How to Figure Out How Much It Costs to Fix an Apple Watch Screen

October 2, 2024

The Apple Watch is now an important part of many people’s daily lives because it lets you track your health, send messages, and use apps all from your wrist. But like any tech, the Apple Watch can get broken, and screen damage is one of the most common problems owners have. The trouble of having a broken or cracked screen can be annoying, especially if your device is no longer under protection. This guide compares Apple’s official screen repair services with other repair choices to give Apple Watch owners a full picture of how much it costs to fix a broken screen.

How Apple’s Official Repair Process Works

If the screen on your Apple Watch breaks and the warranty has expired, you might first think to get it fixed by Apple.
Here is what you need to know about how Apple repairs things:

Getting a quote for repair

On its help website, Apple makes it easy to get an idea of how much a repair will cost. You can type in the model of your Apple Watch and a description of the problem to get an idea of how much it will cost to fix. Remember that these prices are for fixes that aren’t covered by your warranty, unless you still have AppleCare+.

How Apple Handles Replacements

When Apple fixes a screen, they usually replace the whole watch, not just the screen. This is because putting together the screen is very hard, especially on models with more modern OLED displays and sensors. Because of this, Apple fix prices can be pretty high, sometimes getting close to the price of a new watch.

What Apple Care Plus Does

If you got AppleCare+ with your Apple Watch, it will save you a lot of money on repairs. For a small service fee (usually between $69 and $79 depending on the model), AppleCare+ will cover up to two cases of accidental damage, such as screen damage. Out-of-warranty repairs, on the other hand, can cost anywhere from $229 to $800, based on the model and how bad the damage is.

Looking into other ways to fix things

Even though Apple has great service, the price of repairs that aren’t covered by warranty may make you look at other choices. There are more and more Independent Repair Providers (IRPs), especially for gadgets that are no longer under warranty. These repair shops often offer cheaper services, and they can be a great choice if you want to save money without giving up too much quality.

Advantages of Hiring Your Own Repair Shop

• It costs less: IRPs usually have cheaper repair services, especially for older Apple Watch models.
• Flexibility: Services from outside companies, like replacing just the screen, are often more flexible than those from Apple. There are now a lot of IRPs that offer pickup and drop-off services right at your door. This makes fixes easier, especially if you’re busy or can’t go to a repair shop in person.

What Kinds of Repairs IRPs Do

IRPs can fix many things, but here are some of the most popular ones:

Damage to the screen that isn’t too bad, like scratches or cracked glass.

Display Replacement: IRPs can replace the whole unit if both the glass and the display part, which includes the OLED screen, are broken.

new of Batteries: Some IRPs offer new batteries if your current one is running out, which can be a nice extra when you’re getting your screen fixed.

Cost Comparison: Apple vs. Outside Repair Shops

The price difference is the main reason why Apple Watch buyers look into IRPs. If you want to compare the prices of Apple’s official services to other repair choices, here they are:

Apple Repair Costs: Series 3 and older versions: Apple usually charges around $229 to $249 to fix these models when they are out of warranty.

Series 4 and 5: It can cost between $299 and $399 to fix these types. About $399 to $499 is how much it costs to fix a Series 6 or SE. A new screen or display for a Series 7 or 8 model can cost anywhere from $499 to over $700. If you have AppleCare+, these prices may be a lot cheaper, but if you don’t, the costs may be too high for you.

How Much Does IRP Repair Cost?

A lot of the time, Independent Repair Providers can fix screens for a lot less than Apple does.
This is a broad range: After Series 3, IRPs can charge between $100 and $150 to fix the screen. For Series 4 and 5, repairs can cost between $150 and $250.

You can expect to pay $250 to $350 for a Series 6 or SE.

Series 7 and 8:Newer types can cost between $350 and $500 to fix.

In addition to lower prices, some IRPs offer cheaper fixes for just the screen instead of replacing the whole device, which can save you even more money.

Extra Things to Think About

1. Repair warranty: Some IRPs have their own repair warranty, but it might not cover as much as Apple’s.
2. Replacement Parts: Apple only uses original Apple parts, but some IRPs may use parts made by a third party. Always make sure that the IRP uses good parts, especially for crucial parts like the screen.
3. Comfort: IRPs that offer pick-up and drop-off services can save you time and make the repair process easier.

In conclusion

It can be pricey to fix an Apple Watch screen that is broken, especially if the device is no longer under protection. When you’re not under warranty, Apple’s official repair services may charge a lot, but the fixes they do are of high quality and use original parts. However, Independent Repair Providers can save you a lot of money and give you a lot of repair choices, which makes them a good alternative.

If you want to buy an Apple Watch, you should think about how much it will cost, how convenient it is, and how you will use it in the future. For older models, it might be cheaper to go with an IRP. On the other hand, Apple’s official services, especially if they’re covered by AppleCare+, could still be helpful for later models. In the end, the choice depends on how much money you have and how much work needs to be done.