iOS 9.3.2 Bricking Some 9.7-inch iPad Pro Devices With 'Error 56' Message [Updated] - MacRumorsOpen MenuShow RoundupsShow Forums menuVisit ForumsOpen Sidebar
Skip to Content

iOS 9.3.2 Bricking Some 9.7-inch iPad Pro Devices With 'Error 56' Message [Updated]

iOS 9.3.2 is causing problems for some 9.7-inch iPad Pro owners, with multiple MacRumors readers and Twitter users reporting issues shortly after installing the update over the air. Affected users are seeing an "Error 56" message that instructs them to plug their devices into iTunes.

brickedipad

An iPad Pro bricked after installing iOS 9.3.2. Image via Twitter.

While not all 9.7-inch iPad Pro users have reported problems, there have been a number of reports on the MacRumors forums and on social networks, suggesting the problem is widespread. Attempting to restore through iTunes doesn't appear to resolve the issue. From MacRumors user NewtypeCJ:

Mine is bricked. Says it needs to be plugged into iTunes, won't restore or update, just a big loop. Fantastic. :/

According to Apple's error code support document, error 56 is a hardware issue. The document recommends installing the latest version of iTunes, checking for issues with third-party security software, and attempting a restore twice. Apple recommends customers who are still seeing the error message contact Apple support.

With a number of users affected by the bricking issue, Apple will likely need to release an updated version of iOS 9.3.2 that solves the problem.

Update May 17, 10:47 PM: Apple has issued a statement to iMore's Rene Ritchie, simply stating the company is "looking into a small number of reports" regarding this issue.

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.

No cause or specific solution has apparently been determined.

Related Forum: iOS 9

Popular Stories

Apple Event Logo

Apple Working on All-New Operating System

Wednesday July 29, 2026 11:39 am PDT by
Apple is developing an all-new operating system that is essentially a mix of tvOS, watchOS, and iOS, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. In a report this week, he said the operating system will feature a grid of icons, widgets, and apps, along with customizable clock faces. The new software platform is intended for Apple's long-rumored smart home hub. With built-in facial recognition,...
imac video apple feature

Apple Made Its Second-Biggest Acquisition Ever This Year

Wednesday July 29, 2026 12:03 pm PDT by
Apple this year acquired Israeli startup Q.ai for close to $2 billion, according to the Financial Times. That would make this Apple's second-biggest acquisition ever, after it paid $3 billion for the popular headphone maker Beats in 2014. This is also the largest known Apple acquisition since the company purchased Intel's smartphone modem business and patents for $1 billion in 2019. Q.ai...
Dynamic Island iPhone 18 Pro Feature

iPhone 18 Pro: Twelve Changes Coming to Apple's Next Flagship

Thursday July 30, 2026 3:43 am PDT by
We're less than two months out from the launch of Apple's premium next-generation smartphone lineup, and while we're not expecting a dramatic change in terms of functionality, there are still several enhancements rumored to be coming to the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. One thing worth noting is that Apple is reportedly planning a major change to its iPhone release cycle this year,...

Top Rated Comments

MacDevil7334 Avatar
133 months ago
Every damn iOS update! Quality control has absolutely gone down the toilet over there! The part I don't get is how this managed to slip through 4 betas unnoticed.
Score: 62 Votes (Like | Disagree)
jmh600cbr Avatar
133 months ago
I'm not even surprised any more. I'm sort of impressed.
Score: 58 Votes (Like | Disagree)
dannys1 Avatar
133 months ago
I do wonder, has quality really got worse - or is there now just A LOT more Apple devices and a LOT more internet coverage of every issue than ever in the history of Apple.
Score: 43 Votes (Like | Disagree)
jackth29 Avatar
133 months ago
I can't remember a time when I've felt things at Apple were this messy.
Score: 40 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Tim Chef Avatar
133 months ago
They're upgrading wrong.
Score: 34 Votes (Like | Disagree)
133 months ago
"Pro". Gets me every time!
Score: 30 Votes (Like | Disagree)

🔗 Related Apple News & Rumors

Stay updated with the latest Apple ecosystem news and verified rumors