Error 53: Apple’s new security checks killing iPhones

It may be too late to save your precious iPhones, if your iOS receives the dreaded “Error 53” which has already turned thousands of iPhones worthless.

Apple has acknowledged the problem and released a statement.

So the bottom line is, if you have an iPhone with touch ID fingerprint recognition, and have it repaired at an unauthorised repairer using non-standard techniques or components, iOS9 detects this and locks everything down as a security measure.

For users who encounter “Error 53” even if their iPhone has not been repaired, they can get a replacement from the Apple store.

“We take customer security very seriously and Error 53 is the result of security checks created to protect our customers”.

Apple’s point behind bricking such iPhones isn’t because it wants to take up the entire repairing mantle, but because getting the Touch ID repaired by unauthorized shops may compromise the security of your iPhone’s Touch ID. Imagine, for example, you go on honeymoon to somewhere really pretty that doesn’t have an official Apple store.

(Apple)The Apple iPhone 6, if it has iOS 9 installed, might be bricked if third-party technicians fix the home button, which is coupled with the fingerprint scanner. It’s also occurred in some phones that have a cracked screen, repairs in other areas, or no known repairs at all. So it may just be that there is something which has gone wrong inside the device like the Touch ID sensor acting up.

The Guardian reports that users’ phones were disabled after the Touch ID home button was repaired by a non-Apple engineer. “If a customer encounters Error 53, we encourage them to contact Apple Support”.

Apple has confirmed iOS checks for non-standard components and says it is necessary to protect the security of customers. Mr. Kyle Wiens, the head of iFixit, commented on the matter, saying this security protocol appears to be unnecessary.

iOS users who have had their devices repaired by a third-party service may be in for an unpleasant surprise when they try to update their phone’s software.

For many, the only solution has been to scrap the bricked phone, and buy a new one.