Don't crack the Screen on that NEW iPhone 5S or iPhone 5C

Best Options for Repairing a Cracked or Broken Screen on a iPhone 5S or iPhone 5C

Upgrading and Repair Costs

Are you planning on upgrading to the latest and greatest iPhone 5S or 5C anytime soon?  If so, it is best to purchase that extra insurance for it.  $99 Applecare+ extends your warranty an additional year and provides a discount for the screen repair while still keeping your warranty.  $99 upfront cost and then a $49 deducatible / fee for a screen repair or phone swap,  Up to (2) events.  So spend the $250 + at your local shop andif you break it again, you have to spend another $250 to fix the screen (prices will drop in time $250 + is current for latest models), rather than just another $49 at Apple.  And remember, your phone is under warranty for 2 years with Applecare+, so if defects develop with the phone such as buttons, wifi, speakers, microphones, you don't pay a deductible, simple swap.

Small parts for the iPhone 5 were readily available a few months after it came out but the most common damaged component (Screen) was really expensive and it literraly has taken a full year for parts to become reasonable.  Current pricing for a new front assembly for an iPhone 5 is at about $76 from China (and is getting less each day) but the price will get cheaper as more manufacturers sell them, price point is the only way they can compete in the end.  This fact can give you a negotiation stand point!  If they offer to reipair an iPhone 5 for $135, talk them down to $20 less, it literally takes but 20 minutes and they still make a huge profit!  If they dont agree, bring the iPhone 5 to me and I will repair for $99.99 + tax. Local Shops have to make a profit and will up the price .. but rememeber an Apple Warranty will be voided when a local shop opens the device.  The newest devices are much more expensive than the seasoned iPhone 5 parts.

Now that new devices are out from Apple, the cycle starts all over again.  Most people never realized that Apple was a cheaper option when trying to fix a cracked iPhone 5 screen than going to a local shop.  This same option holds true / applies for your new 5S and 5C.  Purchase the Apple Care or if not, just go to Apple to get your iPhone 5S or 5C screen repaired for the time being, total end cost is $150 + tax or less if you purchased Apple Care + like I advise with these new models.  Screens for these devices are currently expensive and will remain so for at least a year.  Factor in the fact that a shop needs to make a profit so the end cost will usually be MORE expensive than if you just went to Apple.  

Current pricing for 5S and  5C screens are higher than what Apple is currently charging for the repair, parts and labor included! Again, factor in the fact that a shop needs to make money and you will REALLY be paying through the nose if you do not just go to Apple.

Voided Warranties

Also, any warranty on your device will be VOIDED once it has been opened by a local shop.  Your device normally comes with a 1 year warranty (Unless you purchased refurbished) and other parts DO fail on Apple products.  They fail more times than other devices!  Power buttons, home buttons, charge ports, etc.  This was very true for older models and with each new device that has come out, Apple has improved on the design but now more expensive parts fail such as wifi, speakers, syncing ability.  Keep that warranty valid for the full year.  You should only go a 3rd party shop after the warranty has expired.

Past Designs

iPhone 4 Home buttons were prone to failure due to sweat and moisture seeping in around the button into the home button contacts.  The 4S design was improved by placing a rubber gasket underneath the home button to prevent these issues and I rarely get 4S Home button repairs.  The same improved design was kept with the iPhone 5.  BUT ... once that phone is opened, warranty is void!  Buttons and all sorts of things go wrong with devices, the warranty covers that and Apple will normally just do phone swap.  This swap is not possible once you get that iPhone 5S or 5C repaired by a shop!  Think about it, get a price quote with tax and compare to Apple's cost for the 5S or 5C.  Local shops always beat Apple on iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, iPod Touch 4.  Do your homework!