Smartphones

Neki · Feb 6, 2016

This is pretty bullshit

'Error 53' fury mounts as Apple software update threatens to kill your iPhone 6 | Money | The Guardian

Thousands of iPhone 6 users claim they have been left holding almost worthless phones because Apple's latest operating system permanently disables the handset if it detects that a repair has been carried out by a non-Apple technician.

Relatively few people outside the tech world are aware of the so-called "error 53" problem, but if it happens to you you'll know about it. And according to one specialist journalist, it "will kill your iPhone".

The issue appears to affect handsets where the home button, which has touch ID fingerprint recognition built-in, has been repaired by a "non-official" company or individual. It has also reportedly affected customers whose phone has been damaged but who have been able to carry on using it without the need for a repair.

But the problem only comes to light when the latest version of Apple's iPhone software, iOS 9, is installed. Indeed, the phone may have been working perfectly for weeks or months since a repair or being damaged.

After installation a growing number of people have watched in horror as their phone, which may well have cost them ?500-plus, is rendered useless. Any photos or other data held on the handset is lost - and irretrievable.

Tech experts claim Apple knows all about the problem but has done nothing to warn users that their phone will be "bricked" (ie, rendered as technologically useful as a brick) if they install the iOS upgrade...

Amazingly, reading the Apple forums, there are many people defending Apple saying they are doing the right thing protecting security. I think it is pretty ridiculous that you have to go to official Apple repair centre (if there is one close to you) for a overpriced repair.

Imagine if you brought a car but you are required to go to back to the manufacturer if you needed any kind of repairs done. If you want to the local garage or fixed it yourself, it will render your car inoperable.

I am a Android user but wanted to give this heads up for our Apple using forum bros

zombiewizardhawk · Feb 6, 2016

Yup that kind of shit is why I will never buy an apple product. The only thing I have is my ipod shuffle from 5ish years ago and even for that they want you to only buy the official apple ipod shuffle charger for $22.99 or some shit, but I order knockoffs on amazon and get them for $3.99 each (and they last just as long as the apple ones before needing to be replaced). All it is is a usb to 3.5mm or whatever plug. Apple is a joke.

gogusrl · Feb 6, 2016

At least apple innovates

Palum · Feb 6, 2016

I'm not sure what I'm looking at, but they've been making really thin laptops for a while and there's no cords and 3 devices and bullshit.

Denamian · Feb 7, 2016

Looks like the Ipad pro with the stylus plugged in to charge. No idea whatever the hell the phone is plugged in to.

I could understand Apple disabling touch id if it detects a 3rd party fingerprint reader, but bricking the phone is ridiculous.

Ignatius · Feb 7, 2016

Ipad pro w/ pencil, iPhone 6/6s with the battery case and a magic mouse 2 (just came out recently, uses a lightning cable to charge instead of batteries).

I asked one of the tech support guys what was up with that and the explanation I got was it had to do with the phone security. According to him, when the finger print scanner is damaged, it requires replacing the entire logic board. Could be wrong, he isn't an engineer.

Dunno, but it makes me glad my Applecare days are behind me

Agraza · Feb 7, 2016

Apple is regressing. They should have digitized Jobs' consciousness to keep them on the righteous path of design simplicity.

Grimmlokk · Feb 8, 2016

Palum_sl said:
I'm not sure what I'm looking at

It's the fuckugly battery case.

Oblio · Feb 13, 2016

Ordered aZenfone 2 64 GBand I am switching over from Verizon to Cricket. I know that might sound crazy because Verizon is supposedly the best, but about 3 months ago I started getting shit reception at my home and Verizon refuses to do anything about it, claiming it must be my "outdated" Galaxy S4. The funny thing is a lot my neighbors have Verizon and they have noticed the drop in service as well. AT&T works like a champ at my house, so Cricket should be a good fit. Also, dropping my bill from $70 to $35 a month and getting 5 times the data (2.5 GB).

EDIT: About 40 minutes after I made this post my doorbell rang and a new egg package was sitting there with this phone. Just going through the set up of apps etc, it is really nice, I am super excited to get my service set up next week and really start using this this.

Kuriin · Feb 16, 2016

So my iPhone's screen finally cracked in a most bizarre situation...by being in my pocket during dinner. I'm assuming it hit the chair (it was in my jacket pocket) and cracked the screen. Time for a new phone. Still looking at the Blackberry Priv, but will also look at other Android phones. Sick of Verizon because I would like to use a phone outside of the country, lol.

Is getting an unlocked phone worth it?

BrutulTM · Feb 16, 2016

If it's a nexus there's not really much of a downside to it. The 6P is one of if not the best Android phone and it's unlocked and reasonably priced.

opiate82 · Feb 16, 2016

Nexus (either 5X or 6P) + Project Fi

Extremely happy with both the phone (6P in my case) and the service.

Gorillaz_sl · Feb 16, 2016

I keep waiting for Swappa to drop to the $350 realm for the 6P. I love my Nexus 6, but I'm ready to upgrade.

Denamian · Feb 16, 2016

Nexus 5X and 6P will both work on any carrier. If it's in your budget and it's size doesn't bother you, I'd suggest the 6P over the 5X. Based on everything I've seen, the 6P is just a nicer phone in every way. It also common for the 5X's performance to suffer after a few days with no reboot, and for some units ship with a yellowish screen.

Big Phoenix · Feb 16, 2016

Why oh why must carriers and manufactures be such retards when it comes to releasing updates?

Jait · Feb 17, 2016

I heard if you set your Apple product to Jan 1, 1970 it brings up a naked picture of Emma Watson.

Or it might cause an integer underflow which bricks your iPhone.

Oblio · Feb 17, 2016

Loving the new Zenfone 2! Never really been a phone guy, always just wanted to make/receive calls & texts, get email and check the internet. This Zenfone makes me want to play games on it.

Siliconemelons · Feb 17, 2016

Big Phoenix_sl said:
Why oh why must carriers and manufactures be such retards when it comes to releasing updates?

Because of who the American system has lain the burden of support of the OS on the Carrier - so if a customer gets an update and it bricks your phone, you don't go complain to the manufacturer you complain to the carrier and expect them to support you - this is slightly different over in the Euro lands and the manufactures deploy OTA most of the software updates.

Kedwyn · Feb 17, 2016

With a nexus the update is never more that a couple clicks away

Deathwing · Feb 17, 2016

xadion_sl said:
Because of who the American system has lain the burden of support of the OS on the Carrier - so if a customer gets an update and it bricks your phone, you don't go complain to the manufacturer you complain to the carrier and expect them to support you - this is slightly different over in the Euro lands and the manufactures deploy OTA most of the software updates.

Pretty sure carriers wanted that "burden", at first, because it meant they could load the phone with bloatware and their shitty versions of google's apps.

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