UPDATE: Apple iPhone Error 53 is now fixed!

So, after some days of I'll be damned look on my friend's face, now I see him I'm rejoicing dude.
A recap of what happened: http://www.yusuf.in/2016/02/Apple-iPhone-Error53-only-way-to-fix-it.html

Apple said that Error 53 was a security feature to protect customers when it was rolled out with iOS9.1
It said: “This security measure is necessary to protect your device and prevent a fraudulent Touch ID sensor from being used. If a customer encounters Error 53, we encourage them to contact Apple Support.”

A recent development delivers a hopeful news - the company said the issue was a “factory test”. A fix was issued with iOS 9.2.1 and Apple is apparently apologising from what I read on the Internet. The company added: “This was designed to be a factory test and was not intended to affect customers. Customers who paid for an out-of-warranty replacement of their device based on this issue should contact AppleCare about a reimbursement.”

As I read more, I understand that this turnaround from Apple comes after widespread publicity and it being served with a class action lawsuit over in the US.

So, long story, short (once again) - The latest fix will let users with disabled iPhones - yes, the error 53 one! - clear the error by connecting them to iTunes and installing the updated iOS (9.2.1).

However, keep in mind - Solving Error 53 does not re-enable Touch ID, as a third-party replacement of the home button could potentially allow unauthorised access to a locked phone by modifying the fingerprint sensor.

Apple iPhone Error53 and the only way to fix it

Well, if you are like one of my friends who was happy he got the iOS 9 upgrade in the weekend, and the next thing his face turns into - is not an excited look but a I'll be damned one.

Cut to the chase - he had dropped his iPhone some months ago and got it serviced locally and all was fine, it was operating normally with the screen and home button and yes - secure using pin codes. Now, he learns about Error 53 (which actually means iPhone is disabled from everything - yes - EVERYTHING) and asked me to research about it. I did and found the spokeswoman from Apple say:

A spokeswoman for Apple told Money: “We protect fingerprint data using a secure enclave, which is uniquely paired to the touch ID sensor. When iPhone is serviced by an authorised Apple service provider or Apple retail store for changes that affect the touch ID sensor, the pairing is re-validated. This check ensures the device and the iOS features related to touch ID remain secure. Without this unique pairing, a malicious touch ID sensor could be substituted, thereby gaining access to the secure enclave. When iOS detects that the pairing fails, touch ID, including Apple Pay, is disabled so the device remains secure.”

Again, long story short - this means the only way to fix an Error 53 iPhone is to take it to Apple authorized service center or simply - contact Apple support.

To myself: What iOS version does my iPad have, first of all, where's my iPad!!... Look changes.