Apple's Beats brand in April unveiled the Powerbeats Pro, a redesigned wire-free version of its popular fitness-oriented Powerbeats earbuds.
Apple Releases Updated Version of iOS 9.2.1 to Fix Devices Bricked by 'Error 53'
Apple today released an updated version of iOS 9.2.1, which is designed to prevent the "error 53" device-bricking message that some iOS users received after having their iPhones or iPads repaired by third-party services using components not sourced from the original device.
Non-matching repair components that affected the Touch ID fingerprint sensor caused an iOS device to fail a Touch ID validation check because the mismatched parts were unable to properly sync. The validation check occurred during an iOS update or restore, and when failed, Apple disabled the iPhone, effectively "bricking" it in an effort to protect Touch ID and the related Secure Enclave that stores customer fingerprint information.
Apple originally explained that error 53 was intentional, implemented as a way to prevent the use of a malicious Touch ID sensor that could be used to gain access to the Secure Enclave, but customers with bricked devices were not happy with the explanation and Apple found itself facing a class-action lawsuit.
Today's update will restore iPhones and iPads that have been disabled due to "error 53" to full working condition and it will ensure that future iOS devices that have had similar repairs will not be fully disabled. Touch ID will not, however, be accessible until Apple-authorized repairs are made to a device affected by the issue.
Alongside the new version of iOS 9.2.1, Apple has also published a support document outlining how customers can resolve the "error 53" problem, and it has issued an apology, shared by TechCrunch. Apple now says the error 53 bricking issue was meant to be a factory test and was never intended to affect customers.
"Some customers' devices are showing 'Connect to iTunes' after attempting an iOS update or a restore from iTunes on a Mac or PC. This reports as an Error 53 in iTunes and appears when a device fails a security test. This test was designed to check whether Touch ID works properly before the device leaves the factory.The updated version of iOS 9.2.1 is available through iTunes and is not designed for customers who update their devices over the air. It can be downloaded on the iPhone 6, 6s, 6 Plus, 6s Plus, iPad mini 3, iPad mini 4, iPad Air 2, and iPad Pro.
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."
[ 226 comments ]
Top Rated Comments
(View all)
44 months ago
not over the air update? omg whyyyyyy
How would you do an over the air update on a bricked phone?
44 months ago
I just wanna know where all the, ‘No it’s your own fault' posters are.
Apple have admitted that they were wrong. That means it’s Ok for you lot to as well you know……...
Apple have admitted that they were wrong. That means it’s Ok for you lot to as well you know……...
44 months ago
This is exactly what should have been done in the first place. Disable TouchID and leave the rest of the phone alone.
44 months ago
Wow. SO everyone proclaiming that this was a necessary safety implentation and that Apple shouldn't budge were utterly and completely wrong and this was either NOT working as intended or the public pressure put on Apple caused them to backpedal (I am guessing the former).
44 months ago
And yet some members were in denial keeping on saying what Apple was doing was right as it was an "unauthorised" repair.Jokes on those guys now.Hahahaha
44 months ago
The reason behind Error 53 has apparently changed since this was first reported. This current one sounds a lot better. hah!
44 months ago
Our long (three week) national nightmare is finally over. The few dozen people reported to have bricked phones can finally use them again. Yay freedom!
At least we can now focus on less important matters like the future of the country.
At least we can now focus on less important matters like the future of the country.
44 months ago
This is so un-Appley. But I like it.
If you believe that you paid for an out-of-warranty device replacement based on an error 53 issue, contact Apple Support ('https://www.apple.com/support/contact/') to ask about reimbursement.
Also quite generous.
44 months ago
This is exactly what should have been done in the first place. Disable TouchID and leave the rest of the phone alone.
But all the security experts on MacRumors said this was impossible!
44 months ago
Wow. SO everyone proclaiming that this was a necessary safety implentation and that Apple shouldn't budge were utterly and completely wrong and this was either NOT working as intended or the public pressure put on Apple caused them to backpedal (I am guessing the former).
Don’t worry. They’ve all returned to the original thread and retracted their statements or apologised.[ Read All Comments ]
Satechi, known for its line of accessories for Apple's iOS and Mac devices, today announced the launch of its first HomeKit product, the Dual Smart Outlet.
Priced at $60, the Dual Smart...
Kanex today announced the launch of its iAdapt Multiport Docking Station for the 2018 iPad Pro models, designed to add a range of additional ports to the devices using the built-in USB-C port.
...
Microsoft has released a native Mac version of its To-Do app for the first time, meaning macOS users will no longer have to rely on company's the web app to access the to-do list service.
...
Apple appears to be continuing its recent trend of making app subscriptions more transparent and manageable, as evidenced by another change discovered in the latest developer beta of iOS 13. When you...
Belkin today announced that its InvisiGlass Ultra Front and Back Protection for the latest iPhone models is now available for purchase from Apple.
The InvisiGlass Ultra Front and Back...
Apple this morning released the second beta of watchOS 6, the software that runs on the Apple Watch. The second beta comes two weeks after Apple first unveiled the new update at the Worldwide...
Apple today seeded the second beta of an upcoming tvOS 13 update to developers, two weeks after first unveiling the tvOS 13 software at the Worldwide Developers Conference.
Designed for the...
Aspyr has announced that today is the last day of sales for its 32-bit Mac games, in anticipation of Apple's upcoming move to 64-bit only apps on macOS Catalina later this year.
After...
