I accidentally dropped by iPad Air 2 (64 GB + LTE) and shattered the screen. Apple wants $299 to replace the screen and I have reached out to some local places and none of them repair the iPad screens. I bought the iPad back in 2014. Does it make sense to spend $299 to repair a 4 year old iPad or would you just buy a new one in this case? Is it worth waiting a few more months until the new ones come out? Thanks for the advice.
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iPad Screen Broke Advice
- Thread starter butterwm
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Nobody knows when new pro devices will roll out, but the entry level 2018 iPad was already updated this year - that would be my pick right now.
The Air 2 might have a better screen due to the laminated display, but many users are very happy with the 2018 iPads.
The Air 2 might have a better screen due to the laminated display, but many users are very happy with the 2018 iPads.
I would buy a new iPad and also a new screen and try to install it myself. In fact, I did just this. Unfortunately, I broke the LCD while removing the glass, but for $20 or so, it was fun to try to fix it.
Buy a new iPad. The 2018 model is faster, cheaper screen to repair and works with Apple Pencil for about the same as replacing the glass on vintage tech. Student discount should get your iPad price to about $309.
I don't know that $299 makes sense vs the new iPads (although with LTE the price difference increases out of the "no brainer" territory) If the Air 2 does NOT have a laminated display you may be able to replace it yourself.
My experience is that a replacement screen is never going to be the same, although I've never had Apple do it so maybe they're better. When I Brought by iPad to them (run over by a car but it still worked!) they charged me the flat repair fee and gave me a (new-to-me) refurb.
That said, I still got my iPad mini 2 screen replaced even though I'm planning on getting an new iPad this year because for a smaller set of tasks the device is still worth ~$90 to fix IMO.
My experience is that a replacement screen is never going to be the same, although I've never had Apple do it so maybe they're better. When I Brought by iPad to them (run over by a car but it still worked!) they charged me the flat repair fee and gave me a (new-to-me) refurb.
That said, I still got my iPad mini 2 screen replaced even though I'm planning on getting an new iPad this year because for a smaller set of tasks the device is still worth ~$90 to fix IMO.
Why spend 300 USD for something that even in the best case scenario will give you up to 8 more months of usability. Been there done that. Buy new is your only option.
Also, just something to consider if you decide against the 2018 iPad, Apple does offer the Air 2 for refurbished with a one year warranty for $359.00, although I think there are better options as dates as the Air 2 is, even though it still is very functional piece of tech.
Was thinking the same thing, though for the OP the comparable device is the 64gb LTE version for $419 refurbished. If the OPs current device is on a data plan (op is used to paying monthly for data) and being on one long term isn’t an issue maybe some of the sting of a new device can be reduced by looking for a special from a carrier. YMMV depending upon carrier etc. Offers come and go... when I got my IPP in March I didn’t have to purchase an iPhone and got $200 off on 2yr contract, that offer isn’t active currently. Again it varies...
I do not believe you replaced an iPad Air 2 display for $100. Cost for just the fused display/lcd/digitizer is about $200. I don't even repair them anymore. After you add in the labor ( about $50), it would just be better to sell the broken one on Ebay for $50 and purchase a 2018 model that allows you to use the Apple Pencil as well as being almost 4 years faster/newer tech.
No, it wasn't an Air 2 display. I'm pretty sure it was a third party screen. I know it cost $100.