Apple iPad 3 & iPad 4 Screen Replacement UK | Buy 9.7 Inch LCD Digitizer Parts

The Apple iPad 3 and Apple iPad 4 were the first iPads to feature Apple's Retina display — a significant improvement over the iPad 2's screen, offering sharp 2048 × 1536 resolution at 264 PPI. Many of these tablets remain in use in UK schools, care homes, and homes for basic tasks. When the screen cracks or fails, replacement LCD digitizer assemblies are readily available from Supreme Phone Parts Ltd, and the repair is achievable as a DIY project.

We supply LCD screen digitizer assemblies for both the Apple iPad 3 and iPad 4 9.7-inch models for same-day dispatch from our Manchester warehouse. This guide covers how to identify which model you have, diagnose screen faults, complete the repair, and compare costs in the UK market.

What Is the Difference Between the iPad 3 and iPad 4 Screen?

The Apple iPad 3 (3rd Generation, 2012) and iPad 4 (4th Generation, 2012–13) share the same 9.7-inch Retina IPS LCD display with identical resolution (2048 × 1536 pixels). However, they are different physical assemblies with different connector configurations: the iPad 4 uses Apple's Lightning connector and a slightly different internal layout, while the iPad 3 uses the 30-pin Dock connector. The display assemblies share similar dimensions and resolution but are not interchangeable between generations.

The replacement LCD screen from Supreme Phone Parts covers both generations — one compatible part serves both the iPad 3 and iPad 4, making it easy to source the repair component without needing to identify your specific generation. Verify your model in Settings > General > About if you're unsure.

Signs Your Apple iPad 3 or iPad 4 Screen Needs Replacing

Both the iPad 3 and iPad 4 use the same bonded LCD and digitizer assembly. Screen damage on these models presents as cracked or shattered glass from drops, a black blank screen on a running device, coloured lines or dead pixel patches across the display, partial or complete touch failure, and LCD bleed spreading from an impact point.

• Cracked or shattered glass from drops — extremely common on decade-old devices with tired frames
• Black or blank screen despite the iPad powering on
• Purple or black LCD bleed expanding from an impact point
• Touch failure in areas or completely
• Horizontal or vertical display lines
• Ghost touches from a damaged digitizer

What's Included in the iPad 3 / iPad 4 Replacement Screen?

The replacement is a complete LCD digitizer assembly combining the 9.7-inch IPS Retina LCD panel (2048 × 1536 at 264 PPI) with a pre-bonded capacitive multi-touch digitizer glass and pre-attached flex cable. One complete part resolves all display and touch faults with a single installation.

How Much Does iPad 3 / iPad 4 Screen Replacement Cost in the UK?

Apple no longer services either the iPad 3 or iPad 4, classifying both as obsolete products. Third-party repair shops typically charge £45–£80 for a screen replacement on these models. The second-hand device value of working iPad 3 and iPad 4 units in the UK is £15–£40, which means professional repair is often not cost-effective. DIY repair using a part from Supreme Phone Parts brings the cost down to the part price alone, making restoration financially viable.

Step-by-Step: How to Replace the Apple iPad 3 or iPad 4 Screen

The iPad 3 and iPad 4 use the same adhesive-held screen construction as other iPads of their era. The main repair steps are:

1. Power off the iPad.
2. Heat the display edges with a heat gun or hairdryer for 30 seconds per edge. These older devices may have hardened adhesive, so thorough heat application is important.
3. Insert a thin opening pick at the top edge and work around the perimeter.
4. Open from the right side (for the iPad 4) or left side (for the iPad 3), keeping the hinge side connected to protect the digitizer cable.
5. Disconnect the LCD cable and digitizer cable from the logic board.
6. Transfer the Home button from the old screen to the new one.
7. Connect the new screen's cables firmly to the logic board.
8. Power on and test before applying adhesive.
9. Seal with adhesive tape or B7000.

Search for model-specific teardown videos online before starting — iFixit has detailed guides for both the iPad 3 and iPad 4.

Why Buy From Supreme Phone Parts?

• Same-day dispatch before 3pm, Monday–Friday from Manchester
• Next-day UK delivery available
• eBay Top Rated Seller with thousands of verified UK buyer reviews
• Wholesale pricing for trade buyers and repair shops
• Pre-dispatch quality inspection

Supreme Phone Parts Ltd
33 Moulton Street, Cheetham Hill, Manchester, M8 8FQ
Phone: 07879 888826 | Email: info@supremephoneparts.com

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the iPad 3 and iPad 4 screens interchangeable?

No. While both screens have the same physical dimensions and resolution, the flex cable connector positions and routing differ between the iPad 3 and iPad 4. They are compatible with the same replacement assembly sold by Supreme Phone Parts. Contact us to confirm if you need clarity on which part to order.

Does Apple still repair the iPad 3 or iPad 4?

No. Both the iPad 3 and iPad 4 have been classified as obsolete by Apple, meaning Apple no longer provides hardware service for these products at Apple Stores or Authorised Service Providers. Third-party repair and aftermarket parts are the only available options.

Is it worth repairing an iPad 3 or iPad 4?

It depends on the intended use. For basic tasks such as children's media consumption, simple reading, or casual browsing on home Wi-Fi, a working iPad 3 or 4 still serves these purposes adequately. If the device is otherwise functional and only the screen is damaged, a DIY repair at a low part cost makes sense over discarding a working device.

What connector does the iPad 3 have?

The Apple iPad 3 uses Apple's 30-pin Dock connector — the older, larger connector that predates Lightning. The iPad 4 uses Lightning. This does not affect the screen replacement part, but is useful to know for charging accessories.

Do you stock glass-only digitizer replacements for the iPad 3 or iPad 4?

Yes. We stock both the complete LCD + digitizer assembly (recommended for easier installation) and glass-only digitizer panels for both the iPad 3 and iPad 4. Contact us at info@supremephoneparts.com for specific part availability.

Supreme Phone Parts Ltd — Manchester's trusted wholesale phone and tablet parts supplier. eBay Top Rated Seller. Same-day dispatch before 3pm. Next-day UK delivery available.