Apple will replace a broken iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch if the damage is covered under warranty or AppleCare+, but not all damage qualifies and not all repairs are free

Whether Apple replaces your device depends on what broke it, when it broke, and whether you have AppleCare+ coverage. A manufacturing defect covered under the standard one-year warranty costs nothing. Accidental damage — a cracked screen, water damage, a dropped phone — is not covered by the standard warranty but is covered by AppleCare+, though you will pay a deductible. Physical damage with no coverage means Apple will offer to sell you a replacement at a reduced price, but it is not a free replacement.

The fastest way to know your options is to visit an Apple Store or contact Apple Support with your device serial number and a description of what happened. They can tell you in minutes whether your specific situation qualifies for a replacement, what it will cost, and how long it will take.

Key Takeaways

  • Apple's standard one-year warranty covers manufacturing defects but not accidental damage like drops, cracks, or water exposure.
  • AppleCare+ extends coverage to accidental damage for a monthly fee or upfront cost, but you pay a deductible when you claim.
  • An Apple Store can check your coverage and give you a replacement cost or timeline in one visit or phone call.
  • If your device is out of warranty and you have no AppleCare+, Apple offers discounted replacement pricing but will not replace it for free.
  • Replacement usually takes one to three business days at an Apple Store, or longer if shipped to Apple's repair center.

What the standard one-year warranty covers

Every new iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch comes with a one-year limited warranty from the date of purchase. This warranty covers manufacturing defects — problems that existed when the device left the factory, like a battery that fails early, a speaker that does not work, or a screen with a dead pixel. If your device has a manufacturing defect within that year, Apple will repair or replace it at no cost.

The standard warranty does not cover accidental damage. A cracked screen from a drop, water damage from spilling liquid, a bent frame, or a shattered back are all accidental damage and are not covered, even if the damage happened on day one of ownership. The warranty also does not cover normal wear and tear, like a battery that degrades over time (though batteries are covered if capacity drops below 80 percent within the first year).

To check whether your device is still under the one-year warranty, go to apple.com/support, enter your serial number, and Apple will show you the coverage end date. You can also visit an Apple Store and they will check it for you.

How AppleCare+ changes what gets replaced

AppleCare+ is an optional insurance plan that extends coverage to accidental damage. With AppleCare+, you can claim for a cracked screen, water damage, a bent device, or other accidents. You pay a monthly fee (usually $4 to $13 depending on the device) or a one-time upfront cost (usually $99 to $379). AppleCare+ also extends your coverage period from one year to two or three years, depending on the device.

When you claim under AppleCare+ for accidental damage, you pay a deductible — typically $29 for screen damage on an iPhone, $99 for other damage on an iPhone, and $49 to $99 for iPad or Apple Watch damage. Apple then repairs or replaces the device. If the damage is severe enough that repair is not practical, Apple will replace the device instead of repairing it.

You can buy AppleCare+ when you purchase a device, or up to 60 days after purchase (though some carriers allow longer). If you already own a device and did not buy AppleCare+, you cannot add it after damage occurs.

What happens if your device is out of warranty and has no AppleCare+

If your device is past the one-year warranty, has no AppleCare+, and has damage that is not a manufacturing defect, Apple will not replace it for free. Instead, Apple will offer you a replacement at a reduced price. For example, a replacement iPhone might cost $200 to $400 depending on the model, rather than the full retail price of $800 to $1,200.

You also have the option to pay for a repair instead of a replacement. A screen repair on an iPhone typically costs $29 to $99 depending on the model. Other repairs — battery replacement, camera repair, charging port repair — have different costs. An Apple Store can give you a repair quote in person, or you can call Apple Support to get an estimate.

A third option is to use a third-party repair shop, which may be cheaper than Apple but comes with trade-offs: the repair may not carry a warranty, the shop may not have genuine Apple parts, and some repairs can affect water resistance or other features.

How to start a replacement claim

Visit an Apple Store in person, or call Apple Support at 1-800-MY-APPLE. Have your device serial number ready (you can find it in Settings > General > About on the device itself, or on the original box). Describe what happened and when it happened.

An Apple representative will check your warranty status and AppleCare+ coverage. If you are covered, they will either repair the device on the spot (for minor damage like screen cracks) or order a replacement. If you are not covered, they will quote you a replacement price or repair cost.

If you choose a replacement, Apple will either hand you a replacement device at the store (if they have one in stock) or ship one to you. In-store replacements usually happen the same day or within one business day. Shipped replacements typically arrive within three to five business days, though this varies by location and current volume.

What to do before visiting Apple

Back up your data before you go. If your device still turns on, use iCloud or a computer to back up your photos, messages, contacts, and other data. If your device does not turn on, Apple can still help, but you will not be able to recover data yourself.

Bring proof of purchase if you have it — a receipt, an order confirmation email, or a credit card statement showing the purchase. Apple can look up your purchase using your serial number, but proof of purchase speeds up the process.

If you have AppleCare+, bring your device and your Apple ID. If you are claiming under warranty, bring the device and any documentation of the problem (for example, if the device stopped charging, show them that it does not charge).

Replacement vs. repair: which one you will get

Apple decides whether to repair or replace based on the severity of the damage and the cost of repair. For minor damage — a small crack in the screen, a small dent in the frame — Apple will usually repair. For severe damage — a shattered screen, water damage that affects multiple components, a bent device that affects the frame — Apple will usually replace.

You cannot always choose. If Apple determines that repair is the right option, they will repair. If you want a replacement instead, you can ask, but Apple will only agree if the repair would cost nearly as much as a replacement, or if the device cannot be reliably repaired.

One exception: if you have AppleCare+ and the device has been damaged multiple times, Apple may require a replacement instead of another repair. This is to prevent repeated claims on the same device.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Apple replace my phone if I cracked the screen but have no AppleCare+?

Apple will not replace it for free, but will offer a replacement at a reduced price (usually $200 to $400) or a screen repair (usually $29 to $99). An Apple Store can quote both options in person.

How long does a replacement take if I have AppleCare+?

If Apple has a replacement device in stock at the store, you can walk out with it the same day. If they need to ship one, it usually arrives within three to five business days. Call ahead to check stock before you visit.

What if my device is water damaged but still works?

Water damage is not covered by the standard warranty, but is covered by AppleCare+ (with a deductible). Without AppleCare+, you will pay for repair or replacement. Visit an Apple Store soon — water damage can worsen over time and cause more expensive problems later.

Can I get a replacement if my battery is failing?

If your battery capacity has dropped below 80 percent within the first year, Apple will replace the battery for free under warranty. After one year, battery replacement costs $69 to $99 depending on the device. AppleCare+ covers battery replacement with no deductible.

What if I bought my phone from a carrier, not Apple?

Warranty and AppleCare+ coverage are the same regardless of where you bought it. You can visit an Apple Store or contact Apple Support. Some carriers also offer their own device protection plans, which may have different terms — check your carrier's policy.