Apple iPad Air 1st & 3rd Gen Screen Replacement UK | Buy LCD Parts

The Apple iPad Air series has been at the heart of Apple's mid-range tablet lineup since 2013, and the 1st and 3rd generation models remain popular across the UK for their excellent build quality and capable performance. When the screen on your iPad Air 1st Gen or iPad Air 3rd Gen cracks or fails, Supreme Phone Parts Ltd supplies quality replacement LCD screens for both models, with same-day dispatch from our Manchester warehouse.

This guide covers the key differences between these two iPad Air generations' screen repairs, fault diagnosis, the full repair processes, UK pricing comparisons, and what to expect after the repair.

iPad Air 1st Generation Screen Replacement (A1474 / A1475)

The Apple iPad Air 1st Generation (2013) was a revolutionary device when launched — remarkably thin and light while delivering the same 9.7-inch Retina display as the iPad 4, but in a significantly slimmer chassis. The 9.7-inch IPS Retina display (2048 × 1536 resolution at 264 PPI) remains excellent for its era and the device runs many apps adequately for basic use.

The replacement LCD screen for the iPad Air 1st Gen is a complete LCD assembly compatible with A1474 (Wi-Fi) and A1475 (Wi-Fi + Cellular), including the IPS Retina LCD panel and flex cable for logic board connection.

Note: The iPad Air 1st Gen screen uses a separate glass digitizer from the LCD. Our LCD replacement is for the LCD panel itself. Contact us if you need a glass-only digitizer for this model.

iPad Air 3rd Generation Screen Replacement (A2152 / A2123 / A2153 / A2154)

The Apple iPad Air 3rd Generation (2019) was a major update that brought Apple Pencil (1st generation) support to the iPad Air lineup, along with a Smart Connector, improved processor (A12 Bionic), and True Tone display. At 10.5 inches with a 2224 × 1668 resolution at 264 PPI, it remains a strong mid-range tablet that is well worth repairing when the screen is damaged.

The replacement LCD digitizer assembly for the iPad Air 3 is a complete bonded unit compatible with A2152 (Wi-Fi), A2123 (Wi-Fi + Cellular), A2153, and A2154, including the IPS LCD panel, bonded digitizer, and flex cable.

Signs Either iPad Air Screen Needs Replacing

Both the iPad Air 1st Gen and 3rd Gen show the same common screen failure signs: cracked or shattered glass from drops, a black or completely blank display on a running device, LCD bleed spreading from an impact point, coloured lines or dead pixel patches, and partial or complete touch failure.

• Cracked or smashed glass from drops or impacts
• Black display — iPad is running but screen shows nothing
• LCD bleed or discolouration from impact damage
• Display lines or dead pixels — panel failure
• Touch failure — partial or complete screen unresponsiveness
• Apple Pencil not recognised (iPad Air 3 only) — digitizer damaged

How Much Does iPad Air Screen Replacement Cost in the UK?

iPad Air 1st Gen: Apple no longer services this model. Third-party repair shops charge £50–£80. Used units trade at £25–£60 in the UK, making DIY repair the most cost-effective approach.

iPad Air 3rd Gen: Apple's official out-of-warranty repair price is £175–£230. Third-party repair shops charge £70–£120. The iPad Air 3 sells second-hand for £130–£230 in the UK, making DIY repair a financially sound decision.

How to Replace the iPad Air 1st Gen Screen

The iPad Air 1st Gen uses separate LCD and glass digitizer layers (not bonded). The repair involves opening the device by removing the glass digitizer first, then accessing the LCD underneath.

1. Power off the iPad Air 1st Gen.
2. Heat the glass edges for 30 seconds per side to soften the adhesive holding the digitizer glass.
3. Apply a suction cup and gently lift the glass, inserting an opening pick around the perimeter.
4. Open the glass from the top-right, keeping the left side as a hinge for the digitizer cable.
5. Disconnect the digitizer cable from the logic board.
6. Disconnect the LCD flex cable from the logic board — the LCD is accessible once the glass is removed.
7. Remove the old LCD and install the new one, pressing the flex connector firmly into place.
8. Reconnect the digitizer cable and test before resealing.
9. Apply fresh adhesive to the digitizer glass frame and seal.

How to Replace the iPad Air 3rd Gen Screen

The iPad Air 3 uses a bonded LCD and digitizer assembly. The repair is cleaner than the first-gen model:

1. Power off the iPad Air 3.
2. Heat the display edges for 30–45 seconds per side.
3. Insert a thin opening pick and work around the perimeter.
4. Open from the right side, keeping the left as a hinge.
5. Disconnect the LCD cable, digitizer cable, and front camera cable from the logic board.
6. Transfer the Home button from the old screen to preserve Touch ID.
7. Connect the new assembly's cables to the logic board.
8. Power on and test display, touch, and Apple Pencil before sealing.
9. Seal with adhesive tape or B7000.

Why Choose Supreme Phone Parts?

• Same-day dispatch before 3pm, Monday–Friday
• Next-day UK delivery available
• eBay Top Rated Seller with thousands of verified UK reviews
• Wholesale pricing for repair shops
• Quality inspection before every dispatch

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the iPad Air 3rd Gen support Apple Pencil after screen replacement?

Yes. The Apple iPad Air 3 (2019) supports Apple Pencil 1st Generation, and a quality replacement LCD digitizer assembly fully restores Apple Pencil support including pressure sensitivity and palm rejection.

Is the iPad Air 1st Gen screen bonded or separate?

The iPad Air 1st Gen uses a separate glass digitizer panel over a separate LCD — they are not factory-bonded. This is different from later iPad Air models which use bonded assemblies. Each layer can be replaced independently.

What is the difference between the iPad Air 1st Gen and iPad Air 2 screen repair?

The iPad Air 1 has separate LCD and digitizer layers (easier to replace individually). The iPad Air 2 has a bonded fused display — the glass and LCD cannot be separated without professional tools. Contact us to confirm which parts you need.

How do I find my iPad Air model number?

Check the rear of the iPad for the engraved model number, or go to Settings > General > About > Model Number. iPad Air 1st Gen models begin with A147x. iPad Air 3rd Gen models begin with A21xx.

Do you offer same-day dispatch on iPad Air 1st and 3rd Gen screens?

Yes. Order before 3pm Monday–Friday and your part is dispatched the same day from our Manchester warehouse with next-day UK delivery available.

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.