Apple pulls iOS 9.3.2 for 9.7 inch iPad Pro following reports of bricked devices with ‘Error 56’ issue

Update: Here’s Apple’s comment on the matter:

We’re working on a fix for an issue impacting a small number of iPad units that are receiving an error when trying to update the software. We’ll issue an update as quickly as possible”

Apple has today pulled iOS 9.3.2 for the 9.7 inch iPad Pro, following reports that users were seeing their iPads bricked after updating to the latest iOS release on Monday. The bug does not affect the larger, 12.9 inch iPad Pro. After updating, users seeing the bug would be prompted to Connect to iTunes on the iPad display. However, aside from an Error 56 debug message, the device could not be restored through iTunes or DFU.

Apple acknowledged the issue yesterday in a press statement, suggesting affected users who cannot restore through iTunes should instead contact Apple Support. There is no word on a temporary fix for users who have already been impacted by the problem. It is likely Apple will re-release iOS 9.3.2 for the relevant models soon.

Apple has experienced similar issues with iOS updates in the past, having to re-release several builds of iOS 9 for various reasons. Most recently, Apple pulled an iOS 9.3 update for iPad 2 as the update was causing devices to brick. If you currently visit Software Update on a 9.7 inch Pro, the system will merely indicate that iOS 9.3.1 is the most recent software version.

We have heard a few reports that Apple will replace the iPad Pro at the Genius Bar with new hardware, if bricked by Error 56. To clarify, the Error 56 bricking bug on iOS 9.3.2 has only been reported for 9.7 inch iPad Pro devices. Other iPads and iPhones are not affected and iOS 9.3.2 continues to be available for those devices.

This is the latest public comment from Apple, as of yesterday.

“We’re looking into a small number of reports that some iPad units are receiving an error when updating the software. Those unable to restore their device through iTunes should contact Apple support.”

We’ll update if we receive clarification on what is going on but we expect Apple to republish the iOS 9.3.2 update for iPad Pro soon. Let us know in the comments if you are currently sitting on bricked iPad hardware because of this issue.