Apple eases iPhone trade-in rules

Earlier today, it has emerged that a number of iPhone devices that were updated to iOS 9 got stuck with an unexpected “Error 53” which pretty much bricked them completely and made it impossible to boot into iOS or access any data stored on the phones. The problem arises when users update to iOS 9, where users say they simply get an Error 53 message, and are left with a valueless device. 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 hopes that with more leeway, applicable only to iPhone 5 and later models, more people will upgrade to new iPhones. The bigger issue comes into play when the phone’s owner tries to restore or update the software – that process triggers “additional security checks” that seem to flag the hardware change and trigger an Error 53. You must do this if you use Touch ID – or even if you don’t, and your device comes from the last several generations of releases and has a Touch ID sensor.

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”. “If a customer encounters an unrecoverable error 53, we recommend contacting Apple support”.

Sources told 9to5 Mac that the current trade-in prices for this new program would be $50 for an iPhone 5s, $200 for a 6, and $250 for a 6 Plus.

The whole issue appears to be caused by damage to the touch ID-enabled home button.

Though these security measures allow services such as Apple Pay to work safely, The Guardian explores concerns that the protocol also functions as a non-compete clause – forcing users to exclusively go through Apple when their phones need servicing.

You know that moment when you drop an iPhone, the screen cracks, and you vow you’ll never buy an Apple product again?

Apple claims the error message is created to protect customers, but thousands of users have complained that their iPhones have been rendered useless and beyond revival. Now, things such as non-working buttons, broken screens or power issues won’t prevent reselling it to Apple, 9to5Mac was the first to report.