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

AppleInsider may earn an affiliate commission on purchases made through links on our site.

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 It caused phones whose home buttons had been replaced by third-party repair shops to fail a security validation, rendering them unusable.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.