Cracking the back of a big phone is weirdly common. It's the side you set down on the counter, and it's the side that hits the ground when the phone slides off your lap in the car. On older Pro iPhones that was an expensive mistake. On the iPhone 15 Pro Max, it's not nearly as bad.
Why the 15 Pro Max is cheaper to fix than the 14 Pro Max
Apple redesigned the inside of the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max so the back glass panel comes off by itself. That design first showed up on the regular iPhone 14 and 14 Plus. The iPhone 14 Pro models didn't have it. Their back was part of an integrated rear frame, so fixing a cracked back meant replacing a much bigger part.
You can see the difference in Apple's prices today: the iPhone 14 Pro Max back glass repair is $609. The 15 Pro Max is $159. Same kind of crack, very different bill. (Our iPhone 14 Pro Max back glass guide explains that one.)
What Apple charges for an iPhone 15 Pro Max
| Repair | Apple price | With AppleCare+ |
|---|---|---|
| Back glass only | $159 | $29 |
| Screen only | $379 | $29 |
| Screen and back glass | $469 | $29 each |
| Rear camera | $249 | Not listed separately |
| Battery | $99 | $0 under 80% health |
| Other damage | $779 | $99 |
These are Apple's US out-of-warranty prices before tax. Apple inspects the phone first. If the titanium frame is bent or there's liquid damage, the job can turn into "other damage" at $779.
How to tell how bad it is
Back glass cracks look scary but are often cosmetic. Check these:
- Just cracks, everything works: cosmetic. MagSafe, wireless charging and the cameras still work fine.
- Glass flaking or sharp edges: fix it soon. Bits of glass can cut your hand and scratch whatever's next to it.
- Cracks around the camera bump: look closely at each lens. A cracked lens cover is part of the camera, not the back glass. That's a separate repair.
- MagSafe charging is flaky after the drop: try a different charger first, then mention it at the repair.
- Bulge or gap at the edge: see the warning below.
Things to do right now
- Put clear packing tape over the crack. It keeps shards in place and keeps your fingers happy.
- Get a case with a raised back edge. It won't fix anything, but it stops the crack from spreading.
- Check the front screen too. If both sides are cracked, the $469 combo saves you $69.
Apple or an independent shop?
Apple's $159 is a reasonable price for a genuine back glass repair. Because the panel is removable on this model, independent shops can do it without the laser-and-scrape job older Pro models needed. Ask for quotes, but compare them to $159, not to a guess.
A few things to know about non-Apple repairs:
- Apple's Repair Assistant supports back glass on the iPhone 14 and 15 lineup. It helps finish setting up a genuine part after the repair. Your phone needs the latest iOS, Wi-Fi and more than 20% battery.
- A shop job should leave MagSafe, wireless charging and the flash working. Test all three before you pay.
What to ask the shop before you pay
- Is this a full back glass panel, or just a glass overlay?
- Does the price include the camera lens covers?
- Will MagSafe and wireless charging still work? Can I test them here?
- What's the warranty?
- Is the quote the full price with tax?
Is it worth fixing?
Yes, easily. The iPhone 15 Pro Max is on the iOS 27 support list, and $159 is a small price on a phone this good. If you have AppleCare+, it's $29, so go. The only reason to wait is if the crack is tiny, the glass is solid and you'll be trading the phone in soon anyway, but a trade-in quote will likely drop more than the repair costs.
Camera acting up after the same drop? Read our iPhone 15 Pro Max camera repair guide. Every price is on the iPhone 15 Pro Max page.
Apple prices checked October 14, 2026.
