Apple issues new version of iOS 9.2.1 to fix iPhones bricked by 'Error 53'

The patched software — which will not be available over the air — carries build number 13D20 and is flagged for the iPad mini 3 and later, iPad Air 2, and iPhone 6 and later. As noted by TechCrunch, applying the update will make disabled iPhones usable again but will not re-enable Touch ID unless the home button is serviced by Apple.

"We apologize for any inconvenience. This was designed to be a factory test and was not intended to affect customers," Apple said in a statement provided to the website. "Customers who paid for an out-of-warranty replacement of their device based on this issue should contact AppleCare about a reimbursement."

The somewhat bizarre "Error 53" issue first surfaced earlier this month. It caused phones whose home buttons had been replaced by third-party repair shops to fail a security validation, rendering them unusable.

Apple's update and apology comes just over a week after a class action suit was filed over the incident.