‘Error 53’ fury mounts as Apple software update threatens to kill your iPhone 6

Found on The Guardian on Saturday, 06 February 2016
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Thousands of iPhone 6 users claim they have been left holding almost worthless phones because Apple’s latest operating system permanently disables the handset if it detects that a repair has been carried out by a non-Apple technician.

After installation a growing number of people have watched in horror as their phone, which may well have cost them £500-plus, is rendered useless. Any photos or other data held on the handset is lost – and irretrievable.

Could Apple’s move, which appears to be designed to squeeze out independent repairers, contravene competition rules? Car manufacturers, for example, are not allowed to insist that buyers only get their car serviced by them.

Investors want more share value, and you cannot have that when your sheep go to another shepherd; or, in Apple terms, you shoot the sheep who commit such an treacherous act.