Why Apple’s New Update Could Brick Your iPhone 6

The updated trade-in program now allows Apple Stores to credit customers for damaged iPhone 5s, iPhone 6 or iPhone 6 Plus handsets, the story reported.

Reports about the iPhone-killing Error 53 have circulated at least since the spring, when The Daily Dot’s Mike Wehner wrote that his iPhone 6 Plus died after he disabled the device’s Touch ID because of repeated problems with the feature. Apple has said that the users facing this issue must contact the company immediately.

The tech giant said if the iOS finds a mismatch between the TouchID sensor and other components of the device, the check fails and the sensor, including for Apple Pay use, is disabled. Each Touch ID sensor is uniquely tied to the iOS device’s motherboard for additional security.

As the Wall Street Journal points out, some customers have gone to the Apple Store only to be turned away as the error message was like “the plague”, and the unauthorized repairs had voided the device’s warranty. Without this unique pairing, a malicious touch ID sensor could be substituted, thereby gaining access to the secure enclave.

Some have reported that their iPhone worked without a hitch for months before they installed the update and ended up bricking their phone.

The issue is related to the home screen button, which features a Touch ID fingerprint reader used to unlock the device and verify payments using Apple Pay. If one prefer non apple centre then same is not possible there or any store which is not certified by the Apple.

A spokesperson for Apple told The Guardian: “When an iPhone is serviced by an unauthorised fix provider, faulty screens or other invalid components that affect the touch ID sensor could cause the check to fail if the pairing cannot be validated. So a functioning phone (albeit without touch ID working) has now become useless”.

Some have suggested the move could go against laws on competition, as it means people will only be able to get their phone repaired by Apple, which is much more expensive.

Apple has a page on what to do if your phone displays the “Error 53” message.

And obviously, the company claims that bricked device owners should contact Apple Support for assistance.

Apple released a statement after an uproar by thousands of user of the phone which costs hundreds of dollars.