Update to 6.1.1 failed - stuck in recovery mode?

Question

I am a Vodafone customer in the UK with an iPhone 4S.  I didn't actually see the warning from Vodafone saying not to update to 6.1.0 and so went ahead and did it.  I had no problems whatsoever, was working perfectly fine.  I then saw the release of 6.1.1 and the advice from Vodafone to do it.  I went ahead and did it Over The Air but it didn't complete.  I got the message on my phone saying to plug into iTunes.  iTunes said my phone was in recovery mode and I had to restore.  Tried to do it but got unknown error 36 and the restore failed.  Went through all the suggestions on the support website - tried different computers (Windows and Mac OS), different USB cables, different network etc.  Contacted support in the UK and they called back.  Went through the whole thing again, tried the holding home and reset trick etc.  Still not luck.  In the end they put me through to support in the US who said they have the engineers looking at it.
Has anyone else had this issue?  Error 36 can be a hardware error and I'm worried they will say there is a problem with my device and make me pay for servicing (out of warranty).  There was absolutely nothing wrong with it, it was definitely the upgrade to 6.1.1 that did it.  Without sounding selfish, I'm hoping it is a widespread issue so that they admit liability and fix/replace without cost or release 6.1.2. 

Answer 1

Hi All
Good news of sorts. Took my phone to a local repairer and they have seen a growing number of iPhones phones doing the same thing with the latest "update" to 6.1.1. They have no idea what is the cause nor the actual solution but have found by progressing a phone down a number of computer and different cables and doing a DFU (think that is the term) eventually one combination of computer and cable works, if you are lucky. The best cable they have found is a cheap non-genuine one with a particular computer been "luckier" than most. If this does not work then you have to send back to the people you brought the phone from (Telstra in Australia my case and I wish anyone luck dealing with them) and either claim warranty (be almost certain to be told you either dropped it or soaked it) or if you want to see a phone in your lifetime shell out $270 for a reconditioned replacement.
Because I used iTunes and accepted the backup before "upgrade/brick" option my iPhone is currently restoring my applications and data. Looks promising. Total cost for this "random" repair was $47 from the local company. Oh, and yes the "upgrade" blew 1GB of my data allowance which in Australia is mega expensive if you overrun your limit ($2,500 penalty charges or maybe $250 depending what mood Telstra are in).
Dear Mr/Ms/Mrs/Master/Madam Apple you have seriously affected and annoyed a customer.
So if you are having no joy try a repairer that has a few computers and cables and if you are lucky then they might be able to "unbrick" your iPhone by doing a DFU but do mention to them they might need to try a few computers and cables before getting lucky.
Hope you are as "lucky" as I was.