Class action suit filed over iPhone "error 53" seeks over $5 million in damages and restitution

On Monday, we told you that Seattle law firm PCVA was contemplating the filing of a class baction suit against Apple over the "error 53" message that indicates that an iPhone has been bricked. Today, the law firm filed for a jury trial in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. What causes this error message to pop up is the replacement of certain components in the Apple iPhone 6 and Apple iPhone 6 Plus, with unauthorized parts installed by non-Apple repairmen.

While replacing the Touch ID component, the screen and flex cable with non-Apple parts doesn't automatically set off the error message, the problem starts afterward when backed up data or iOS 9 is loaded onto the repaired phone. At that point, it is believed that the software is looking for the original Apple hardware. When it is not found, the "error 53" message comes up on the screen and the phone becomes unusable. Not only is the phone bricked, but all data and content that was saved on the handset is gone forever. And since the phone is considered tampered with by a non-Apple repairman, the warranty is voided. The iPhone owner has lost the use of his phone with no hope of getting a replacement from Apple.

On its website, PCVA says that it believes that Apple may be intentionally forcing its customers to use Apple's own repair services which are much pricier than third party shops. Apple claims that it needs to control the parts used in Touch ID in order to prevent security breaches. The fingerprint scanner is used to verify an iPhone user's identity when using Apple Pay. It also is employed when purchasing paid apps from the App Store.

PCVA is seeking at least $5 million in damages and restitution from Apple on behalf of those affected by the "error 53" message. PCVA also is asking Apple to release software that will remove the restrictions on iOS repairs.

      Error 53 Lawsuit

source: Scribd via AppleInsider
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