my ipad died
tried reboot etc, took to store.
apple genius says I need to buy a new one.
1) where are ipad backups stored
2) are there third party fixers, or can I try opening it myself
iPad Air, iPadOS 17
Question marked as
1: Backups are stored wherever those were configured to store. Which can be in iCloud, or on a Mac or PC, or individual files and photos and such stored otherwise.
How to: Back up iPad - Apple Support
1A: If the iPad is bricked and there are no existing backups, then there is no cheap and easy option for recovery, or more likely no data recovery option.
2: If Apple ran their diagnostics (or tried to) and states that this iPad is not worth repairing, then you need a new (or used) iPad.