Apple has issued a fix for the strange iPhone Error 53 glitch

Earlier this month, reports surfaced of a strange “Error 53” glitch that was causing some iPhones to become inoperable.

The issue arose for iPhone users who took their smartphone to an unofficial repair store for repair, and the shop replaced the cable that connects the phone’s Touch ID system to the rest of the device. The operating system would not recognize the new cable, causing it and the device to get stuck in a boot loop.

Apple issued an updated version of OS 9.2.1 today, specifically to resolve this issue. Unfortunately, the update is only available directly through iTunes. Apple says the new software will fix “bricked” iPhones that have been disabled by the Error 53 glitch, as well as prevent future iPhones from running in to the issue.

According to Apple, the update is not available to users who update their iPhones via iCloud because this method of updating can cause Error 53 to appear in the first place.

Apple released the following statement to MobileSyrup regarding Error 53.

“Some customers’ devices are showing ‘Connect to iTunes’ after attempting an iOS update or a restore from iTunes on a Mac or PC. This reports as an Error 53 in iTunes and appears when a device fails a security test. This test was designed to check whether Touch ID works properly before the device leaves the factory. 

Today, Apple released a software update that allows customers who have encountered this error message to successfully restore their device using iTunes on a Mac or PC. 

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.” 

Here is a link to Apple’s official Error 53 support page.

[source]Apple[/source]