Apple Products: Discussions & Suggestions

[Nairrk]

Re: Apple Products - Discussions and Suggestions

Apple Error 53 myth busters: Everything you should know about the iPhone bricking error

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Error 53 broke the Internet over the weekend, ever since a report brought attention to an error that brick iPhones after they are repaired at unauthorized service centers. The error essentially bricks the iOS device when the user installs any iOS update. Error 53 is related to Touch ID and can affect all iPhones with a Touch ID sensor, which means the iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus.

The error essentially occurs when an unauthorized person repairs the iOS device and tinkers with the Touch ID sensor or the cable that connects it with the device’s logic board or replaces the logic board itself. In order to keep data secure, every Touch ID sensor is paired with an individual logic board. So if any of the components change, it is likely to result in Error 53, effectively bricking your device.

“We take customer security very seriously and Error 53 is the result of security checks designed to protect our customers. iOS checks that the Touch ID sensor in your iPhone or iPad correctly matches your device’s other components. If iOS finds a mismatch, the check fails and Touch ID, including for Apple Pay use, is disabled. 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,” Apple said in an emailed statement to BGR India.

BGR India got in touch with Harsha PJ, who runs iRepair — a popular third-party chain for repairing Apple gadgets in Bangalore, Chennai and Hyderabad — to understand what is Error 53 and how it creeps in when the device is repaired by an unauthorized service center.

What causes Error 53?

Harsha claims he has come across devices with Error 53 and even managed to fix a few of them. The main reason for Error 53 to crop up is when the Touch ID sensor doesn’t match with the rest of the paired components, which is essentially the logic board. The Touch ID sensor is fitted in the home button and connects with the logic board via a flex cable.

The pairing mismatch can happen in multiple ways. One of the most common ways is when the user breaks the iPhone’s display and gets that replaced. In India, Apple doesn’t replace displays and insists on replacing the entire device. If you break your iPhone 6′s display, for instance, Apple will offer to replace the entire phone for Rs 23,166, BGR India found out. Meanwhile, third-party repair stores, replace the display for less than half of that.

However, many repair centers use the complete front panel kit for the iPhone, which comes with a new home button, and hence, a new Touch ID sensor. These kits, which come from China, are preferred by repair stores because they are easier to install. However, once these kits are installed, the user is likely to get Error 53 since the Touch ID sensor has been replaced and no longer matches with the one paired with the logic board. Harsha insists that care should be taken while replacing broken displays, ensuring that the home button is no changed.

The same can also happen if the logic board of the device is changed. In that case also, the Touch ID sensor won’t be paired with the logic board, which will also cause Error 53.

What doesn’t cause Error 53?

According to Harsha, getting a broken display replaced does not result in Error 53, if it is done properly. If the home button and by extension Touch ID sensor is not replaced along with the display, it won’t cause Error 53. Till the time the pairing of the Touch ID sensor is not changed, things will remain fine.

He also mentions that changing the flex cable that connects the Touch ID sensor to the logic board does not cause Error 53. He claims to have repaired Error 53 cases where the connecting cable was damaged by replacing the cable.

But what is pairing?

In simpler words, pairing is basically a link between the Touch ID and main logic board. Consider the Touch ID as the key and logic board board as the lock. So any of these components is changed, the key will not fit in a new lock and vice versa.

So what should I take care of?

The logic board and touch ID sensor come in pairs, with a connecting cable. Make sure whenever you are getting the screen replaced or fixed, in any circumstances logic board and Touch ID sensor are not individually replaced on an iPhone.

Source: Apple Error 53 myth busters: Everything you should know about the iPhone bricking error | Latest Tech News, Video & Photo Reviews at BGR India

 

[Nairrk]

Re: Apple Products - Discussions and Suggestions

Beware! Your iPhone will get bricked if you do this

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An iOS bug has been discovered that could brick your iPhone forever. If you set the date of your iPhone to January 1 1970, it will permanently brick the phone. Discovered by YouTuber Zach Straley and confirmed by iClarified, the bug affects iOS devices running on 64-bit A7, A8, A8X, A9 and A9X processors. However, the earlier iPhones running on 32-bit iOS version are not affected by this issue.

As the scroller is limited, one would need to set back the date numerous times before reaching the year 1970. Soon after you set the date to January 1 1970, the bug won’t let your iOS device boot. It is also found that recovery mode restore or DFU mode won’t fix your device.

It is suspected that the bug could be related to UNIX timestamp epoch which causes the kernel to crash. One way to fix the issue is with the help of Apple’s Genius Bar. One will need to open the casing and physically disconnect the battery from the logic board. This will reset the date and allow the iPhone to boot.

While there is no other fix at the moment, Apple may hopefully release a software update to fix and unbrick the affected iOS devices. Meanwhile, you can watch the video below, which would give you an idea of how the bug works.

https://youtu.be/ri5Dw73hriY

Source: Beware! Your iPhone will get bricked if you do this | Latest Tech News, Video & Photo Reviews at BGR India

 

[Nairrk]

Re: Apple Products - Discussions and Suggestions

Apple’s 4-inch iPhone 5se and iPad Air 3 to go on sale starting March 18: Report

Apple is all set to unveil the 4-inch iPhone 5se and iPad Air 3 at its March 15 event. As per the latest buzz, Apple won’t offer pre-orders, instead it will put the devices on sale starting March 18

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We’ve already learned that Apple is planning to host a launch event on March 15, where it is widely expected to take wraps off a compact 4-inch iPhone 5se and the iPad Air 3 along with new Apple Watch band options. Citing sources, 9to5Mac’s Mark Gurman reports the new iPhone and iPad will go on sale starting March 18, both at online and offline retail stores.

Unlike other iPhones, Apple will not offer pre-orders for these new devices, but put them on sale three days after the official announcement, the report states. Not offering pre-orders could be a completely new strategy for Apple. While most of the Apple devices went on sale two to three weeks after unveiling, iPad Pro was the only device that took a little over two months before it hit the shelves.

Apple iPhone 5se specifications and features: Based on the rumors so far the 4-inch iPhone 5se, which will be replacing the iPhone 5s. The target audience is likely to be people iPhone 5s users who are looking for hardware upgrades, without having to switch to a 4.7-inch or 5.5-inch display. The iPhone 5se could be powered by Apple’s A9 chip with M9 motion coprocessor, NFC support for Apple Pay and always-on Siri activation.

The smartphone is also likely to feature improved cameras with support for Live Photos. In terms of pricing, the 16GB variant could set you back by $450 (which is approximately Rs 30,000). While a 64GB variant could also be on offer, no other details about its pricing are available at the moment.

Apple iPad Air 3 specifications and features: A couple of weeks back, we came across leaked drawings and cases made for the iPad Air 3, and from what we learned so far, it could be a significant update over its predecessor, the iPad Air 2. The iPad 3 could flaunt a 9.7-inch display along with iPad Pro like quad speakers on four sides, a rear iSight camera with LED flash, a Smart Connector for connecting accessories such as Smart Keyboard and support for Apple Pencil too.

Apple is also expected to unveil new Apple Watch bands and software update. Reports suggest that we could see rubberized sport bands with multiple color options and a band made from completely new materials. Some sources from supply chain had also claimed that Apple might introduce new ‘high-quality’ NATO-style nylon bands made from completely new material. We will have to wait until March 15 to see what Apple has in store for its customers.

Source: Apple

 

[Nairrk]

Re: Apple Products - Discussions and Suggestions

Apple introduces iPhone 6s, 6s Plus buyback offers with up to Rs 25,000 discount, here’s everything you need to know

Following a series of official and unofficial price cuts, Apple has introduced a new buyback program for the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus. You can now get up to Rs 25,000 off on exchanging your old smartphone for a new iPhone.

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Apple has introduced a new buyback scheme for the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus. Available across select offline retail channels, users can trade-in their old smartphone and get anywhere between Rs 9,000 to Rs 25,000 off on a brand new iPhone 6s, 6s Plus. After the buyback discount, one can get the 16GB base variant iPhones 6s between Rs 25,000 to Rs 30,000.

The trade-in discount is applicable on select smartphone brands such as Samsung, Sony, Nokia, LG, HTC and Google Nexus. We personally visited some retail outlets such as Maple, Croma and Reliance Digital to find out more about the buyback offer. Let’s go through all the deals available for the customers.

Maple: We first visited the Maple store on Saturday, where the executive wasn’t fully aware of the buyback scheme, but asked us to call back the next day for more details. Today, when we called up the store, they informed us about the detailed buyback offer. To begin with, customers will have to personally visit the store and give their smartphone for evaluation. The executive at Maple will check for scratches, dents or any signs tampering which voids the warranty.

Depending on whether your smartphone is under or out of warranty, and its condition, the executive will offer you a quote, which can be anywhere between Rs 9,000 to Rs 25,000. It also depends on which smartphone you are trading in. For instance, you can fetch the maximum amount on Samsung Galaxy S6, S6 Edge and Galaxy Note 5.

However, there is one small catch – Maple is still selling the new iPhones at its original launch price which starts at Rs 62,000 for 16GB variant and goes all the way up to Rs 92,000 for 128GB variant of the iPhone 6s Plus. So, even if you get Rs 25,000 off, the base variant will set you back for Rs 37,000.

Reliance Digital: Our next stop was Reliance Digital. The buyback offer and procedure are similar to Maple, the executive will look at the condition of your device and then provide a quote. We got a quote of Rs 27,000 for the Galaxy S6 32GB variant, with three months of warranty still left, and Rs 16,000 for out of warranty HTC One M8, which is in a good condition.

At Reliance Digital, the iPhone 6s is priced at Rs 54,990, Rs 64,990 and Rs 74,990 for the 16GB, 64GB and 128GB variant, respectively, whereas the iPhone 6s Plus is priced at Rs 64,990, Rs 73,990 and Rs 84,990 for the 16GB, 64GB and 128GB variant, respectively. So, with Rs 27,000 discount on the Galaxy S6, the iPhone 6s 16GB variant could set you back by Rs 27,990.

Croma: While Croma doesn’t offer Apple’s official buyback scheme, it does have some trade-in discounts of its own. Depending on your smartphone’s brand, condition and age, the store executive will let you know about the buyback value. While the trade-in offer is not applicable on all smartphones, we also found their quote to be less than the competition. We got a quote of Rs 21,500 for the Galaxy S6 and Rs 12,000 for the HTC One M8.

E-commerce retailers: E-commerce site Flipkart is offering its own buyback offer on the iPhone 6s with discounts up to Rs 20,000. Whether you have an entry level smartphone or a high-end one, you can get anywhere between Rs 2,500 to Rs 20,000, depending on the brand and model. Smartphones such as Samsung’s Galaxy S6, S6 Edge, Note 5 and iPhone 6 Plus could fetch you the maximum buyback value of Rs 20,000. Flipkart is selling the 16GB base variant of iPhone 6s for Rs 45,499 and with maximum cashback of Rs 20,000, you could get it for Rs 25,499, whereas the 64GB variant will cost you Rs 34,999 after discount. We couldn’t find any offer on the iPhone 6s 128GB variant or iPhone 6s Plus though.

Similarly, Paytm is also running some cashback offer where customers can get up to Rs 5,000 as cashback on buying the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus.

Here’s the tricky part, and one needs to “read between the lines.” Do remember, when any such offer is introduced, the term “up to” is most important here. The total discount that companies offer depends on the type of smartphone you have, its age and condition. For those who are comfortable buying online can head over to Flipkart. Upon selecting the buyback option, you will get a drop-down list of brands and models, selecting which respective discount will be applied and modified cost will be displayed.

For those who aren’t comfortable shopping online can head over to Reliance Digital outlets as they have good buyback discount and lower pricing as compared to Maple stores.

It is also important to note that the buyback offer is only better if you have a high-end device such as Galaxy Note 5 or Galaxy S6, where you can get maximum trade-in value. However, for smartphones like LG G Flex, OnePlus 2, Sony Xperia Z3 and Nexus 5 among others, you would not get the best deal.

Source: Apple introduces iPhone 6s, 6s Plus buyback offers with up to Rs 25,000 discount, here

 

[Nairrk]

Re: Apple Products - Discussions and Suggestions

Apple to replace faulty USB-C charge cables

A limited batch of USB-C charge cables shipped with the New MacBook had gone through a small design issue. Apple has recalled those cables and replacing them with redesigned ones.

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Apple has announced a worldwide replacement program for the USB-C cable that it shipped between April and June, 2015. The cable was released with the 12-inch Retina Macbook last year, and according to Apple, it is possible for the cable to fail without warning due to flaw in the design.

“As a result, your MacBook may not charge or only charge intermittently when it’s connected to a power adapter with an affected cable,” iClarified quoted Apple’s statement as saying on Saturday.

The buyers of these cables may get a new cable if they gave Apple their mailing address when registering for MacBook. Others can contact authorized Apple service provider, or contact Apple customer support.If any user has bought a new one, he/she will be eligible for a refund.

How to find if you have faulty USB-C Charge cable

The affected cables will have a “Designed by Apple in California. Assembled in China” stamp on it (see image below). These are the ones you can get replaced from Apple-authorized service provider. You will also need the MacBook serial number to verify the eligibility of this replacement program.

On the other hand, if your charge cable includes a serial number after the text, it is the redesigned one and won’t need any replacement.

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Source: Apple to replace faulty USB-C charge cables | Latest Tech News, Video & Photo Reviews at BGR India

 

[P3T3R]

Re: Apple Products - Discussions and Suggestions

After using Android for years and recently Windows phone for a few months, I've decided that my next phone will be an Apple. Android is a great OS but the problem is the hardware. No matter which phone you buy, after a year you will have some problems. The only exception being the Nexus series. I'm currently using a Microsoft Lumia 640 XL running Windows 10 via Windows Insider and it's horrible to use. Bought the phone after reading many excellent reviews. In comparison my wife's iPhone 4S is still working perfectly (currently being used by my niece). The only thing holding me back is the price. I somehow cannot stomach the fact that I have to pay a price for a phone that could get me a Laptop or a Scooter.

 

[Lameassonwheels]

Re: Apple Products - Discussions and Suggestions

After using Android for years and recently Windows phone for a few months, I've decided that my next phone will be an Apple. The only thing holding me back is the price. I somehow cannot stomach the fact that I have to pay a price for a phone that could get me a Laptop or a Scooter.

iPhone 5S would be a great choice for you, its still not outdated if you look at the features (finger scan, 64bit processor etc) against its current price. The best thing is, its handy (4") compared to the latest 4.7 and 5.5 screen iPhones.

@Nairrk, picking up the entire content from a page regularly and posting here is looking a bit monotonous and vacuous IMHO. It would be great if you write down the brief and then provide the link to the source as you do for more details. No offense intended. Thumbs up for your 'iEnthusiasm' from a fellow apple fan .

 

[Nairrk]

Re: Apple Products - Discussions and Suggestions

Apple acknowledges ‘January 1970’ date bug, a fix is on its way

(Please see post number 467 above for the initial report about this bug)

Last week, we came across a deadly iPhone bug where setting the date to ‘January 1, 1970’ could brick your iPhone forever. As of now, only iPhones, iPod touch and iPads running on 64-bit processors are affected by the bug. While regular recovery tricks don’t work, Apple has acknowledged the issue and said that it will include a fix in its future software update.

Read more: Apple acknowledges

 

[Nairrk]

Re: Apple Products - Discussions and Suggestions

Apple iPhone 7 to have an extra speaker instead of headphone jack: Reports

If speculations are true, then tech giant Apple might be dropping the headphone jack entirely in the new iphone 7 to be unveiled this year. The part of the phone that currently holds the jack on the left hand side of the bottom of the phone will be used for an extra speaker, according to a research note from analysts at Barclays, the independent reported.

Read more: Headphone jack to be replaced by new speakers in iPhone 7: Reports | Latest Tech News, Video & Photo Reviews at BGR India

 

[Nairrk]

Re: Apple Products - Discussions and Suggestions

Apple releases iOS 9.2.1 patch to fix iPhones bricked with Error 53

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Earlier this month, a report surfaced online highlighting a new ‘Error 53′ bug that was bricking iPhones. There’s been a lot of furor over the issue, and many saw this as Apple strong arming those who repaired their devices from third-party service centers. Apple has however issued an apology over the entire issue, and has also released an iOS patch that will restart bricked iPhones.

Apple has released an iOS update (version 9.2.1), which is primarily meant for users who have bricked their iPhones due to Error 53. This error is affecting iPhones that had their display or Touch ID sensor repaired or replaced from unauthorized third-party service centers. This update can only be installed while the bricked iPhone is connected to iTunes on a Mac or PC. Once updated, your iPhone won’t be bricked even when upgrading to future iterations of iOS. Following are the steps you need to follow to update your bricked iPhone to iOS 9.2.1.

Read more: Apple releases iOS 9.2.1 patch to fix iPhones bricked with Error 53 | Latest Tech News, Video & Photo Reviews at BGR India

 

[allhyundaicars]

Re: Apple Products - Discussions and Suggestions

Anyone knows price of iphone 5s' battery ?

 

[Nairrk]

Re: Apple Products - Discussions and Suggestions

Anyone knows price of iphone 5s' battery ?

ebay quoting Rs.499 onwards (depends the seller).!

 

[allhyundaicars]

Re: Apple Products - Discussions and Suggestions

ebay quoting Rs.499 onwards (depends the seller).!

I was interested in original battery from apple. My friend who runs a mobile shop quoted 700rs for the battery. ( he said it's like original) but don't want to buy local battery.

 

[CRACING]

Re: Apple Products - Discussions and Suggestions

I was interested in original battery from apple. My friend who runs a mobile shop quoted 700rs for the battery. ( he said it's like original) but don't want to buy local battery.

I doubt you'll get a original battery outside. Those that look like original (similar sticker) would be fake for sure. Its better to buy a 3rd party brand's compatible battery then original looking battery.

Otherwise get it replaced from Apple service center or there isn't one?

 

[Nairrk]

Re: Apple Products - Discussions and Suggestions

Apple Unveils 'Trade Up With Installments' Programme for iPhone

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Apple is making it cheaper for users to purchase a new iPhone. The Cupertino-based company has announced a new trade-in program to allow users to turn in their old iPhone, Android, or Windows Phone handset and get a new iPhone model for as low as $12.45 (roughly Rs. 850) a month.

Called Trade Up With Installments, the programme allows users to pay less than they currently have to pay when purchasing a new iPhone model in instalments over 24 months. The new iPhone won't be locked to any carrier. Prior to the program, a user in the United States had to pay around $32 (roughly Rs. 2,200) a month for a 16GB iPhone 6S. This covers the AppleCare+ warranty program, but a user was still required to pay for wireless service. With the new plan, a customer could further curtail the monthly instalment fee to $15 (roughly Rs. 1,030) or less. Users, however, wouldn't get AppleCare+ warranty program, which is worth between $99 (roughly Rs. 6,800) to $129 (roughly Rs. 8,800).

Read more: Apple Unveils 'Trade Up With Installments' Programme for iPhone | NDTV Gadgets360.com