The 3rd-gen iPad Pro 11-inch is the 2021 model with the M1 chip, Face ID and an 11-inch ProMotion LCD (2388 x 1668, up to 600 nits). Not sure which one you have? Model numbers A2377, A2459, A2301 and A2460 are this generation. It's a great tablet that's still fast, which is exactly why a cracked screen is so annoying.
What it costs
| Option | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Apple, Wi-Fi | $629 | Apple parts and Apple's repair warranty |
| Apple, Wi-Fi + Cellular | $679 | |
| Apple with AppleCare+ | $29 | Screen damage fee |
| Shop, economy screen (FixStop) | $230 | Lower grade, weaker colors and brightness |
| Shop, premium screen (FixStop) | $250 | The shop's recommended aftermarket part |
| Shop, genuine screen (FixStop) | $500 | Original part, True Tone where it applies |
| DIY screen part (iFixit) | $199.99 | Aftermarket, fits 3rd and 4th gen 11-inch |
That's a big gap. A premium aftermarket screen at a shop can be under half of Apple's price. Even the shop's genuine part is about $130 less than Apple. So for this model, a good independent shop is a real option, not just a budget hack.
The Face ID catch
Here's what a lot of people don't know. On this iPad Pro, some of the Face ID sensors ride along with the screen. iFixit says the LiDAR sensor assembly is paired with the Face ID hardware and must be moved to the new screen to keep Face ID working.
So any shop that does this repair has to carefully transfer that part. If they skip it, or damage it, you lose Face ID. Ask about it directly before you pay.
Is it really the screen?
- Glass cracked but picture and touch work: still a full screen replacement on this model. The glass is laminated to the display.
- Lines, flicker or a dead patch after a drop: that's the display panel. Same repair.
- Touch acting up with no visible damage: restart it, update iPadOS, and remove any screen protector first. If it still misbehaves, get a free diagnosis.
- Bent frame: if the iPad is bent, a new screen may not seat right. Mention it so the shop can check.
DIY? Think hard first
iFixit rates its iPad Pro 11-inch 3rd Gen screen guide difficult, 1 to 2 hours. You heat and slice adhesive, pry only at marked depths, and transfer the sensor assembly and display cables. The guide says to drain the battery fully first, because a charged battery can catch fire if it's damaged during the repair.
For a $200 part, the savings are real, but a slip with a pick can kill the front camera, the Face ID parts or the display cables. If you've never opened a glued-shut tablet, this isn't the one to learn on.
What to ask a shop
- "Is it economy, premium or genuine, and can I see the part grade on the invoice?"
- "Will you transfer the Face ID / LiDAR sensor assembly from my old screen?"
- "Will True Tone, ProMotion (120Hz) and Apple Pencil work afterward?"
- "What's the warranty?" FixStop lists 90 days on parts and labor.
- "Do I pay if Face ID doesn't work after the repair?"
Which route makes sense?
- You have AppleCare+: go to Apple. $29 wins every time.
- You want to resell later or keep it for years: Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provider.
- You just want it working and don't care about perfect color: a premium aftermarket screen at a good shop can save you $350 or more.
Is it worth fixing?
Yes, in most cases. An M1 iPad Pro is still plenty fast for drawing, notes and video. Even at Apple's $629, compare that to a new iPad Pro before you replace it. If the battery is also fading, Apple's battery service is $119; see our iPad Pro 11 3rd gen battery guide.
Every price for this model is on the iPad Pro 11-inch (3rd generation) page. Apple prices checked October 14, 2026.
