“Today, Apple is issuing an updated version of iOS 9.2.1 for users that update their iPhones via iTunes only,” Matthew Panzarino reports for TechCrunch. “This update will restore phones ‘bricked’ or disabled by Error 53 and will prevent future iPhones that have had their home button (or the cable) replaced by third party repair centers from being disabled. Note that this is a patched version of iOS 9.2.1, previously issued, not a brand new version of iOS.”
“The update is not for users who update their iPhones over the air (OTA) via iCloud,” Panzarino reports. “If you update your phone that way, you should never have encountered Error 53 in the first place. If, however, you update via iTunes or your phone is bricked, you should be able to plug it into iTunes to get the update today, restoring your phone’s functionality. Note, that the update will NOT re-enable Touch ID.”
“Allowing a third-party Touch ID sensor to function properly without an official Apple repair center both verifying that it is legitimate and recalibrating the cable to work with your iPhone’s Secure Enclave is a huge security risk,” Panzarino reports. “A malicious repair shop or corrupted part could allow unauthorized access to your phone or its data. Apple is absolutely right to disable Touch ID — it was also wrong for it to disable your entire iPhone for getting your home button replaced on the cheap. If you want to retain Touch ID functionality, you can get your home button replaced by Apple.”
Read more in the full article here.
MacDailyNews Take: And, thusly, “Error 53” was laid to rest. Under the bright light of this iOS update, class action shysters scurry away in chase of the next ambulance.
Lessons learned on each side by both Apple and their customers, we can only hope.
SEE ALSO:
Apple is faces class action lawsuit over iPhone’s ‘Error 53’ – February 12, 2016
Error 53: Once again, Apple PR drops the ball – February 9, 2016
Apple under pressure as lawyers pledge action over ‘Error 53’ iPhones – February 9, 2016
‘Error 53’ fury mounts as Apple software update kills some iPhones ‘fixed’ by non-Apple repair shops – February 5, 2016