Apple Watches are worn daily by users on their wrists, and it's possible to crack the smartwatch's glass or damage its display. But how much does it cost to replace the screen of an Apple Watch after it's been damaged? The answer depends on the type of Apple Watch that requires service, and there are a lot of different Apple Watch models on the market. Since the Apple Watch isn't currently part of Apple's self-service repair program, users needing a screen replacement will have to visit an Apple Store or authorized service provider to get it repaired.
Screen replacements can be obtained through three different methods: taking a damaged Apple Watch to an Apple Store, bringing a damaged Apple Watch to an Apple-authorized service provider, or mailing a damaged Apple Watch to a repair center. Since Apple controls all the repair options available for Apple Watches, repair prices should be the same regardless of which service method is used, but there might be shipping costs involved with the last option. Repair prices will differ based on whether an Apple Watch is insured with AppleCare+ or backed by Apple's one-year limited warranty. The company's base warranty does not cover screen replacements, so users will be out of luck unless they have AppleCare+.
Prices Are Steep For Apple Watch Screen Replacements
Apple Watch repair costs are proportional to their original retail prices, and it's often worthwhile to consider buying a new watch instead of repairing a damaged one. The Apple Watch Ultra, with a retail price of $799, will cost $499 to fix in the event of a damaged screen. It's considerably cheaper with an AppleCare+ plan, which brings the service fee down to just $79. But what about Apple's cheaper smartwatches?
Both sizes of Apple's second-generation Apple Watch SE models — 40mm and 44mm — have the same service fee of $229 for screen replacements. With AppleCare+, the fee is reduced to $69. Since a brand-new Apple Watch SE costs just $249 and frequently sees discounts, repairing the smartwatch might not be the best option without AppleCare+.
The standard Apple Watch Series 8, which is the company's mainstream smartwatch, has a repair price between that of the Apple Watch SE and Ultra. It'll cost $399 to replace the screen of a stainless steel Apple Watch Series 8 and $349 to replace the screen of the aluminum model. Like the Apple Watch SE, the fee is the same regardless of whether the screen size is 41mm or 45mm. With AppleCare+, the service fee is $69 for all Apple Watch Series 8 models.
Which Apple Watch Models Are Eligible For Screen Replacement?
On its official Apple Watch Repair website, Apple lists most Apple Watch models as eligible for a screen replacement or battery repair. This includes the Apple Watch Series 2 right up through Apple Watch Series 8. The first-generation and second-generation Apple Watch SE are also included, as is the Apple Watch Ultra. Just because an Apple Watch is an older or obsolete model doesn't mean that service will be cheaper. In fact, the screen replacement cost for the Apple Watch SE 2 starts at $229 and goes up to $800 for the Series 2 Edition model.
Those with an older Apple Watch are unlikely to have AppleCare+ either, which means it makes more sense to just buy a new Apple Watch instead. This doesn't hold true for battery replacements though – Apple replaces most Apple Watch batteries for a flat fee of $79, with the only exception being the Apple Watch Ultra, for which a battery replacement costs $99.
Source: Apple