Apple is recently receiving criticisms because of a security check that the company has incorporated in its latest iPhone and iPad units. This feature is capable of disabling the device completely if it has been repaired by a technician not authorized by the tech giant.
Specifically connected to this security check issue is the repair done on the home button on either the iPad or the iPhone, and even when the screen is replaced. These are relatively common repairs. However, it is reported that an "Error 53" message will appear when any one of these repairs are done.
It seems that according to Apple, the error message will appear when an unauthorized person has tampered with a security procedure which enables fingerprint recognition. This feature is incorporated in the Touch ID sensor.
"If iOS finds a mismatch, the check fails and Touch ID, including for Apple Pay use, is disabled," explained Apple in a statement. "This security measure is necessary to protect your device and prevent a fraudulent Touch ID sensor from being used," added the statement.
Although Apple's security check concern is legitimate, the extent the user is penalized by the consequences seems to be unreasonable, according to John Gruber as reported in Daring Fireball.
When the error message appears, the device is 'bricked' meaning it becomes useless. Users are right when they say if it is only the sensor that has the problem; the phone should still be usable.
The Touch ID and Apple Pay should be the only ones disabled. In addition, the user is not even informed why his phone was 'bricked.' Thus, users of iPhones and iPads are in up in arms against this move of Apple which borders on overkill.
At any rate, Apple has offered information to iPhone and iPad users if they get this error message. But users be warned: it seems based on this instruction; all the existing data in the device will be erased.
