14 DAY TRIAL // The iOS 9 update that Apple’s shipping to iPhones is believed to be killing off devices that have been repaired in unauthorized service centers, with Cupertino itself admitting that such a condition is possible in the case of any tweaks made to the Touch ID.
The result is Error 53, which is impossible to bypass at this point, so users who are seeing this error can do nothing more than contact Apple support for another repair. But given the fact that a third-party repair has pretty much voided the warranty, Apple is very likely to refuse another repair.
A Seattle-based law firm is now seeking a class action against Apple because the iOS 9 update bricks iPhones and “there is no way for anyone to recover what is lost in the process.”
“Apple violates US consumer laws”
Called PCVA, the firm is looking for users whose devices got impacted by the issue and is requesting more information on how exactly Error 53 has been encountered. The company says that what Apple is doing is wrong “and we hope to prove that it violates various consumer protection laws in the United States.”
“Let’s say you bought a car, and had your alternator replaced by a local mechanic. Under Apple’s strategy, your car would no longer start because you didn’t bring it to an official dealership. They intentionally disable your car because you tried to fix it yourself,” the firm’s representatives say.
In the end, the firm explains that there’s no associated cost with contacting its lawyers, and it’s only receiving payment if the lawsuit against Apple is won.
The Cupertino-based iPhone maker has not issued a statement until now, but judging from the previous cases that were started against the company, such comments are very unlikely to be offered. It remains to be seen, though, if the class action is started.
Update, February 18: Apple has released an update to fix iPhones bricked by Error 53.