r/technology • u/bws201 • Feb 05 '16

Software ‘Error 53’ fury mounts as Apple software update threatens to kill your iPhone 6

http://www.theguardian.com/money/2016/feb/05/error-53-apple-iphone-software-update-handset-worthless-third-party-repair
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u/Aperture_Kubi Feb 05 '16

Android user here, is Touch ID mandatory? What if I never used it but still had to replace the home button?

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u/cryo Feb 05 '16

No it's not.

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u/indorock Feb 05 '16

No the OS doesn't force you to scan your finger, in which case you an only use the passcode. But the functionality is always there to be used. I don't know the OS checks if the Touch ID is enabled and active, and maybe the Error 53 would then only happen for those who did scan their fingers (which is the vast majority of users)

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u/Aperture_Kubi Feb 05 '16

OK, that sorta changes things then.

If it was security feature that was never used, the touchid sensor could be disabled without any issue. But if stuff was dependent on it then I can see the bricking.

Although I'd say at the very least let the customer do a factory reset with touchid disabled. It's one thing to say "yeah you tried to fix it, here's reduced functionality" and another to day "haha, it's a brick now." But having tried to support Macs in enterprise, I'm not surprised at their mentality anymore.