Another key detail: AppleCare+ must be purchased within 60 days of buying your device. You can either pay upfront or subscribe monthly. Additionally, if you have AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss (for iPhone), screen repair coverage remains the same $29 fee.
First, it is important to distinguish between the standard (often called the limited warranty) and AppleCare+ . The standard AppleCare, which comes free with every new Apple device for one year, covers only manufacturing defects—not accidental damage. If you crack your screen and only have the basic warranty, you will pay full out-of-warranty repair costs (e.g., up to $379 for an iPhone 15 Pro Max). However, AppleCare+ is the paid extended warranty plan that explicitly includes accidental damage coverage, including cracked screens.
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.
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.
In summary, AppleCare+ does cover cracked screens, significantly reducing repair costs from hundreds of dollars to a small deductible. However, the basic AppleCare warranty does not. For anyone prone to dropping their phone or using their device in active environments, AppleCare+ is a worthwhile investment given the high cost of modern OLED and ceramic shield screen repairs. Always verify your coverage status by checking Settings > General > AppleCare & Warranty on your iPhone.