Apple Releases New iOS Update to Rectify Error 53 Issue

When it comes to iPhones or iPads, every user has only one name in mind i.e, Apple. The company has certainly set a benchmark for other companies to follow, but of late the company reputation has certainly fallen down because of the number of reasons and the issues it has failed to resolve over the years. One such issue being the most recent 'Error 53'. However, Apple on Thursday said that it will be fixing the iPhone smartphones that got bricked due to 'Error 53'.

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'Error 53' comes into effect when a security check during an iOS update/ restore after the replacement of Touch ID-related components by an unauthorised third party fails. The Cupertino-based company has apologised for rendering a number of iPhone 6 and newer handsets useless and has assured that the new software update (a new version of iOS 9.2.1) that it has just released would make the device usable again. In its defence, the company stated earlier this month that it disables a smartphone when it detects that Touch ID or any component that works in conjunction with the fingerprint sensor has been tampered with. It is done as a security measure to protect the privacy and security of users.

Alongside, the update fixing, the company also released an official statement that read, "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 apologise 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."

Just last month, Apple explained that when an authorised party fixes or replaces the Touch ID, the fingerprint data, which is stored in a Secure Enclave that is uniquely paired to the Touch ID sensor. This pairing cannot be done by a third-party or any other unauthorised repairmen. The company had also noted that when the operating system detects an unmatch in the pairing, it has reason to believe the smartphone has been compromised, and so it disables the iPhone.

To fix the issue, Apple released an updated version of iOS 9.2.1 (Build number 13D20) that has to be installed using iTunes. Affected readers must follow the steps below to resolve the issue:

• 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 Restore.
• When you see your iOS device's Hello screen, follow the on-screen 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.
• If Touch ID on your device didn't work before you saw error 53, the feature still won't work after you restore your device. Contact Apple Support to ask about service options for Touch ID.

Once the process gets complete, it will restore the affected iPhone handsets to life. The iPhone maker also assured that the update will prevent the device from getting disabled by Error 53 in the future. However, apart from the re-activation of Touch ID and Apple Pay feature on the affected iPhone rest, all other functionality will get back in full shape as it was before the iPhone got useless.