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iOS 9.3.2 Bricking Some 9.7-inch iPad Pro Devices With 'Error 56' Message [Updated]

Monday May 16, 2016 12:43 pm PDT by Juli Clover
iOS 9.3.2 is causing problems for some 9.7-inch iPad Pro owners, with multiple MacRumors readers and Twitter users reporting issues shortly after installing the update over the air. Affected users are seeing an "Error 56" message that instructs them to plug their devices into iTunes.

brickedipad
An iPad Pro bricked after installing iOS 9.3.2. Image via Twitter.

While not all 9.7-inch iPad Pro users have reported problems, there have been a number of reports on the MacRumors forums and on social networks, suggesting the problem is widespread. Attempting to restore through iTunes doesn't appear to resolve the issue. From MacRumors user NewtypeCJ:
Mine is bricked. Says it needs to be plugged into iTunes, won't restore or update, just a big loop. Fantastic. :/

According to Apple's error code support document, error 56 is a hardware issue. The document recommends installing the latest version of iTunes, checking for issues with third-party security software, and attempting a restore twice. Apple recommends customers who are still seeing the error message contact Apple support.

With a number of users affected by the bricking issue, Apple will likely need to release an updated version of iOS 9.3.2 that solves the problem.

Update May 17, 10:47 PM: Apple has issued a statement to iMore's Rene Ritchie, simply stating the company is "looking into a small number of reports" regarding this issue.
We're looking into a small number of reports that some iPad units are receiving an error when updating the software. Those unable to restore their device through iTunes should contact Apple support.
No cause or specific solution has apparently been determined.

Tag: iOS 9.3.2
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MacDevil7334
45 months ago
Every damn iOS update! Quality control has absolutely gone down the toilet over there! The part I don't get is how this managed to slip through 4 betas unnoticed.
Rating: 62 Votes
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jmh600cbr
45 months ago
I'm not even surprised any more. I'm sort of impressed.
Rating: 58 Votes
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dannys1
45 months ago
I do wonder, has quality really got worse - or is there now just A LOT more Apple devices and a LOT more internet coverage of every issue than ever in the history of Apple.
Rating: 43 Votes
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jackth29
45 months ago
I can't remember a time when I've felt things at Apple were this messy.
Rating: 40 Votes
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Tim Chef
45 months ago
They're upgrading wrong.
Rating: 34 Votes
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Altis
45 months ago
"Pro". Gets me every time!
Rating: 30 Votes
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newdeal
45 months ago
Apple is so sloppy lately. Its just shocking that they could let these major issues through that constantly appear just trying to INSTALL the update, let alone use it. This is not the same Apple of a decade ago, they just aren't putting enough emphasis on quality control
Rating: 27 Votes
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FSMBP
45 months ago

I've been an Apple fan and MR user for a good while now. However, I honestly cannot remember so can someone please tell me--did it used to be like this? Seems like every update these days has issues, whether widespread or not.


No, it wasn't like this. Don't get me wrong, there were issues (far and far apart), but there weren't so many major issues like this. Sometime around late 2013 - 2014, Apple lost its focus.
Rating: 23 Votes
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jonblatho
45 months ago

Every damn iOS update! Quality control has absolutely gone down the toilet over there! The part I don't get is how this managed to slip through 4 betas unnoticed.

You don't know how software development works, and that's fine, but please stop being an armchair manager because it makes you look silly.

It's entirely likely something broke between the final beta and public release.

Edit: I'll also note my 9.7" iPad Pro is doing fine following an OTA update from 9.3.1.
Rating: 20 Votes
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Brookzy
45 months ago
At what point do the MacRumours staff start making advanced drafts of "iOS 9.3.3 Update Bricking Some Devices"? :D
Rating: 20 Votes

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