News

This Software Error Could Disable Your iPhone 6

Published on 2/6/2016 at 12:31 PM

<a href="http://www.shutterstock.com/gallery-1473476p1.html?cr=00&pl=edit-00">Ellica</a> / <a href="http://www.shutterstock.com/editorial?cr=00&pl=edit-00">Shutterstock.com</a>

Since you most likely don't want your iPhone 6 to die a sudden death, you should educate yourself on "Error 53."

The Guardian recently reported on "Error 53," an issue with iOS 9 apparently affecting "thousands." Once installed, the new software may "disable" your iPhone 6 if it detects that your iPhone's home button has been repaired by a third-party technician, meaning, anyone not with Apple. This is detected though your iPhone's Touch ID system. However, The Guardian also reports that individuals with damaged phones that have not been repaired have experienced the so-called "Error 53."

Apparently, the error only shows itself after the iOS 9 software has been installed. So, the main issue here is that iPhone 6 users might have been unaware of the danger, installed the software after a non-Apple repair, and subsequently had their iPhones "bricked," in other words, "made useless." That doesn't sound like fun. But, Apple just responded to The Guardian's story, claiming that it is aware of "Error 53" and that the error protects the security of iPhone users. The unnamed Apple spokesperson was quoted as follows:

"We take customer security very seriously and Error 53 is the result of security checks designed to protect our customers. iOS checks that the Touch ID sensor in your iPhone or iPad correctly matches your device’s other components. If iOS finds a mismatch, the check fails and Touch ID, including for Apple Pay use, is disabled. 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.”

Though that doesn't answer all the questions associated with the error, it does mean that if this happens to you, you should probably get Apple Support on the phone right away. Best of luck.

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Kara King is a News Writer at Thrillist and is way backed up on software updates. Send news tips to news@thrillist.com and follow her at @karatillie.