iPhone 12 · 2020
iPhone 12:
fix it or upgrade?
What Apple charges to fix an iPhone 12, what it's worth in trade-in, and whether it's smarter to keep it one more year.
Updated 9 November 2026 · US prices, before sales tax
Usually, fix it. A new battery costs $89, about 11% of the $779 a new iPhone 17 costs after trading in your iPhone 12. A screen repair is $279, about 36% of that.
The one thing no repair can give it is Apple Intelligence. If you want that, upgrading is the only route.
Tap what's broken, set your battery health, and get your exact iPhone 12 verdict.
Get your exact estimateiPhone 12 repair prices
| Repair | Without AppleCare+ | With AppleCare+ |
|---|---|---|
| Battery | $89 | $0 when health is under 80% |
| Screen | $279 | $29 |
| Back glass | $349 | $29 |
| Screen + back glass | $449 | $58 |
| Rear camera | $169 | $99 |
| Other damage | $449 | $99 |
Apple's US estimates for repairs done by Apple, before sales tax. Apple confirms the final price after inspecting the phone.
How long will it get updates?
Apple has typically supported iPhones with iOS updates for about seven years. On that pattern, the iPhone 12 (released 2020) has roughly 1 more year of updates. That's our estimate, not an Apple promise.
Fix it when
- Battery health is under 80%, or the phone dies before the day ends. $89 fixes both.
- You only have one crack to repair, and the phone otherwise does everything you need.
- You want it to last another year or two without spending hundreds.
Upgrade when
- You want Apple Intelligence. It needs an iPhone 15 Pro, or any iPhone 16 or newer.
- Several things are broken at once. Screen and back glass together cost $449, and other damage is $449.
- You want updates for years to come. The iPhone 12 likely has about 1 year left.
Worth knowing
Back glass is expensive on the iPhone 12: $349 on its own, or $449 together with the screen.
Its A14 chip still handles everyday apps well, so a worn battery is often the real reason it feels tired.
Keeping it is greener too. Making a new iPhone 17 creates about 44 kg of CO₂e, according to Apple's environmental report. That's roughly the same as driving a car 110 miles.
Questions
How much does Apple charge to replace the iPhone 12 battery?
$89 without AppleCare+, before sales tax. With AppleCare+ it's free once battery health drops below 80%.
How much is an iPhone 12 screen repair?
Apple charges $279 without AppleCare+, or $29 with it.
Is the iPhone 12 worth fixing in 2026?
Usually yes. A battery ($89) or screen ($279) costs a fraction of the $779 a iPhone 17 costs after trade-in. Upgrade if you want Apple Intelligence or several parts are broken.
What's the iPhone 12 trade-in value?
Apple currently offers up to $120 in the US for an iPhone 12 in good condition. Cracked or damaged phones get less.
Does the iPhone 12 support Apple Intelligence?
No. Apple Intelligence needs an iPhone 15 Pro or Pro Max, or any iPhone 16 or newer.