Following a class-action lawsuit, Apple has finally started
rolling out a new update that will unbrick iPhone affected by Error 53. The
software issue, found mainly in iPhones with home buttons that have been
replaced by third-parties, is related to the fingerprint scanning utility and
has been affecting Apple handsets in considerable numbers.
Thousands
of users have reportedly lost access to their iPhone following an iOS update
that didn't recognise those third-party components. Affected phones would then
shut down and refuse to restart - which can be a little frustrating considering
just how expensive the latest iPhone currently costs. With a class-action
lawsuit filed against the California-based giant and an investigation by an
Australian watchdog, Apple is rolling out a fix in the iOS 9.2.1 update that
will address the issue head on.
Error
53 isn't a glitch either - it's been purposefully designed as a safety measure
to protect iPhone 6 and 6S handsets against the use of unofficial or knock-off
parts. Apple even commented that the time that, “this security measure is
necessary to protect your device and prevent a fraudulent Touch ID sensor from
being used. If a customer encounters Error 53, we encourage them to contact
Apple Support.” In the wake of all those Apple-branded paperweights, the
company is now referring to it as a, "factory test."
Considering
third-party hardware repairs are hardly a new thing, it does seem a little odd
that Apple would employ a software feature that would alienate thousands of
users, but nevertheless the update should get your expensive brick back in
operation.
