Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) released an updated version of the iOS 9.2.1 to restore the iPhones and iPads that were bricked or became useless by “error 53,” which was triggered when they updated their devices (repaired by third-party) to the latest version of the operating system.
The updated version of the iOS 9.2.1 will restores the bricked iPhones and iPads to full working condition. It will also prevent the error 53 from disabling the repaired iPhones or iPads in the future.
Apple published a new support document detailing the causes and process to repair the error 53. Users whose iPhones were bricked should plug into their iTunes account to get the update and restore their devices.
Apple released the patch after receiving complaints from thousands of iPhone 6 users whose devices became totally dead. Some technology experts said the tech giant is aware of the error 53, but failed to warn users regarding the potential problem it would cause to their devices.
The tech giant explained that the error 53 was part of the Touch ID security, and it was intended to protect the fingerprint data using a Secure Enclave paired uniquely to the Touch ID sensor. The latest version of the iOS was designed to shut down an iPhone or iPad automatically when it detects a component that is not original.
Class-action lawsuit filed against Apple due to error 53
Consumers whose devices became junk because of the error 53 were not pleased with Apple’s explanation. In fact, a class-action lawsuit was filed against it by Pfau Cochran Vertetis Amala PLLC (PCVA), law firm based in Seattle.
Darrell Cochran, lead attorney for the class action lawsuit, said, “The first objective is to get all the affected iPhone customers re-outfitted with working phones, and without the overwhelming costs that thousands of people are facing right now with error 53 codes and bricked phones. That will provide immediate relief to the consumers and, in the end, it will also help Apple.”
Apple apologized for the inconvenience cause to customers
Apple issued a statement to Tech Crunch expressing its apology to customers for any inconvenience causes to them by the error 53 message. The tech giant once again explained that the error 53 message in iTunes appears when a device fails a security test, which was designed to check whether the Touch ID is working properly.
“Today, Apple released a software update that allows customers who have encountered this error message to successfully restore their device using iTunes on a Mac or PC.”
“We apologize for any inconvenience. This was designed to be a factory test and was not intended to affect customers. Customers who paid for an out-of-warranty replacement of their device based on this issue should contact AppleCare about a reimbursement,” according to Apple.
