T
The Owl
Apple has apologised to users who have been affected by 'error 53' that bricked iPhones which had their home buttons replaced by third parties.
The home button contains Apple's Touch ID fingerprint reader, which is used to unlock the device instead of the user typing in a passcode.
People who got a non-Apple repairer to replace the button on damaged iPhones and iPads were presented with 'error 53' when they tried to update their operating system.
This shut down the device and there was no way to restart it.
Thousands of people were affected, but Apple insisted that it was a security feature to protect customers.
It said: "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."
But now the company has said the problem was a "factory test" and an updated version of iOS will fix bricked phones.
A spokesman said: "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."
Users with unusable iPhones can now connect them to iTunes and install the updated software.
Apple warned that the fix will not re-enable Touch ID, because it says that could allow unauthorised access to a locked phone.
http://news.sky.com/story/1644969/apple-sorry-for-error-which-bricked-iphones
The home button contains Apple's Touch ID fingerprint reader, which is used to unlock the device instead of the user typing in a passcode.
People who got a non-Apple repairer to replace the button on damaged iPhones and iPads were presented with 'error 53' when they tried to update their operating system.
This shut down the device and there was no way to restart it.
Thousands of people were affected, but Apple insisted that it was a security feature to protect customers.
It said: "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."
But now the company has said the problem was a "factory test" and an updated version of iOS will fix bricked phones.
A spokesman said: "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."
Users with unusable iPhones can now connect them to iTunes and install the updated software.
Apple warned that the fix will not re-enable Touch ID, because it says that could allow unauthorised access to a locked phone.
http://news.sky.com/story/1644969/apple-sorry-for-error-which-bricked-iphones
