Is it cheaper to repair or replace a broken iPhone?

It depends on the phone's age and repair cost. If repair cost is more than 60% of the phone's used resale value, trade in. If less than 30%, repair. Always factor in AppleCare+ — $29 with AC+ makes repair the obvious choice.

How long does an iPhone screen replacement take at Apple?

Same-day at most Apple Stores (1-2 hours), or 5-7 days if mail-in. Third-party shops are faster (30 min-2 hours).

Does a third-party repair void my Apple warranty?

Yes, third-party repairs typically void the Apple warranty on that part. Apple-authorized Independent Repair Providers (IRPs) use genuine parts and don't void warranty.

Should I buy AppleCare+?

If you've ever cracked a phone screen, AppleCare+ pays for itself with one repair. Cost is $149-$199 for 2 years, screen incidents are $29 vs $329-$429 without coverage.

Can I do this repair myself?

Most screen and battery repairs are doable for confident DIYers, but Face ID iPhones (XS+) require careful Face ID transfer or it stops working. iPad Pro M4 with tandem OLED is NOT recommended for DIY.

← Back to Guides iPad 9th vs 10th Generation

iPad 9th vs 10th Gen: Which to Buy in 2026?

iPad 9th gen ($329 refurbished) vs iPad 10th gen ($349 new). $20 difference. Both budget iPads. Here's which to buy.

⚡ Accessories That Work on Both

These accessories support both 9th and 10th gen iPads.

MoKo Heavy-Duty Case (iPad 9/10)
Built-in screen protector + kickstand

Check Price →

Cost Breakdown — All Options

Where	Cost	Wait	Notes
Price	iPad 9th: $329 (refurb)	iPad 10th: $349 (new)	10th is $20 more
Display	10.2" Retina LCD	10.9" Liquid Retina LCD	10th wins (bigger)
Chip	A13 Bionic	A14 Bionic	10th wins
Front camera	Portrait orientation	Landscape orientation	10th wins for video calls
Apple Pencil support	1st gen Pencil ($99)	Apple Pencil USB-C ($79)	10th's Pencil is cheaper
Connector	Lightning	USB-C	10th wins (modern)
Headphone jack	Yes	No	9th wins (some users)
Repair (screen)	$249	$279	9th cheaper
Touch ID	Home button	Power button	Slightly different UX

Why iPad 10th Gen Is Almost Always Better

For $20 more (or even similar price refurbished), the iPad 10th gen offers:

Larger 10.9-inch screen vs 10.2-inch
USB-C (modern, future-proof)
Faster A14 chip (vs A13)
Landscape front camera (better for FaceTime)
Newer design (no home button)

Only the 9th gen wins on:

$20 cheaper if buying refurbished
Headphone jack (10th gen requires USB-C-to-3.5mm adapter)
Slightly cheaper repair costs

For most users, iPad 10th gen is the call.

Why You Might Pick iPad 9th Gen Anyway

Existing Apple Pencil 1st gen: If you already own a 1st gen Pencil ($99), the 9th gen iPad uses it natively. The 10th gen requires the new USB-C Pencil ($79) or Pencil 1st gen with adapter. Annoying.
Headphone jack: 9th gen has it; 10th doesn't. If you use wired headphones for music or calls, 9th wins.
Lower cost on refurbished market: 9th gen refurbs are widely available at $250–$300.

For Kids: 9th Gen Wins

The iPad 9th gen is the most kid-friendly iPad in Apple's lineup:

Cheapest to repair ($249 screen vs newer iPads $279+)
Most-stocked replacement parts at all repair shops
Simpler form factor (Home button)
Headphone jack for kid headphones
Wide compatibility with kid-friendly cases (MoKo, BENTOBEN, etc.)

Mail-In Repair Service

Don't have time to wait for Apple? We offer mail-in repair with overnight return shipping.

Ship It In for Repair →