Cracked IPad screen repair

Replacing the iPad screen has implications for other functionality. While the following information won't change the situation within which you find yourself, this knowledge may help with understanding and subsequent decision making.

If an iPad screen is changed, key functions (such as TouchID/FaceID) will be disabled. For the purposes of device security, performance and in some cases safety, many internal components are serialised - and must be re-integrated using specialist software only available to Apple Technicians at an Authorised Service Provider.

Apple OEM parts for iPad are generally not available outside of Apple's own network of authorised repairers - and as such, if the screen is replaced by a third-party repairer, the screen will either be a non-original part, or a previously used OEM part scavenged from a broken iPad. Either way, the screen will not be properly integrated with the iPad hardware risking loss of other functionality. As you correctly observe, using a third-party repairer also risks forfeit of ongoing hardware support by Apple.

For practical purposes, in lieu of repairing and returning your own iPad, Apple usually exchange an iPad for a renewed/refurbished device of the same model and specification. The cost of the exchange is the same as would otherwise be charged for repair. Unless you have benefit of an active AppleCare plan, an out-of-warranty repair while expensive will be somewhat less than the cost of a replacement iPad. If you have an active AppleCare+ plan, the cost of repair is reduced to a small excess/deductible fee. You should note that an Apple exchange device is indistinguishable from new, comes with a warranty - and will also benefit from a new battery.

For out-of-warranty repair costs, Apple offers a fixed-price price repair. You can verify eligibility and cost for your region/country here:

iPad Repair & Service - Apple Support

You are very welcome. Sharing insight and actionable information is often far more useful than a one line throw-away comment that you may sometimes encounter within these fora.

An AppleCare+ plan is essentially an insurance product - providing cover for unexpected accidents or out-of-warranty technical failures that are not covered by the standard device warranty. Warranties are intended to remedy material or manufacturing defects that are identified within the warranty period. Warranties don't cover accidental damage or external influences.

It is notoriously difficult to prove that a crack is the result of a manufacturing or material defect. As such, screen damage is often excluded from warranty claims. A single crack that has no indication of an impact or point-pressure might be entertained as a warranty defect - whereas multiple cracks extending from a single point or chip will almost certainly be attributed to accidental damage.

Apple's warranty and AppleCare+ replacements may be a reconditioned/refurbished device - or new. As to what you receive will essentially be determined by availability, a new iPad potentially being substituted if a renewed iPad is not available within a reasonable timeframe. In either case, the device that you receive is at Apple's absolute discretion; the terms of Apple's limited warranty and AppleCare+ plan both reserve the right to replace an item with a reconditioned/renewed device that is indistinguishable from new.

All that said, Apple's standard warranty and AppleCare+ plans are in addition to any Consumer Rights that are applicable in your country/region.

Many users forego the optional purchase of an AppleCare+ plan - choosing instead to accept the consequences of accidental damage. For many, their household insurance policy (if any) may provide adequate cover for portable (but expensive) electronic devices.

Speaking personally, instead of choosing an AppleCare+ plan, for iPad I have always invested in a robust fitted case that offers substantial physical and drop protection - in addition to a laminated/toughened glass screen protector that provides additional damage protection for the iPad screen. With these precautions, despite inevitable minor mishaps, I have not experienced any damage to six models of iPad and iPad Pro - all of which either remain in perfect working order - or have been accepted for trade-in in perfect "as new" condition.

Your approach to risk and consequence may differ, but for me, damage mitigation across the full lifecycle of my iPad devices has been better served by physical protection - accepting that I am effectively underwriting a total loss should it occur.

You have your solution… you have to wait for the outcome for your situation.