Apple released its fix for Error 53, a technical issue that made iPhones with third party home buttons useless. The issue was directly associated with the brand's fingerprint reader Touch ID, an alternative to using a passcode when unlocking Apple devices.
When an unrecognized Apple technician replaces the damaged iPad or iPhone button, an operating system update will subsequently detect an unauthenticated component. The automatic detection will lead to the automatic shutdown of the device. Reportedly, there was no available method and tool to restart the device.
Thousands of users who opted to have their fingerprint reader Touch ID repaired became furious when they found out that their devices were bricked while on the way to updating its operating system.
When the issue went headlines in the early part of the month, Apple claimed that the error was part of a security feature that aimed to protect the owners. According to them, "This security measure is necessary to protect your device and prevent a fraudulent Touch ID sensor from being used. If a customer encounters Error 53, we encourage them to contact Apple Support."
Recently, Apple released information that Error 53 was in fact a factory test. The Error 53 fix came through an updated version of iOS 9.2.1 operating system, TechCrunch reported. The report also highlighted that Apple apologizes for the inconvenience that their customers had to experience.
Apple Error 53 fix will allow users of disabled iPhones to correct the problem by connecting to iTunes and updating to the most recent iOS. However, the solution does not provide the Touch ID its original function because the replacement of its home button from a non-Apple facility could provide access to a locked phone.
Seattle based law firm Pfau Cochran Vertetis Amala filed A lawsuit against Apple regarding the matter in Feb. 11. The case was filed in the Northern District of California, US District Court led by Attorney Darrell Cochran. The lawsuit claims that the tech giant has failed their security argument and that they also failed to provide warning to their users about the bricking.
The Apple lawsuit also pointed out that there were no resource materials that warned the users that the phone would self destruct after the update is installed. It further cited that Apple should have warned the users before the entire process was implemented.