iPad Pro first gen 9.7" with cracked screen. Repair options...

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iPad Pro first gen 9.7" with cracked screen. Repair options...

I'm posting here because Apple has made it impossible to just call or chat to get a straight answer.

My daughter cracked my screen and I want it replaced. So far I have learned that...

1) all third party repair counters charge $249 because, despite it's age, the cost of replacing a Pro screen is higher.

2) Best Buy charges $379 because Apple doesn't replace iPad screens, they replace entire devices. They told me the Apple store would charge me the same.

I am torn. At first glance, these prices are nearing the cost of a new new iPad. BUT, even with a 2016 device, my pro is more powerful than any basic 2021 iPad. Also, there is no 256gb and up option. I have to buy the Air to get that much storage or higher. But, that starts me at around $600.

So...

$249 to repair a device that has easily 5 more years left in it?

$379 to replace it with like-like? (Does this come with a 1 year warranty on the whole device? this would make a difference)

$600 and up to get a new device, to replace the old one that works just fine even with a cracked screen? I would LOVE a new toy. Who wouldn't? But, $600-$1100 for a newer, better, faster version of exactly what I have, is tough for me.

Am I missing anything?

Thanks!

Posted on Jul 3, 2021 11:43 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Lyssa

Level 8

41,381 points

Jul 3, 2021 11:47 AM in response to pelikan3

The $379 repair through the Apple store comes with a 90-day warranty.

Other than that, it looks like you have all the info you need.

Checking the refurbished section of Apple.com is worth doing also, just to see if something's available that interests you: https://www.apple.com/shop/refurbished

~Lyssa

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Answer 2

pelikan3 Author

Level 1

9 points

Jul 5, 2021 5:11 AM in response to Lyssa

Lyssa,

Thank you. I guess the remaining questions are...

1) Does Apple still carry a supply of 2016 iPad Pro 9.7" to use as full device replacements, or will the offer some kind of "upgrade" in the process?

2) is it worth spending $379 on a new/refurbished 2016 iPad Pro 9.7" with a 90 day warranty?

3) Am I better off rolling the dice with a well reviewed 3rd party repair center and paying $249 just to have the screen replaced?

4) Or should I bite the bullet and purchase a new the newest "affordable" iPad with similar specs, the iPad Air 256gb for around $600? I would be giving up the device connectivity of the Pro and economizing with a WiFi-Only model (my current is WiFi+Cellular). I could sell the other iPad with the cracked screen for around $200 easily for anyone who wants to live with or DIY the screen.

Thanks!

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Answer 3

Lyssa

Level 8

41,381 points

Jul 5, 2021 9:49 AM in response to pelikan3

1) I can't say for sure, but, what I have been told is that Apple does keep a supply of older devices specifically for exchanges.

2) Personally, I wouldn't get a replacement device of that age at this point.

3) This will depend on what the local shops offer. I know of at least one local shop that does good repair and offers a 60 day warranty for the repair

4) This is the option I would go with. Even the latest "regular" iPad is a pretty good device. Whether you need the power of the Air will depend on what you're using the iPad for.

~Lyssa

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Answer 4

MichelPM

Level 10

81,300 points

Jul 5, 2021 10:15 AM in response to pelikan3

A new iPad Air 4 offers much better performance and and specs than that 5-year old 2016, 9.7 inch screen iPad Pro.

The new iPad Air 4 will offer you an 1-1/4 inch larger screen on the diagonal.

You get a A14 Bionic chip in a new iPad Air 4. Your 2016 iPad Pro model has the A9X CPU. The same CPU found in the 2015 iPad Pro models.

That is a 6-year old CPU in your iPad year and model.

The internal RAM in the new iPad Air 4 is 4 GBs of internal processing RAM Your 2016, 9.7 inch screen iPad Pro only has 2 GBs of internal processing RAM.

The new iPad Air 4 has a USB-C port, instead of Apple's proprietary Lightning connector port, which means better and easier connectivity of external devices, like easier connection external hard drive, like USB flash memory drives and portable SSDs, USB connection port hubs and external monitors.

Best of Luck to You!

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iPad Pro first gen 9.7" with cracked screen. Repair options...

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