A Seattle-based law firm is planning to file a class action lawsuit against tech giant Apple regarding the 'Error 53' message experienced by some iPhone owners. The firm said that the error appears when certain iPhone models have their Touch ID sensor repaired by unofficial Apple technicians.

The firm, PCVA, is currently investigating and soliciting additional complaints from iPhone users who are experiencing the issue. Report claim that the error message is triggered when users get unauthorized repairs done on their iPhones that may affect the Touch ID sensor.

Like Us on Facebook

The error message appears every time users try to update or restore their iPhone. Once these error messages are triggered, the device is virtually unusable and it also voids warranty coverage.

In a statement, PCVA said, "We believe Apple may be intentionally forcing users to use their repair services, which cost much more than most third-party shops."

The firm added that it would represent any affected iPhone users for free.

The Cupertino-based tech giant responded to the issue claiming that the company is just trying to protect the security of its users. Touch ID usually saves sensitive user data in a component called the Secure Enclave. Apple believes that by installing third-party application or hardware into the iPhone, malicious users could steal these information.

An official Apple technician usually re-validates the pairing between the Touch ID sensor and the Secure Enclave in order to prevent 'Error 53' from being triggered.

Apple is advising customers who are experiencing Error 53 to immediately contact Apple Support in order to get the issue fixed. However, as of this writing, the only known solution to the problem is to get a replacement iPhone. This creates a dilemma for some users since triggering Error 53 on iPhone devices also means that all official Apple warranty is invalid.

Tagsapple, Apple iPhone, iPhone error, Apple iPhone error, error 53, Apple error 53, iPhone error 53