Apple Releases Updated Version of iOS 9.2.1 to Fix Devices Bricked by 'Error 53'

[MacRumors]

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.

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."

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.

Article Link: Apple Releases Updated Version of iOS 9.2.1 to Fix Devices Bricked by 'Error 53'

 

[AtomicDusk]

The reason behind Error 53 has apparently changed since this was first reported. This current one sounds a lot better. hah!

 

[LoveToMacRumors]

not over the air update? omg whyyyyyy

 

[navaira]

This is exactly what should have been done in the first place. Disable TouchID and leave the rest of the phone alone.

 

[iTim314]

Huh. I just had one of my friends tell me about her ordeal over repairing her home button and an error 53. I hope she can get her money back.
[doublepost=1455819955][/doublepost]

not over the air update? omg whyyyyyy

Probably a more intricate firmware update that an external device has to perform. Just a guess.

 

[H2SO4]

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……...

 

[Richdmoore]

I am glad for the people with bricked phones.

 

[simbo123]

Still no fix for the 1970 though....

 

[Zaft]

poor lawyers

 

[Merkie]

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 to ask about reimbursement.

Also quite generous.

 

[scorpy2643]

nevermind

 

[MoodyM]

Huh. I just had one of my friends tell me about her ordeal over repairing her home button and an error 53. I hope she can get her money back.
[doublepost=1455819955][/doublepost]
Probably a more intricate firmware update that an external device has to perform. Just a guess.

"The update is not for users who update their iPhones over the air (OTA) via iCloud. If you update your phone that way, you should never have encountered Error 53 in the first place"

 

[MuckSavage70]

not over the air update? omg whyyyyyy

How would you do an over the air update on a bricked phone?

 

[BaldiMac]

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.

 

[Merkie]

"The update is not for users who update their iPhones over the air (OTA) via iCloud. If you update your phone that way, you should never have encountered Error 53 in the first place"

This is new information to me. Was this known earlier on? To me it wasn't. Makes the problem much less serious than how it first was reported.

 

[Kissaragi]

Glad they are fixing the problem as best they can but it would have been nice for them to be more open about what was going on

 

[lordofthereef]

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).

 

[Menel]

not over the air update? omg whyyyyyy

Give it a few hours, or a day.

 

[lordofthereef]

Glad they are fixing the problem as best they can but it would have been nice for them to be more open about what was going on

I have had a suspicion since the beginning that this may not have been working as intended error. I think that is still a real possibility.

 

[braddick]

I am surprised this wasn't called, iOS9.2.2
Is this the first time Apple has released different versions of the same firmware?

 

[Radon87000]

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

 

[springsup]

I feel they should still be running this check on every boot, not just when updating.

Otherwise you might get a 3rd-party to replace the sensor, they don't re-pair the components properly, and then some months later when you update TouchID suddenly stops working.

It would be better if it failed on first boot after the update, telling you that you need to re-pair in order to continue using TouchID.

 

[chrfr]

.

 

[Thunderhawks]

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.

The country is going to be (b)rigged

 

[canesalato]

That's the apple i like