iTunes Activation Servers Appear To Resume Working After Bricking Fiasco

[Michael Essany]

Last night, as chronicled in a swelling exchange of comments in Apple Support Communities, iTunes activation servers apparently went down, a situation that resulted in countless bricked iOS devices. As we understand it, the bricking took place upon upgrading the iOS device's firmware to the newest version (either through iTunes or restoring). Subsequently, however, iTunes mysteriously failed to connect with Apple’s activation servers.

Users reporting this problem received this message during their ordeal: "There is a problem with your device. We’re sorry, the device you connected may be damaged and cannot be activated for service. We recommend you visit your nearest Apple Store for more information. To find your nearest Apple Store, click here."

Given the global scope of the problem (users in myriad countries have reported this glitch) and that it occurs on both Windows and OS X, blaming iTunes activation servers for the issue seems the safest bet. Regardless of the problem's source, this tech headache has made it a rough Saturday for more iDevice owners than we can possibly imagine.

Fortunately, however, the massive discussion now reflects a good number of posters who say the apparent problem has been resolved. Many of those who reported their iPhone, iPad, and iPod bricked now say their devices are working normally once again.

Source: Apple Support Communities

[mmaboi21]

Holy crap that suxxx, I was just about to update too.

[feidhlim1986]

What is the reason that an iDevice needs to phone home every time you update or restore?

[davesnothere11]

Looks like I did my restore just in time, a day before this. Can't wait till there's an alternative method to iTunes.

[russjr08]

What is the reason that an iDevice needs to phone home every time you update or restore?

To check if you have SHSH blobs signed for that firmware.... aka making it impossible to downgrade unless you use Cydia/TinyUmbrella's Server.

[sk8ertim]

Ah!
Now I know why my Mom's iPinky (pink iPhone 3gs) bricked all the sudden!

[Funked]

What is the reason that an iDevice needs to phone home every time you update or restore?

Probably just so Apple can verify the restore/update, so they can stop you from downgrading firmware etc.

[<(O)> Device]

Glad I'm sticking with 4.2.1 for now I love my iPhone 4 just the way it is

[RICO_]

Over/Under on how long the servers actually STAY working? :P

[Ozzie5374]

Holy crap ........

You watch too many Batman Movies.

[creasy425]

Over/Under on how long the servers actually STAY working? :P

18 hours. Or less.

[steve-z17]

Glad I decided to wait.

[LastSonOfKrypton]

Good enough reason to use TinyUmbrella. You don't even have to be jailbroken to back up your blobs.

[mmaboi21]

You watch too many Batman Movies.

Not sure I know what that means

[thevmax]

And yet another reason to stay away from iTunes!

[mr117]

I updated (from 4.3.2) today around 2pm Pacific time using Pwnage to make a 4.3.3 custom firmware (I had already downloaded a stock firmware a few days ago) with no iTunes issues. Simply created the custom firmware, option-clicked Restore and Bob was my Uncle. Everything worked fine, a really quick install that seemed faster than when I did the 4.3.2 the same way, and set it up as a new phone. I guess I dodged a nasty bullet. Unless the problem involved ONLY updating to the current stock firmware through iTunes (which I did not do).

[IPHONE USER]

You watch too many Batman Movies.

lol, i understand even if he dont,

[NetMage]

Does anyone not know the definition of bricked any more?

If the iDevice was bricked, it would never work again. These were down for a day - not even close.

[mr117]

Temporarily bricked? Partially bricked? For the interim bricked? Briefly bricked? Fleetingly bricked? For the nonce bricked? Momentarily bricked? Provisionally bricked?

You know, when your phone won't function, and no matter what you do you can't get it to work again, it feels like the phone is.... bricked. Time is relative, and to a person with a non-functioning phone it feels like the phone is bricked forever.

[ooberwoot]

lol.... that's why the hold time for ATT tech support was through the roof yesterday.