Error 53 could be fatal

[Glenn]

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-3434329/Apple-s-software-update-kill-iPhone-6-Error-53-message-break-handsets-taken-party-repair.html?ITO=1490&ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490

[Steve]

I read this the other day elsewhere, obviously one could look at it as an attempt to exclude third party repairs, however I think part of Apple's reasoning was to ensure the security of the device i.e. preventing someone just swapping the fingerprint ID device to gain entry. Sadly individuals are unaware of this issue until they attempt to get their phone repaired elsewhere especially when no official repairers are available.

[zappaDPJ]

I've mixed feelings about this. I need to replace my ageing iPhone 4 this year. I've already replaced two home buttons and had one other repair carried out on two iPhones for a total of £75. Apple would have charged something in excess of £400 for the same repairs. I think it might be time to look at the alternatives.

[Simon]

Whilst I think it just has to be accepted that Apple control the software on their devices quite 'robustly', I really can't see how they can justify saying that you can't get a piece of hardware that you have purchased and therefore are the legal owner of, repaired wherever you like, especially if genuine Apple components are used.  Where could this lead to next?  If you buy a motor vehicle, would it be acceptable if the manufacturer banned you from doing any work on it yourself, or getting a third party to service it?

[Steve]

I bought another phone recently having had the screen crack on my Xperia Z3 (not sure whether to repair it or not yet) I looked again at iPhones but ended up with a Nexus 6P instead.

[pctech]

The security argument does hold water I'd say.

How did you manage to wear out two home buttons though?

[Simon]

He stays at home a lot.   

[zappaDPJ]

 

The security argument does hold water I'd say.

How did you manage to wear out two home buttons though?

Both phones are five years old and get a lot of use.

[Gary]

The security argument does hold water I'd say.

How did you manage to wear out two home buttons though?

Yes it does, that button prevents access to your Apple pay and your data, considering many people now use Apple pay and have their credit cards stored on phones, so do you think letting any one have access to that via dodgy third party hardware updates is a great idea? 

[Technical Ben]

Could deactivate the button/app. As most OSs do when someone roots the phone. It can detect the hardware, so could deactivate instead of "brick". :/
I have a bank security pin pad. No need to kill my pc and torch the house if the pin pad gets broken. If I try a "fake" pin pad/card, well I'll not have the codes to get access. No need to nuke it from orbit.

[mervl]

  The Apple welfare state is what you pay for isn't it? Personally though I prefer the fun (or whatever noun is to your taste) of the electronic meccano that is Android.

[Simon]

What a brilliant description!   

[Technical Ben]

Especially when you step on a part bare foot. Ouch! 

(I did this metaphorically when Kitkat upgraded to Lollipop and took away every feature I used and changed the colours to something I find hard on my eyes... )

[Simon]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-35611756

[Steve]

There's a certain element of sense in this decision although why the odd customer had to suffer in the meantime makes little sense. However I'm sure they've realised that iPhone sales have probably peaked to a certain extent and bad press will only hit them further.

[Glenn]

http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/news/iphone-january-1970-bug-trolls-tricking-people-into-accidentally-destroying-their-handsets-a6881431.html