Apple to reportedly accept damaged iPhones for trade

The issue has been noticed only among users who have updated to the latest iOS 9 operating system on their smartphones. If you have no idea what we’re talking about, that’s a good thing-Error 53 will brick your iPhone 6 and make the device unusable.

In a statement for Gizmodo, Apple confirms that the fatal Error 53 is what you’ll get for putting unauthorized hardware in an iPhone. Now it’s important to note that this is not a guaranteed occurrence: it’s possible that you will not experience Error 53 if your iPhone 6 has been repaired by a non-official company.

Apple has been accused of “killing” iPhones which have been fixed by third-party repairers.

In a statement, Apple said, “We take customer security very seriously and Error 53 is the result of security checks created to protect our customers”.

The spokesperson also clarified that any “unauthorized fix provider, faulty screens, or other invalid components that affect the Touch ID sensor could cause the check to fail”.

At Apple’s discussion forums, one user named wallihall wrote: “With this update I’m unable to use the phone, and still have to pay for the phone itself”.

Anyone who encounters error 53 is advised to contact Apple Support. Apple hopes that with more leeway, applicable only to iPhone 5 and later models, more people will upgrade to new iPhones.

Apple has confirmed that thousands of users have suffered due to Error 53 already. However, it seems kind of odd that Error 53 is bricking phones instead of just disabling Apple Pay and Touch ID.

Apple previously shied away from offering installations of third-party products to avoid potentially screwing up the process.

Kyle Wiens, CEO of iFixit, says the error is a major problem for iPhone users.

With iOS 9, Apple checks that the Touch ID sensor and secure enclave are still intact.

Time to start planning for that iPhone 7. This error renders your iPhone useless as it bricks it.

‘This check ensures the device and the iOS features related to touch ID remain secure.

It all has to do with the iPhone’s Touch ID fingerprint scanner. This is a blatant attempt by Apple to force its customers to use expensive first-party service and support options.