Apple apologizes and issues fix for the error that turned your iPhone into a useless brick

iPhone 6 users everywhere were outraged by an Apple update that permanently disabled iPhones if a repair was done by someone outside of Apple. 

But the good news is, Apple has apologized, and now there’s a fix. 

Fix for Apple’s iOS9 that had permanently disabled iPhones if serviced by a non-Apple technician

The problem surfaced when Apple’s iPhone software iOS9 was installed and if the phone has been serviced by a non-official repair person at any time in the past. Allegedly, the issue was connected to the home button that has touch ID fingerprint recognition. The error was called ‘Error 53.’

Read more: How to disable iPhone feature that could cost you hundreds of dollars

Though months may have passed since any repair was done, downloading the iOS9 update could have rendered an iPhone completely useless — or as one journalist commented — it ‘will kill your iPhone.’

You could have also lost everything stored in the phone…

In addition, data or photos on the phone were lost — 100% beyond recovery. And people were very upset.

One person commented on the UK-based website Guardian.com, ‘Show me where, in consumer law, the vendor has the right to render inoperable the hardware you just bought.’

Independent Apple specialists say that Apple knew about the problem but did nothing about the problem — until now.

Apple apologies and issues update to fix ‘Error 53’

After the issues with iPhones becoming bricked emerged and people complained, Apple apologized and issued an updated version of iOS 9.2.1 will restore phones ‘bricked’ or disabled by Error 53. In addition, this update will prevent future iPhones that have had their home button or the cable replaced by third-party repair centers from being disabled.

Apple issued this statement on the matter:

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.

Though the company is facing a class action lawsuit due to this error, this is a good step in the right direction for Apple for sure! 

Steps to fix your iPhone

According to Apple’s website, this is what you can do to fix your iPhone:

• If iTunes is open on your Mac or PC, quit iTunes.
• If your iOS device is plugged into your computer, unplug it.
• Make sure that you have the latest version of iTunes.
• Connect your iOS device to your computer with a USB cable.
• Open iTunes and select your device.
• When you see the option in iTunes to Restore or Update, click Update. iTunes will try to reinstall iOS and restore your device without erasing your data.*
• If you can’t get past the Apple logo screen, force restart** your iOS device. When you see the option to Restore or Update, click Restore.
• When you see your iOS device’s Hello screen, follow the onscreen steps to set up your device.
• If you previously backed up your device, you can set up from your backup.
• When you see the screen for Touch ID, tap Set up Touch ID later.

Please note: This update will not re-enable Touch ID. In order to get Touch ID re-activated, you’ll need to bring your phone to Apple or a third-party technician. 

Read more: iPhone user says ‘Wi-Fi Assist’ feature resulted in $2,000 bill