Lawyers are considering lawsuits against Apple following its controversial policy of permanently disabling repaired iPhone 6s when software is upgraded. Iphone's global consumers claim the company could be acting illegally.
According to the Guardian, several lawfirms in the U.S. and the U.K. said that they are considering to bring class-action lawsuits against Apple on behalf of victims whose iPhones were shut down by an Apple software upgrade.
Last week, thousands of iPhone users found an iOS software upgrade permanently disabled their phones, which was left displaying an "Error 53" code. The error seems to occur on the iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone 6S, and iPhone 6S Plus after their Touch ID sensors are repaired by unapproved retailers, the Fortune reports.
The tech giant integrated a new security error that shuts phones down if they detect that they have been tampered with. Apple spokesperson said that the shutdown is the result of a check that was implemented for security reasons, to ensure that the phone's data can't be stolen or compromised.
Apple said that the "Error 53" message is triggered when the iPhone's parts can't be properly validated because of a repair done to a component affecting the Touch ID sensor, to keep Touch ID and the secure enclave that stores fingerprint information safe, MacRumors reports.
Apple said in a statement last week that the upgrade policy is necessary to protect user device and and prevent a fraudulent Touch ID sensor from being used. The company said, "If a customer encounters Error 53, we encourage them to contact Apple Support."
But consumers whose iPhones have been shut down and have complained at Apple stores have been told that nothing can be done and they must buy a new iPhone.
Some have suggested the upgrade policy could be designed to increase revenues by forcing the consumers to use Apple repair services, which cost much more than most third-party repair shops.
A Seattle-based law firm PCVA called for iPhone ugrade victims to get in touch in order to bring a class action lawsuit. The lawfirm, which is offering to represent victims for free, said it believed Apple's move may violate consumer protection laws in the U.S.
While a London-based lawyer Richard Colbey of Lamb Chambers said Apple's move of disabling people's iPhones following the software upgrade could potentially be viewed as an offence under the Criminal Damage Act 1971 for intentionally destroy the property of another.
Apple could face multiple legal battles if it continues this upgrade policy. The company may also face additional scrutiny by the European commission.
