Apple Watches take a beating: door frames, gym equipment, kitchen counters. And the Series 9 screen sits right on top, so it’s usually the first thing to crack. Here’s what to expect.
What Apple charges
Apple doesn’t replace just the screen on an Apple Watch. A crack counts as “other damage,” and Apple usually swaps the whole watch. That’s why the price depends on what the case is made of.
| Series 9 model | Apple price | With AppleCare+ |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminum, GPS | $299 | $69 – $79 |
| Aluminum, GPS + Cellular | $349 | $69 – $79 |
| Stainless steel | $399 | $69 – $79 |
| Battery | $99 | Free under 80% |
Why the steel one costs more
The aluminum Series 9 has a tough Ion-X glass screen, while the stainless steel version has sapphire crystal, which is much harder to scratch. Since Apple replaces the whole watch, you’re paying for whatever materials yours is made of.
Can a shop fix just the screen?
Some independent shops do Apple Watch screens, but it’s fiddly work: the screen is glued down and the watch is tiny. Ask if they’ve done the Series 9 specifically, whether the replacement keeps the always-on display and touch working, and what happens to water resistance. After any repair, assume your watch is no longer water resistant unless the shop resealed it properly.
Is it still safe to wear?
A small crack, yes for now. A shattered screen, be careful. Little glass shards can catch on your skin or clothes. Put a clear screen protector over the crack as a short-term fix, and keep it away from water, since the crack can let moisture in.
Before you send it in
Unpair the watch from your iPhone first. Open the Watch app on your iPhone, tap All Watches, tap the info button next to your watch, then Unpair Apple Watch. Your iPhone makes a fresh backup of the watch as part of unpairing, and it turns off Activation Lock so Apple or the shop can actually work on it. When you get the watch back, pair it again and choose to restore from that backup. Your watch faces, settings and health data come right back.
Fix it or upgrade?
Compare $299 to $399 with what a newer Apple Watch costs. If your Series 9 also has a tired battery or you’ve been eyeing a newer model, the repair money might go further toward an upgrade. If you love your watch and it works great otherwise, fixing it through Apple gets you a like-new one.
Battery fading too? Read our Series 9 battery guide. All prices are on the Apple Watch Series 9 page. Apple prices checked October 14, 2026.
