Apple Issues Fix for Error 53

Today Apple released a new patch that includes a fix for the infamous Error 53.

Error 53 is caused as a result of the iPhone Touch ID button. After having had the Touch ID button repaired by a third party, there is a chance that the phone will become unusable when attempting to update or restore your device.

This error was built in to the devices as a failsafe in order to protect the Touch records on the iPhone Secure Enclave, but has resulted in many users complaining that it has rendered their phone useless simply because they have had it repaired.

The fix is available as part of iOS update 9.2.1. and is only available via iTunes. Users will need to restore their phone, deleting all the data in order to render the device functional again.

Apple has since apologised for this in a statement published by TechCrunch:

“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.”