Philip Houska At the beginning of February, an unpleasant problem appeared with iPhones that were repaired by unauthorized services. Once the Home button or Touch ID was repaired in such a service, the phone may have been completely bricked. Unofficial components were responsible for the error, but also mainly inability to resynchronize the exchanged ones, as Apple technicians can do. Fortunately, the Californian company has already issued a fix and the so-called Error 53 should no longer appear.
Apple decided to solve everything with the improved version of iOS 9.2.1, which originally it came out already in January. The patched version is now available to users who updated their iPhones via iTunes and got blocked due to the replacement of some components. The new iOS 9.2.1 will "unfreeze" these devices while preventing Error 53 in the future.
“Some users' devices show a 'Connect to iTunes' message after trying to update or restore iOS from iTunes on Mac or PC. This indicates Error 53 and appears when a device fails a security test. This whole test was designed to verify the correct functioning of Touch ID. However, today Apple has released software that will allow users experiencing this issue to successfully restore their devices using iTunes.” he said Apple server TechCrunch.
"We apologize for any inconvenience, but the verification was not designed to harm our users, but as a test to verify proper functionality. Users who paid for an out-of-warranty repair due to this issue should contact AppleCare for a refund,” Apple added, and instructions on how to resolve Error 53, also published on his website.
It is important to mention that you need to connect your device to iTunes to get the iOS 9.2.1 upgrade. You can't download over-the-air (OTA) directly to the device, and users shouldn't even have a reason to do so, because Error 53 shouldn't have happened to them when updating this way. If, however, the replaced Touch ID on the iPhone should be completely non-functional, even a system update will not fix it.
In general, implementing a third-party Touch ID sensor in a given device without the intervention of an Apple-authorized service is a huge risk. Because it will not be subjected to legitimate verification and recalibration of the cable. This can cause Touch ID to not communicate properly with the Secure Enclave. Among other things, the user may voluntarily expose himself to the potential misuse of data by an unofficial provider and its dubious repair.
The Secure Enclave is a co-processor that handles the secure boot process to ensure it is not compromised. It has a unique ID in it, which neither the rest of the phone nor Apple itself can access. It's a private key. The phone then generates certain one-time security elements communicating with the Secure Enclave. They cannot be cracked as they are only tied to a unique ID.
It was therefore logical for Apple to block Touch ID in the event of an unauthorized replacement, in order to protect the user from possible unauthorized intrusion. At the same time, it was not too happy that he decided to block the entire phone because of this, even if, for example, only the Home button was changed. Now Error 53 should no longer appear.
Well, I don't know how it is... I want the security, so now the phone should start up, only TouchID won't work? That would be correct... But if the TouchID replaced by a third party also works, then something is already wrong...
So how is it?
I'm already angry, what kind of nonsense is this! That was the first thing that came to my mind. But it won't be as hot as it looks. However, if we lose security due to some problems, then Apple spoils the water and drinks the wine!!!
I wouldn't say that, Apple rather makes sure that authorized services are used for repairs, which means original or certified components. I don't see anything wrong with that.
So, if he is following something like that, why did he step back and, from my point of view, as it is presented to me, he turned off at least one security.
So it's not possible that someone will steal your iPhone, someone will put some crazy trick to unlock it and lo and behold.... I have equipment for sale. Etc…..
You will all be fine. The paragraph in which I mention the implementation of sensing by a third party is purely hypothetical. The practice will be the same as before, i.e. that other than the original reader will not work and the phone will only offer code protection.
The only thing Apple wanted was to shut down the 3rd party service. He does it while he can. In the USA, the initiative for service liberalization is already at an advanced stage, similar to the one in the automotive industry, where the manufacturer will be forced to provide service information, documentation for spare parts even for 3rd parties, so using touchid directly from the manufacturer should no longer be a problem even if it will not be replaced (overpriced) by apple service.