Cracked front screen top layer

A screen protector will not protect the glass screen from an impact to either the corner or edge of the device - from which site a crack can occur.

Whilst not necessarily suggesting that your iPad mini5 has suffered such damage, this merely serves to illustrate that a screen protector cannot guarantee protection from all damage.

If your iPad is within warranty - you would be best advised to leave the screen protector in place - and visit the Genius Bar at your local Apple Store where your iPad can be inspected and assessed. If the screen damage is determined to have characteristics of a manufacturing defect, you may be lucky and be offered a refurbished iPad in exchange.

If you have an active AppleCare+ plan, you’ll be able to use one of your two damage claims - where, for a small deductible/excess charge, you’ll be able to swap your iPad for a replacement.

However, if you don’t have an AppleCare+ plan, or the damage is not considered to be a manufacturing defect, you’ll have to pay for the replacement - the cost of which is c.60% of the “as new” price of your iPad.

Which should, if necessary, put you in strong position with Apple. Don’t remove the screen protector - but take your iPad along to your Apple Store.

If the case is unmarked, with no evidence of being knocked - with a intact screen protector still in place - you’ll hopefully on have a very short conversation to worry about...

If Apple agree that a manufacturing defect is the cause - and you are within warranty - then your problem may be resolved under warranty.

Apple do not cover any screen defects occurring as the result of damage. On the basis of your description, if your iPad is as described here, you may be lucky. Unless or until you try, you’ll never know.