The Apple iPad Pro 12.9-inch is Apple's flagship tablet — the largest, most powerful, and most expensive iPad in the lineup. Used by professional photographers, video editors, designers, architects, and power users across the UK, the 12.9-inch Pro is a serious investment worth protecting and, when the screen fails, absolutely worth repairing. Supreme Phone Parts Ltd stocks replacement LCD screens for all major generations of the iPad Pro 12.9-inch for same-day dispatch from our Manchester warehouse.

This comprehensive guide covers every generation of the 12.9-inch iPad Pro screen replacement: the 1st Generation (2015), the 2018 (3rd Gen), the 2020 (4th Gen), and the 2021/2022 (5th and 6th Gen) models. We include fault diagnosis, the full repair process, generation-specific considerations, and UK pricing context to help you make the best repair decision.

iPad Pro 12.9-Inch Generations: Which Screen Do You Need?

The iPad Pro 12.9-inch has gone through significant design changes across its generations, and the display assemblies are not interchangeable between generations. It is essential to identify your exact model before ordering.

Generation Year Key Models Design
1st Generation 2015 A1584, A1652 Home button, Touch ID
3rd Generation 2018 A1876, A2014, A1895 No home button, Face ID
4th Generation 2020 A2069, A2232 No home button, Face ID
5th & 6th Generation 2021/2022 A2378, A2461 / A2436 No home button, Face ID, Mini-LED

Signs Any iPad Pro 12.9-Inch Screen Needs Replacing

All generations of the iPad Pro 12.9-inch show the same screen failure symptoms. The large, premium display means damage is immediately noticeable and highly disruptive. Common failure signs include cracked or shattered glass from drops, a completely black display on a running device, LCD bleed spreading from an impact point, coloured lines or dead pixel patches, partial or complete touch failure, Apple Pencil not being recognised, and Face ID failure (on 2018 and later models — check whether this is a screen issue or a TrueDepth sensor issue).

  • Cracked glass — the large 12.9-inch surface is vulnerable to drops
  • Black display — iPad is running but screen shows nothing
  • LCD bleed — spreading dark patches from impact zone
  • Lines or dead pixels — internal panel damage
  • Touch failure — partial or complete screen unresponsiveness
  • Apple Pencil 2 not working — digitizer layer damaged

How Much Does iPad Pro 12.9-Inch Screen Repair Cost in the UK?

The iPad Pro 12.9-inch commands the highest repair prices of any iPad:

  • iPad Pro 12.9 1st Gen (2015): No longer serviced by Apple. Third-party shops charge £100–£160. Second-hand value: £100–£180.
  • iPad Pro 12.9 2018 (3rd Gen): Apple's official repair: £465–£575. Third-party: £150–£250. Second-hand value: £350–£550.
  • iPad Pro 12.9 2020 (4th Gen): Apple's official repair: £475–£585. Third-party: £160–£260. Second-hand value: £400–£620.
  • iPad Pro 12.9 2021/2022 (5th/6th Gen): Apple's official repair: £495–£650. Third-party: £180–£300. Second-hand value: £550–£800+.

For the 2018, 2020, and 2021/2022 models especially, the second-hand device value is substantial — a DIY screen replacement from Supreme Phone Parts can save you several hundred pounds compared to Apple's official repair price while fully restoring your device.

iPad Pro 12.9-Inch 1st Generation (2015): How to Replace the Screen

The iPad Pro 12.9 1st Gen uses the traditional home button design with Touch ID. The repair is similar to other older iPads but on a larger scale:

  1. Power off the iPad Pro 12.9 1st Gen.
  2. Heat the display edges for 40–60 seconds per side. The larger surface area requires more heat application time than smaller iPads.
  3. Insert a suction cup and open pick. With the larger panel, two suction cups at once (one at top, one at bottom) can make this easier.
  4. Work the pick around the perimeter carefully — the 12.9-inch display has significantly more adhesive than smaller iPads, requiring patient work.
  5. Open from the right side, keeping the left as a hinge.
  6. Disconnect three flex cables (LCD, digitizer, front camera/sensor).
  7. Transfer the Home button — critical for Touch ID functionality.
  8. Connect the new screen's cables and test before sealing.
  9. Apply adhesive and seal.

iPad Pro 12.9-Inch 2018, 2020, and 2021/2022: How to Replace the Screen

The 2018 and later 12.9-inch iPad Pro models use Face ID and have no home button. These are the most advanced iPad repairs due to the complex Face ID TrueDepth camera system and (from 2021) the Mini-LED backlighting technology.

  1. Power off completely.
  2. Heat the display edges extensively — the large 12.9-inch all-screen design requires 45–60 seconds per edge.
  3. Insert a thin opening pick at the top edge. The near-bezel-less design means minimal clearance — work with extreme care.
  4. Open the display carefully, keeping the hinge side connected.
  5. Handle the TrueDepth camera flex cable with extreme care — this is the most delicate component, located in the slim top bezel area.
  6. Disconnect the display flex cables from the logic board.
  7. No home button transfer required.
  8. Connect the new screen's cables to the logic board.
  9. Power on and test — check display quality (ProMotion on supported models), Face ID, touch, and Apple Pencil 2.
  10. Apply adhesive and seal.

Important note on the 2021/2022 iPad Pro 12.9-inch: These models use a Mini-LED backlighting system (Liquid Retina XDR). The replacement screen must be specifically designed for these generations. Never attempt to install a 2018 or 2020 screen into a 2021 or 2022 iPad Pro 12.9-inch.

Does Face ID Work After iPad Pro 12.9-Inch Screen Replacement?

Yes, on the 2018, 2020, 2021, and 2022 models, provided the TrueDepth camera flex cable is properly reconnected during the repair. The Face ID TrueDepth camera system is housed in the slim top bezel of the device — it is not part of the screen assembly itself. A correctly performed screen replacement preserves full Face ID functionality.

Does Apple Pencil 2 Work After iPad Pro 12.9 Screen Replacement?

Yes. The iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2018 and later) supports Apple Pencil 2nd Generation, which attaches magnetically to the right edge of the device. A quality replacement LCD digitizer assembly fully restores Apple Pencil 2 support, including pressure sensitivity, tilt detection, double-tap gesture, and hover detection (on 2022 and later models).

Why Choose Supreme Phone Parts for iPad Pro 12.9-Inch Parts?

The iPad Pro 12.9-inch is a high-value device where part quality matters more than anywhere else in the iPad range. At Supreme Phone Parts Ltd, we supply quality-inspected replacement screens for all major iPad Pro generations, ensuring that repair technicians and self-repairers get parts that perform as expected.

  • Same-day dispatch before 3pm, Monday–Friday from Manchester
  • Next-day UK delivery available on all in-stock orders
  • eBay Top Rated Seller with thousands of verified UK buyer reviews
  • Wholesale pricing for repair businesses
  • Pre-dispatch quality inspection on every screen
  • UK-based support for pre-purchase compatibility advice

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

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find my iPad Pro 12.9-inch generation and model number?

Check the rear of the iPad for the engraved model number (e.g. A1584 for the 1st Gen). Alternatively go to Settings > General > About > Model Number. Use Apple's model number lookup tool or contact us if you're unsure which generation you have.

Is the iPad Pro 12.9 2020 screen the same as the 2018 screen?

No. The 2018 (3rd Gen) and 2020 (4th Gen) 12.9-inch iPad Pro models use different display assemblies with different connector configurations. They are not interchangeable. Always order the part specifically for your generation.

Does the iPad Pro 12.9 2021 use a different screen type?

Yes. The 2021 (5th Gen) and 2022 (6th Gen) iPad Pro 12.9-inch models use Apple's Liquid Retina XDR display with Mini-LED backlighting — a fundamentally different display technology from the IPS LCD used in the 2018 and 2020 models. These screens must be sourced specifically for the 2021/2022 generation.

How long does iPad Pro 12.9-inch screen replacement take?

The large panel and complex internal layout make this one of the most time-intensive iPad repairs. A professional technician takes 45–90 minutes depending on generation. Allow 90–150 minutes for a first-time DIY repair, particularly on the 2018+ Face ID models.

Should I attempt iPad Pro 12.9-inch screen replacement myself?

The 2015 1st Gen model is accessible for experienced DIY repairers. The 2018 and later models with Face ID require more care due to the TrueDepth camera system. If you're confident with electronics disassembly and have completed other iPad repairs, the 12.9-inch Pro is achievable. If in doubt, we recommend a professional repair shop — we can supply the part directly to a repair shop of your choice.

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.

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