have access to these professional repair tools. The weeklong rental kits will ship to customers for free.

Self Service Repair is part of Apple’s efforts to further expand access to repairs. For the vast majority of customers who do not have experience repairing electronic devices, visiting a professional repair provider with certified technicians who use genuine Apple parts is the safest and most reliable way to get a repair.

Over the past three years, Apple has nearly doubled the number of service locations with access to genuine Apple parts, tools, and training, including more than 3,000 Independent Repair Providers. A global network of more than 5,000 Apple Authorized Service Providers supports more than 100,000 active technicians. As a result, in the US, eight out of 10 Apple customers are located within 20 minutes of an authorized service provider.

Also today, Apple published a paper, “Expanding Access to Safe, Reliable, and Secure Service and Repair,” which details Apple’s approach to designing long-lasting products and increasing access to repairs.

Apple revolutionized personal technology with the introduction of the Macintosh in 1984. Today, Apple leads the world in innovation with iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, and Apple TV. Apple’s five software platforms — iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS — provide seamless experiences across all Apple devices and empower people with breakthrough services including the App Store, Apple Music, Apple Pay, and iCloud. Apple’s more than 100,000 employees are dedicated to making the best products on earth, and to leaving the world better than we found it.

The MacBook Air was first released in 2008, so there are a lot of models in the wild that might need their screens replaced. The cost of the repair will depend on the model of the MacBook Air, as well as the problem it is having with its screen. Below I will cover the most common models I see for repair and the cost of repairing each model.

How much does it cost to replace a MacBook Air screen? The cost to replace a MacBook Air screen is $299 for most models. The A1466 model is $179, while the A1932 and A1279 models are $299. The A2337 model is $299 for the LCD or $429 for the entire display.

This was the longest-running design for the screen on the MacBook Air. All the different models within these years are compatible with the same LCD panels. The cost seems to be coming down on the screen repairs for these A1369 and A1466 models. The cost to repair the screen on a 2010-2017 MacBook Air is $179. This will cover the LCD panel itself, the labor to install it, and the shipping to get the computer back to you.

Apple finally did a complete rebuild on the MacBook Air in 2018 and created a new model number A1932. The newer model has a redesigned display assembly that utilizes a different LCD panel and overall build than the prior 7 years of MacBook Air models. The cost to repair the screen of a 2018-2019 MacBook Air is $299.

The 2020-2021 MacBook Air looks basically identical to the 2018-2019 model, but the new model requires a different LCD panel than the older version of the laptop. There are actually 2 variations on this LCD panel. One is used for the intel-based models, and the other is used for the M1 models. I expect these LCD panels will be one of the harder-to-get models as it was only used for a single model of production.

The cost to replace a cracked LCD panel on an M1 2020 model A2337 MacBook Air is $299. If you would like to have the entire display assembly replaced with a genuine Apple display assembly, the .

Apple once again created an entirely new model with a completely redesigned screen in 2022. This new model hasn’t been out long enough for us to see what the price will end up being once the LCD panel is available on its own. For now, the cost to replace the screen on the 2022 MacBook Air is $499.

There are multiple parts in a display assembly, and chances are they do not all need to be replaced in order to get your computer fully working again. Knowing the basic parts that are required to complete your MacBook screen repair will help you select the correct repair for your needs.

The LCD panel is the part of the screen that displays the image, it is the part of the screen that you can touch when the computer is open. This is the most commonly broken part on a MacBook Air screen. If you have a cracked screen, there is a very big chance that what you need is an LCD replacement.

The display assembly is the entire top half of the computer. It includes the LCD panel, the back housing where the Apple logo is, the clutch cover along the bottom of the screen where it says “MacBook Air”, the iSight camera, and the hinges. If there are any bends or dents on the corners of your display, you will likely need to replace the entire display assembly.

The clutch cover runs along the bottom of the MacBook screen. It is the part that says “MacBook Air” on it. Sometimes I see clutch covers that are cracked or broken while the LCD panel itself is working fine! This means the computer works perfectly and the entire screen is visible and working, but there is a crack along the bottom of the screen in the part that says “MacBook Air” on it. If this is the issue you have, you just need a clutch cover replacement rather than an LCD replacement.

The MacBook Air camera almost never has an issue. If the camera does stop responding, the issue is almost always with the logic board inside your computer rather than the camera itself. Sometimes though, the cameras will fail and require replacement. Unfortunately with the way these MacBook Airs are assembled, you usually have to replace the LCD panel when you replace the camera.

The back housing is sometimes referred to as the “lid”. It is the part that has the Apple logo on it. Usually, the housing does not need to be replaced, but if there is a dent on the corner of the housing, a dent on the housing itself, or if liquid damage is present in the housing, then you will need the housing replaced as well as the LCD. Again, because of the way these are assembled you normally can’t replace just the housing by itself.

The hinges are exactly what they sound like, the hinge where the display meets the computer. Older model Macs from the 2006-2012 era sometimes had hinges that would crack or break and cause the display to not stay up properly. That is much rarer on the MacBook Airs, but it can happen. Some models require an entire display replacement in order to replace the hinges, while others you can replace separately. Because Apple routes cables through the hinges, you usually have to replace the entire display assembly if you have issues with the hinges.

There are a few different things you should consider when looking for a screen repair on a MacBook Air. There are many shops to choose from nowadays that offer screen repair services for Mac computers. Making a good choice for the screen repair can be the difference between getting an affordable quality repair, and an expensive repair that doesn’t last as long as it should.

What are the shop’s rates? Get a few quotes to compare before making a decision. Some repair shops are more affordable than others. This can be due to overhead or the cost of renting in a particular location.

What is the shop’s policy on data privacy? Make sure you’re comfortable with how your personal information will be treated. Some repairs require the technician to log in to your computer during the repair process, while other repairs do not.

What is the turnaround time for the repair? Some shops take longer than others to repair your computer. I have an entire article on turnaround time for the A1466 MacBook Air.

Take your time to research and choose a computer repair shop that you feel good about. With a little effort, you can find a great shop that will take care of your MacBook screen repair needs.

After over a decade in the Mac Repair industry, I can offer a few insights into different Mac Repair shops that do good work. There are literally thousands of Mac repair shops now, but some that I have gotten to know over the years and have found to be good shops are:

Rossmanngroup – I have known the owner (Louise) since we were both newbies in the repair space. His shop provides great work at an affordable price. They are based in New York.

TCRS – I have asked for Tim’s help on logic board repairs many times over the past decade. He does not necessarily specialize in screen repair, but his shop is a great choice if you need logic board-level repairs. They are based in SoCal.

As I said, there are thousands to choose from, so do some research on the ones you are interested in and I am sure you can find a good repair shop to complete your MacBook screen repair.

If you have a MacBook Air that is not covered under AppleCare+, you will spend between $450 and $750 repairing your screen through Apple. There are a couple of different ways that the display repair is billed, so the price you are quoted will vary, but these are the standard quotes. Note that each damage tier is added to by a labor charge, which is usually $100. So a Tier 1 repair is usually about $280 for the MacBook Air + a $100 labor charge.

Tier 1 Accidental Damage does not usually cover the display. It is for other parts that might have been accidentally damaged like the touchpad getting cracked or the fingerprint sensor on the keyboard being damaged. Tier one is usually quoted at $280 + a labor charge at the Apple store, although I have heard it quoted as low as $230 +labor.

Tier 2 Accidental Damage does cover the display, as long as everything else on the computer is not damaged. So if there is a dent or any kind of damage on a component other than the display, it can not be repaired under tier 2. Tier 2 repair is usually about $480 +labor at the Apple store.

Tier 3 Accidental Damage covers the display as well as other components that are damaged, as long as the logic board is still working properly. This tier is usually $530 +labor at the Apple Store.

Tier 4 Accidental Damage covers everything that could have been damaged in the computer, including the logic board. This is the tier that is usually quoted for liquid-damaged computers. A tier 4 repair is usually quoted at $650 + labor at the Apple store.

AppleCare+ does partially cover the cost of repairing a cracked screen on a MacBook Air. When you buy your computer, you are given the option to purchase AppleCare+. If you decide to purchase AppleCare+ and crack your screen, the total for the repair will be $99.

Apple stores replace parts on computers that are less than 7 years old. If your Mac is over 7 years old, you can still get it repaired, but you will need to visit a repair shop that is not an Apple store to have the service completed.

The MacBook Air LCD replacement process is one that I don’t recommend for a beginner to an intermediate-level technician to attempt. It is best to start practicing with bad screens before moving on to these repairs. They are delicate and you can cause all kinds of problems during the repair by scratching backlight sheets or ripping cables under the LCD panel.

The display assembly replacement is a lot easier and can be completed by somebody with some technical repair experience. Apple has a self-repair program that covers the A2337 model MacBook Air. You can read about the program and get links in my 2020 M1 MacBook Air screen replacemnet guide.

I will say I have seen a lot of damaged screens when people attempt to repair the LCD panel on a MacBook Air themselves. Normally the damage is not fixable and you have to then replace the entire display assembly. I have a troubleshooting page for the A1466 MacBook Air if you have attempted a repair and ran into problems.

If you are experienced enough to complete the repair, you can find the panels on public sites like iFixit, eBay, Amazon, etc. As a shop, you will probably want to work with your vendor to get panels that have a guarantee so you can hold them in stock. The price for panels usually ranges from around $100 to about $400 for the newest model. Generally, the panels decrease in price with time, but sometimes if an LCD panel is not used frequently by apple, they will become rare and cost more over time for new ones.

I have put together a few guides on how to replace the LCD yourself. I currently have a 2010-2017 display and LCD replacement guide available. I also have started working on an A2337 display replacement guide that is still a work in progress. I am also working on making video guides for screen repair and hope to have those posted by the end of 2022.

The cost to replace a MacBook Air screen is $299 for most models. The A1466 model is $179, while the A1932 and A1279 models are $299. The A2337 model is $299 for the LCD or $429 for the entire display.

You can repair a MacBook Air Screen yourself, but it requires special tools. The repair is considered to be a moderately difficult repair, so I don’t recommend trying to do it yourself unless you have some experience in repairing electronics.

Apple will replace the MacBook screen for free if there are no cracks or physical damage present, but the laptop must be under warranty or AppleCare+. Sometimes screens will stop working on their own, and these types of problems will be covered under your warranty.

Apple charges between $480 and $650 to replace a MacBook Air screen if it is not under warranty. If you have AppleCare+, the cost to replace the screen through Apple is $99.

This is a great question to discuss with the shop you are thinking of doing the repair. Most of the time the answer is yes, it is worth repairing a MacBook Air screen if the MacBook Air is useful to you. The cost of the repair usually decreases with time, so older MacBook Airs will cost less to repair than newer MacBook Airs.

AppleCare+ generally does not cover a cracked screen completely. Rather it covers all but $99 of the screen replacement service. If there is liquid damage involved, then the charge is $299.

The Apple Store will generally offer repair services for computers up to 5 years old. In California, they are required by law to offer repairs for computers up to 7 years old.

Apple has published a new support document that says the iPhone 11, 11 Pro, and 11 Pro Max will present customers with a warning if the devices are unable to verify a genuine display after a screen repair job. “If you need to replace your iPhone display, it’s important for certified technicians who use genuine Apple display parts to repair it,” the page reads. “Replacements not performed by Apple, authorized service providers, or certified technicians might not follow proper safety and repair procedures and could result in improper function or issues with display quality or safety.”

Apple goes over a laundry list of problems that could arise if your display is swapped the wrong way or with a non-genuine part, such as multi-touch problems, issues with screen color accuracy and brightness, or True Tone failing to work properly. “Additionally, repairs that don’t properly replace screws or cowlings might leave behind loose parts that could damage the battery, cause overheating, or result in injury.”

The company isn’t afraid of nagging customers about this, either. Apple says that a notification will appear on the affected iPhone’s lock screen for 4 days after a problem is first detected, then it’ll move to the main settings menu for 15 more days. After all that, it gets pushed away to Settings -> General -> About.

According to Apple, this new measure only applies to its brand new iPhones and not previous models. Even if it can’t be verified as genuine, the display isn’t prevented from functioning normally by iOS.

This new screen verification warning follows another alert that Apple recently began showing customers when iPhones detect an unauthorized battery replacement. “We take the safety of our customers very seriously and want to make sure any battery replacement is done properly,” an Apple spokesperson said about that notification, which was criticized by right to repair advocates because it also disables the iPhone’s battery statistics and health data. “There are now over 1,800 Apple authorized service providers across the US so our customers have even more convenient access to quality repairs.” Apple recently said it would make genuine parts available to more independent repair businesses.

Raising a safety issue with batteries is perfectly reasonable; batteries can be dangerous. But should the company be this aggressive about swapped displays? On the other hand, this is a pretty direct way of alerting customers that they might’ve been given a bum display by their local repair shop. And if you’re buying a used iPhone 11 at some point in the future, there’ll be no wondering whether the screen was replaced with a cheap, non-Apple part.

However, there’s an added element to this display notification that seems a little alarming, too. Apple makes it sound as if the iPhone might report back to the company that you’re using a display that couldn’t be verified and tie that information to the device’s service history. This could potentially cause problems if you need to get something else on your iPhone fixed down the line.

You might see an additional notification that says, “Apple has updated the device information for this iPhone.” This means that Apple has updated the device information maintained for your iPhone for service needs, safety analysis, and to improve future products.

The Verge has reached out to Apple for more details on these new display verification measures. The company recently introduced a subscription model for its AppleCare+ extended warranty, letting customers pay monthly even beyond the usual two-year window and maintain coverage for as long as Apple offers servicing for that device.

The result? You now own a physically damaged MacBook Pro with a broken screen and possibly even liquid damage! This means that your MacBook Pro is now possibly rendered completely useless, and you are without a laptop.

Regardless of the reason for your broken device, most people might assume that repairing their broken screen or water damaged MacBook might be cheaper than purchasing new. Oftentimes this is not the case, and it can actually be more cost-effective to purchase a new device.

If you have a broken MacBook and bring it in to Apple for repairs, you will be charged a ridiculous amount of money to repair an out of warranty MacBook.

Rather than pay for repairs, instead, you can sell your used damaged MacBook. Use the money you would have spent to repair your device, but spend it on a brand new device!

It is good to note that there is not really such a thing as a MacBook “repair”. Instead, it is typically parts replacement. For example, if your chassis is dented on the side, they will not pull out the dent to “repair” it. Rather, your MacBook would need an entire chassis replacement. If your logic board has a liquid spill, Apple will not repair your logic board, but simply replace it.

Each Tier is for different levels of damage. If more than three parts are necessary for a repair within the same Tier, Apple may upgrade to the next Tier level. For example, if you have three different items that need to be fixed/replaced within Tier 1, you will be upgraded to Tier 2 pricing.

There is no easy response regarding how much it will cost to repair an Apple MacBook, due to there being so many variations (such as model and year). Typically you can expect the smallest repair/replacement to be as low as $29, all the way up to as expensive as $849+.

This tier encompasses minor boards and assemblies. This can include replacement of the power supply board, inverter assembly, or interconnect board. It might also include enclosure parts or an LCD polarizer.

Damaging your MacBook screen can feel devastating. Even if your MacBook is still usable, it can be completely inconvenient to use, and generally spreads over time. If you have a broken screen on your MacBook then you are not alone. Screen repairs actually represent almost one-fourth of all repairs done by Apple in-store.

Whether you dropped your MacBook Air at school, have sudden pixel issues on your 12" MacBook, or dropped something on your MacBook Pro, a broken MacBook screen is an expensive repair.

Going back to the idea of repair Tiers, the cost of screen replacement is directly correlated with the Tier, but also with the year and model of your MacBook. If you choose to have your MacBook repaired at the Apple store, expect to spend between $455 and $755 to completely replace the screen.

Apple quotes repairs based on a series of tiers regarding damage and cost. For example, if you have a 13-inch MacBook Air and your child accidentally spills a glass of water on it, this would require a Tier 4 repair.

Tier 4 repairs can cost upwards of $750 or more. This is astronomical and almost 60% of the cost of a new MacBook Air. Apple is aware of this, and they train their employees to suggest forgoing a repair. Instead, they suggest purchasing a new device, while they recycle your broken MacBook free of cost.

With older MacBooks, such as a broken 2012 MacBook Pro, Apple will often offer to recycle the device for you. The catch is that Apple will still make money off of it by recycling it, and this leaves you without a device and nothing in return.

Instead of potentially spending hundreds of dollars to repair a broken and used MacBook, sell your MacBookfor the highest price on the market, and use the proceeds to purchase the newest model. In this case, you will not only have brand new technology, but you will also have a full warranty, and the option to purchase AppleCare+ in case an unfortunate incident happens again.

Apple’s products aren’t known for being easy to repair – in fact you could accuse Apple of making them difficult to repair by gluing and soldering components into place and using special security fixtures which make them difficult or impossible to remove.

In addition, the company has always indicated that only authorised service providers should open a Mac and perform repairs and upgrades. Changing a broken iPhone screen at home, or replacing a MacBook battery, isn’t considered safe for consumers. In fact, only businesses with an Apple-certified technician are supposed to perform repairs on Apple products.

With no choice but to pay for an expensive repair or buy a new Mac, iPad or iPhone, consumers frequently choose to replace their Apple product. The problem is that, according to the Right to Repair website, over 53 million tonnes of electronic waste is produced each year, and only a fraction of this is recycled.

Added to this, the fact that Apple stops supporting software updates for various products after a number of years, and the availability of parts for servicing becomes more scarce the older the product gets, means that the lifespan of Apple products isn’t as long as it could be. For more information read:

Apple is by no means the only electronics company guilty of making hard to fix products that end up being thrown away before their time, but it can certainly do its part by improving the repairability of its products, and making repairs easier and cheaper.

Whether you are an environmentally conscious person looking for a new product that will have a good few years ahead of it before it becomes landfill, or someone who doesn’t want to be landed with an expensive or difficult to repair device, we have details of just how repairable Apple’s products are. And if you are looking to get an Apple product repaired we also have advice for you.

If you did want to attempt a repair or upgrade at home you’d need to arm yourself with a range of specialised tools, including heat pads to loosen the adhesive that holds the display in place. You’d also need to get hold of the correct spare parts. Read:

Apple sends genuine Apple parts to authorised service providers, and, since August 2019 for iPhone and August 2020 for Mac, independent repair businesses can also get access to genuine parts. But as a consumer you won’t be able to get hold of these parts. In the past iPhones have shown error messages if non-Apple parts are used, so this isn’t an issue you can ignore.

For the average person we’d recommend making an appointment at an Apple Store or seeking an Apple Authorised Service Provider to carry out the repair for you. We’ll discuss who to do that next.

The next question is where can you go to get Apple products repaired. The obvious answer is Apple, but that’s not your only choice. We’ll run through your options below:

The latter option might be best if you don’t have an Apple Store nearby and don’t want to be without your Mac, iPhone or other Apple product while it’s being fixed.

Some people might be wondering if they can just walk into an Apple Store for a repair. Unfortunately that’s not an option – even when stores aren’t shut due to Coronavirus. We do explain

Before you begin we recommend that you check to see if the product qualifies for a free repair. We have a separate articles about the various repair schemes and recalls.

If your Mac, iPhone or iPad is included in one of these recalls or repair programs you may be able to get it repaired for free. Its a good idea to check before you arrange a repair, not just to furnish yourself with the knowledge of what should be on offer to you, but also because if you don’t go to an Apple Store or an Apple Authorised repair shop then you won’t be able to take advantage of the free repair.

You’ll eventually be offered the options to talk to Apple Support, Chat, or Bring in to Repair. The latter option will allow you to make an appointment at a Genius Bar. Click on that option.

The next screen will ask you to Bring in for Repair. You will be able to search for your closest Apple Store or Apple Authorised Service Provider (which in our case is an iStore).

If you’d prefer not to go to a shop then Apple will send you a box you can use to ship it to an Apple Repair Centre. You need to ship it within 30 days.

You can arrange shipping your device to an Apple Repair Centre either over the phone or online. Apple says this service is available for most Apple products. It seems that most Macs are exempt (at least in the UK), but Apple Watches, iPhones, and iPads can be posted in, for example.

If you have AppleCare+ you can take advantage of the Express Replacement Service that is available for some Apple products. In this case Apple will send you a replacement product before your damaged or non-working product is returned to them (you have ten days or you will pay the full price of the replacement). There may be an additional fee and you only get to use this feature of AppleCare+ for the first two instances of accidental damage. Read:

If you are able to take your Apple product to an Apple Store or an Apple Service Provider they might be able to fix it there for you, depending on whether they have the equipment.

The cost of Apple repairs depends on a number of factors. Generally battery and screen replacements are cheaper than other replacements. And if you have AppleCare+ you may be able to get your Apple product fixed for nothing or just a small fee – and a replacement product almost immediately.

Starts at £49/$49 for iPhone SE, 6, 6s, 7, 8 and the 2nd generation iPhone SE handsets. Battery repair for the iPhone X, XS, SR, 11 and 12 series iPhones is £69/$69. If your iPhone is still in the one year warranty period, or you have AppleCare+ the repair is free. More information

Unfortunately Apple doesn’t offer the same kind of service for replacing iPad screens as it does for replacing iPhone screens. If your iPad screen is accidentally broken, you have the option of replacing your iPad for an out-of-warranty fee. AppleCare+ does include accidental damage protection, but there may be an excess fee.

As with the iPad, if your Apple Watch screen gets damaged, you have the option to service your Apple Watch for a fee. AppleCare+ gives you accidental damage protection where you may be subject to an excess fee.

here (Actually the price could be a lot higher than that, if you had the original Apple Watch Edition, which cost £8,000/$10,000 new, the out-of-warranty service fee is £2,600.44/$2,800.

If your Apple Watch battery holds less than 80 per cent of its original battery capacity and it’s covered by AppleCare+, you will get Apple Watch battery service for no additional charge.

If your Mac is still in warranty, or you have AppleCare+ your repair will be free. The price of a repair will vary depending on the nature of the problem.

The price of a screen repair depends on whether you have AppleCare+ cover. If you purchase AppleCare+ for Mac then for three years from your AppleCare+ purchase date you will have cover for two incidents of accidental damage protection every 12 months, each subject to a service fee which is £79/$99 for screen damage and £229/$299 for other damage. More here.

If your product is within warranty – which is one year from the point of sale (even if you were purchasing a refurbished Apple product) – and goes wrong you can get Apple to fix it for free.

Other reasons that might help you get a free repair is if your product has been recalled or qualifies in a repair program. As we mentioned earlier, we have a separate articles about the various repair schemes and recalls. Read:

When you are choosing a new Apple product you would be wise to take into account how likely it is to get broken and how easy it will be to repair. One of the main killers of smartphones these days are batteries, another is the ease at which we break the screens – despite all the technical advances of the glass used in the manufacture of smartphones.

Apple has improved the repairability of the iPhone in terms of the screen and battery, but what of its other products? Replacing a screen on an iPad is not as simple as on an iPhone, for example, and the price is a lot higher.

Right to Repair movement and is aiming to put in place laws that will make it compulsory for new devices to be easier to repair due. Hopefully leading manufacturers to build products with removable and replaceable parts.

As a result of this campaign, French legislation has already forced Apple to label products to show a repairability score. The result of the changes should lead to more reparable products with extended lifespans so that they are less likely to end up in landfill early.

The repairbility of a product should be part of the decision when choosing a new product to buy, and thanks to the French legislation Apple is now being forced to reveal this information.

Apple isn’t the only one revealing how easy (or hard) it is to repair Apple products. iFixit is famous for offering guides to the repairability of various Apple products where they highlight the issues that might lead you to needing a repair in the first place – for example, the smashable glass on the front and back of the iPhone. Luckily the glass front of the iPhone is pretty simple and relatively inexpensive to repair, but replacing the glass back could be an expensive job.

Another thing to bear in mind is that there comes a time in every Apple products life when it becomes Obsolete or Vintage. These are terms that Apple uses to describe products once they haven’t been sold for more than five or eight years. Once a product is vintage Apple will only repair it if it has the parts (and then at a price, obviouly). Once a product is Obsolete then there is no possibility that Apple will repair it.

Wondering what is the easiest iPhone to repair? Unfortunately the iPhone isn’t getting any easier to repair, although the two things most likely to need repair – the screen and the battery – are easy enough to access (although even those aren’t repairs you could perform at home).

However, since launch of the iPhone XS and XR, repair companies and home fixers have found that it is no longer possible to change the battery without finalising the change using System Configuration, an online tool Apple makes available to its own stores and authorised repair companies.

iFixit gives the iPhone 12 series a score of 6/10 for repairability. In favour of the 2020 range of iPhones is the easy access for screen and battery replacement and the fact that most components are modular. The main criticism is the glass back – the problem being that if the back glass breaks, it is necessary to remove every component and replace the entire chassis. iFixit reports that the replacement of the screen and camera of the iPhone 12 series must be activated via the System Configuration app – which again counts our home-fixers.

The iPhone XR gets the same score of 6/10 from iFixit, with the the ease of replacing the screen and battery highlighted, and the same problem with replacing the glass back highlighted.

The iPhone X was also given 6/10 by iFixit who noted the accessibility for display and battery repairs, but criticised “Fussy cables tie unrelated components together into complex assemblies – expensive and troublesome to replace”. Apple gives the iPhone X 4.8/10 on the French Apple Store.

The iPhone 7 – introduced back in 2016 – marked the last time an iPhone got a score of 7/10 from iFixit. Here the improvements offered by the solid state home button was noted as a point in favour, because the old mechanical button was a common point of failure in older models. Apple gives the iPhone 7 6.6/10 while the 7 Plus gets 6.7/10.

Looking for a new Mac and wondering what is the easiest Mac to repair? The problem with many Mac laptops is the fact that Apple uses a lot of glue and solder to stick components down. By soldering or gluing components into place Apple makes access to faulty components impossible. Aside from meaning you might not have been able to get a broken MacBook Air repaired, this isn’t great news for the environment as Macs that can’t be fixed generally end up in landfill.

iFixit hasn’t yet given the M1 Macs a rating. Apple however has: the M1 MacBook Air gets 6.5/10, which is the same score as it awards the 2018 MacBook Air.

To get an idea of how that might translate to iFixit’s scores, the 2019 13in MacBook Pro (the entry-level model, but the repairability most likely applies to all models) was given a score of 2/10 by iFixit. The negatives they note include Apple’s use of Proprietary pentalobe screws, the glued in battery, and the soldered-down RAM.

The 2/10 score is a slight improvement on the 2018 model at least: here iFixit criticises the fact that the processor, RAM, and flash memory are soldered to the logic board and the keyboard, battery, and speakers are glued together. The Touch ID button is also highlighted due to it being paired with the T2 chip. Apple awards the 2019 13in MacBook Pro a score of 5.6/10, while the 2018 model scored 6.2/10.

According to iFixit the 16in MacBook Pro is not one to recommend. They give it just 1/10 for repairability, noting that the processor, RAM, and flash memory are all soldered to the logic board, making replacement difficult. They also note that glue and/or rivets secure the keyboard, battery, speakers, and Touch Bar, so those repairs would also be difficult. Also the Touch ID sensor is the power switch and locked to the logic board and paired with the T2 chip, which would make repairs of that component difficult.

The older 15in MacBook Pro was no better, also scoring 1/10, for essentially the same reasons as the 16in model. Apple awards the 16in MacBook Pro 6.3/10.

As for desktops, the 2020 27in iMac gets 4/10 from iFixit. Here the criticism is the fact that Apple makes it so hard to remove the screen to access the components – and it;’s difficult to return it to the state you started. Once you are inside, the exposed power supply is a concern. And altering the internal storage is impossible. Apple hasn’t rated these models yet.

The iMac Pro gets 3/10. Here the criticisms are that key components are buried behind the logic board, requiring a lot of disassembly for access, the loss of the external RAM access hatch – a feature of other 27in iMac models – means RAM is a more difficult upgrade, and the GPU is soldered in place. Apple hasn’t rated these models yet.

The 2018 Mac mini got a repairability score of 6/10 from iFixit. Here the criticisms were that the CPU and storage are both soldered to the logic board and not user-upgradeable and the fact that If any of the many ports is damaged or worn, the entire logic board will need replacing. In its favour the Mac mini components aren’t held in place with adhesive and RAM can be easily upgraded. Apple hasn’t rated these models yet.

It’s disappointing really that the iPad isn’t as easy to repair as the iPhone. In fact the difficulty of replacing the screen and the battery are emphasised by the fact that both these repairs are relatively easy on the iPhone. We think it’s time Apple made the iPad easier to fix.

The iPad from 2019 gets a repairability score of 2/10 from iFixit. Here the criticisms are the barrier of very strong adhesive making getting inside almost impossible, and the overuse of adhesive once you do get inside. The Lightning port – noted as a “common point of failure” is unfortunately difficult to replace because it is soldered to the logic board.

The 2018 iPad Pro does get a slightly better score – 3/10. Here the criticism is again all the glue that Apple uses inside the case. But at least here the battery is secured with easy-to-remove tabs. Another point in its favour is the USB-C port which is modular and can be independently replaced.

Like the iPhone the Apple Watch screen is likely to be the thing that breaks, although, unlike the iPhone we aren’t so likely to drop our Apple Watches. But just how easy is it to fix an Apple Watch?

The Apple Watch Series 6 gets a repairability score of 6/10 from iFixit. The screen and battery are reasonably straightforward to replace. The main complaint is that many of the component cables are mounted directly to the S6 and require skilled microsoldering if they are damaged.

The Series 4 and 3 scored 6/10 but in both cases there was the additional criticism that the “resin-encased S4 system makes most board-level repairs impossible.”

So to wrap up, Apple products aren’t easy or cheap to fix. Apple has made it easier to replace the screen and battery in the iPhone, which is a bonus, but given that they are the things most likely to go wrong, an essential bonus. We hope that the new EU legislation coming in will mean that Apple and other companies are more focused on the repairability of their products, extending their lifespans.

Let’s face it: Accidents happen. Your cat knocks your Apple Watch off of the nightstand, shattering the screen when it hits the floor. Or you drop your phone as you get out of the car, destroying the back cover. The good news is broken Apple gadgets can more than likely be repaired. The bad news is it can cost a lot of money to get them repaired.

AppleCare is the standard warranty that every Apple product comes with. Typically, that includes 90 days of free product support (through phone, chat or in-store) and a one-year warranty.

AppleCare+, however, extends the warranty and service, and adds an insurance-like program to your Apple gear. Instead of the standard one-year warranty, AppleCare+ will extend your coverage based on the device you’re covering. For example, a Mac AppleCare+ plan extends your standard coverage to three years. An iPad Pro plan extends it to two years.

In addition to extending the standard Apple warranty, AppleCare+ also includes accidental coverage protection — meaning, should you accidentally drop an iPhone and break the screen or spill a cup of water all over your MacBook, you can get it repaired at a reduced price.

Let’s break down the potential savings: If you have an iPhone 12 and break the screen, Apple will charge you $279 to repair it out of warranty. With AppleCare+, that repair fee is reduced to just $29. Need a battery replacement for your iPhone? Out-of-warranty cost is $69, while the AppleCare+ cost is $0.

Any standard AppleCare+ plan doesn’t cover a lost or stolen device, but Apple offers AppleCare+ Theft and Loss for the iPhone, which provides even more coverage. The Theft and Loss version costs a little more, but instead of paying full price to replace a stolen iPhone, you’re looking at $149 to replace it.

You have to purchase AppleCare+ or AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss within 60 days of purchasing your Apple device. The cost for either AppleCare+ plan varies, based on the device you’re covering and whether or not you want the extra theft and loss protection. Below you’ll find pricing and more details for the various Apple products you can buy AppleCare+ for.

When it comes to Apple’s array of phones you’ll have a choice between AppleCare+ or AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss. Both cover cracked screens, bad pixels, a lame battery, broken backs or busted lenses. AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss will cover, as its name implies, a lost or stolen iPhone after you file a claim and pay a deductible. Keep in mind that in order for Apple to replace a lost device, you’ll need to have Find My enabled when the device goes missing.

AppleCare+ for the iPhone 12 lineup is $199, while all other iPhone models are $149. That’s for two years of coverage from the date of purchase, which has to happen within 60 days of you purchasing the phone.

You’ll get two claims per 12 months, with repair prices ranging from $0 to replace a bad battery to $29 to fix a cracked screen and $149 to replace a lost phone.

You can add AppleCare+ to your iPad, iPad Mini, iPad Air or iPad Pro within 60 days of purchase. It’s $129 to cover an iPad Pro. AppleCare+ for all other iPad models is $69. That’s good for two years and covers two accidents — such as a broken display, water damage, etc. — every 12 months.

The benefit of AppleCare+ for the iPad is that it extends to your iPad accessories, such as the Apple Pencil and any Apple-branded keyboard. So if you crack your Apple Pencil in half while charging it, you’ll pay $29 to get it replaced.

AppleCare+ for Apple’s suite of Mac computers extends your coverage to three years, instead of one year that’s included with the purchase. Furthermore, it will cover any accidental damage to your Mac during that time. You get two claims every 12 months, which can include screen damage or a broken keyboard.

You’ll pay $99 to get the screen or other external damage fixed, or $299 to cover all issues. The cost of AppleCare+ is based on the type of Mac you have.

You can get AppleCare+ for your Apple Watch that’ll extend coverage to two years from the purchase date. You get the same two instances of repair every 12 months like the rest of the AppleCare+ plans, with a flat $69 fee for repairing any accidental damage or battery issues. The price of AppleCare+ varies by the model of your Apple Watch, ranging from $49 to $79. Here’s how it breaks down by model.

When you consider the price of the AirPods and how easy they are to drop in the washer as you load laundry or for your dog to treat your shiny new AirPods Max as a chew toy, the cost of AppleCare+ doesn’t feel that steep. You can get AppleCare+ for the AirPods and AirPods Pro for $29, or the AirPods Max for $59.

Apple’s HomePod and HomePod Mini also have AppleCare+ options. The bigger HomePod’s plan costs $39, with the Mini’s coverage plan priced at just $15. You’ll get two years of coverage and the standard two incidents every 12 months. The plan covers any accidental damage, such as a broken display, ripped power cord or water damage.

The AppleCare+ plan for the Apple TV works a little differently in that it only extends Apple’s standard one-year warranty to two years. You won’t get any accidental damage coverage with the $29 plan; instead, if your Apple TV, Siri remote or power cable stop working within two years of purchase, Apple will replace it free of charge.

Apple surprised us last year when it announced a new self-service repair program to allow iPhone owners to replace their own broken screens, aging batteries, and other key components.

That program finally launched last month, although, at this point, it’s limited to the iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 families. Nevertheless, if you’re thinking that this may finally let you fix your own screen, you might want to take a closer look at the various other service options available. Apple’s new Self Service Repair program isn’t for the faint of either heart or wallet.

The cost is more reasonable for older iPhone models, especially those without OLED screens. For instance, while an iPhone 11 Pro screen replacement will set you back the same $279 as the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro, you can get the LCD-equipped iPhone 11 screen replaced for only $199. Set the Wayback Machine to an iPhone 5S or an iPhone 6, and it drops to $129.

Note that this assumes your screen is the only thing that’s damaged on your iPhone. You’ll pay more if there’s anything else wrong. Apple calls these “out-of-warranty prices,” but except in very rare cases, a damaged screen is never covered by a manufacturer’s warranty, so if you’re walking into an Apple Store, expect to pay. Apple Authorized Service Providers (AASPs) usually follow Apple’s repair pricing, but they aren’t bound by it, so they’re free to charge different rates.

At these prices, you might think Apple’s self-service repair program is a breath of fresh air. After all, shouldn’t it be cheaper to repair your iPhone screen on your own? You’d think so, but in a perhaps misguided desire to ensure that you have everything you need to do the job properly, Apple is making the process nearly as expensive and considerably more cumbersome than visiting your local Apple Store or AASP.

For one thing, genuine Apple parts don’t come cheap. An iPhone 12 Pro display bundle, which gives you a replacement screen and all of the pieces that go with it, costs $270 upfront. That’s only $10 less than having Apple repair it for you, although you will get a $33.60 credit after returning your old display to Apple. This still brings the out-of-pocket cost to $236.35.

A total savings of $42.65 isn’t too bad if you’re already a keen do-it-yourselfer. Still, even then, you’ll probably want to avail yourself of Apple’s repair toolkit, which the company is happy to rent to you for an extra $49 per week — plus a deposit held on your credit card for the replacement cost of the tools.

This kit comes in two separate cases, collectively weighing 79 pounds and measuring 20 inches wide by 47 inches high when stacked. They’re also specific to each iPhone model, so you won’t be able to use the same kit to repair additional phones for friends or family members unless they all happen to be using the same iPhone.

It’s almost as if Apple doesn’t really want you to repair your own iPhone, but what could possibly be its motivation for that? It’s not like it hasn’t spent years lobbying against people’s right to repair their own devices. Apple’s stated rationale for this has always been that it doesn’t want its customers to hurt themselves by trying to fix their own iPhones without the proper tools and “Genuine Apple Parts.” Apple’s new Self Service Repair Program provides both, but in doing so, it also looks like the company wants to tacitly make a case for why its repair services are so expensive.

Screen replacement costs from most AASPs are in the same ballpark as what Apple charges. Large national AASPs like Best Buy charge identical prices, while smaller local and regional AASPs may sometimes charge $10 to $20 less depending on the model and other factors.

However, AASPs generally have stringent requirements they must follow to be approved by Apple. This not only includes regular training and certifications for repair technicians ,but even things like laying out their business in a way that’s “consistent with the Apple brand.” All this drives up their costs.

In 2019, Apple introduced a new program for Independent Repair Providers (IRPs), offering a way for smaller repair shops to get their hands on genuine Apple parts without jumping through the hoops required to become a full AASP. While the Independent Repair Provider Program has been described as somewhat onerous — Apple still reserves the right to conduct surprise inspections, for instance — the lower barrier to entry allows many small businesses or even independent technicians to offer out-of-warranty Apple repairs, bringing the costs of these repairs down.

Unfortunately, these IRPs pay the same prices for genuine Apple parts and the necessary tools that AASPs do, and it’s not much less than what Apple charges in its Self-Service Repair Store. A survey of about a dozen IRPs across the U.S. revealed iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 screen repair pricing in the $230 to $300 range. Yes, some IRPs are charging more than Apple, most often those located in areas far from an Apple Store or AASP.

Some of the IR