Cracked outer glass only
- Image underneath is still bright, sharp, and full color.
- Touch may or may not respond — both are still 'glass-only'.
- You can feel the cracks but the image is unaffected.
Cracked / damaged LCD
- Black blotches, spreading ink-like spots, or vertical/horizontal lines on the display.
- Bright white spots that grow over a few days.
- Backlight is dim or partially dark.
Why the price gap is big
On most iPads, the glass (digitizer) and the LCD are NOT bonded together like a phone — they're separate parts. Replacing just the cracked glass is cheaper. If the LCD is damaged too, both have to be replaced. On iPad Pro and newer Air models the assembly is bonded, so any crack means the whole assembly.
Tape it before bringing it in
Loose glass cuts fingers and falls into the device. Cover the entire screen with clear packing tape before transport so shards don't move.