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It sounds like Cook wasn't talking about a "precedent" but about the actual OS: "Specifically, the FBI wants us to make a new version of the iPhone operating s

It sounds like Cook wasn't talking about a "precedent" but about the actual OS: "Specifically, the FBI wants us to make a new version of the iPhone operating system, circumventing several important security features, and install it on an iPhone recovered during the investigation. In the wrong hands, this software — which does not exist today — would have the potential to unlock any iPhone in someone’s physical possession. The FBI may use different words to describe this tool, but make no mistake: Building a version of iOS that bypasses security in this way would undeniably create a backdoor. And while the government may argue that its use would be limited to this case, there is no way to guarantee such control."

allworknoplay 11y ago
Cook responded before there was much public discussion on the issue, and may have framed it in these terms thinking they would garner support (I never agree with those decisions, but it seems likely). He may also be under obligations to refrain from discussing certain aspects of the FBI's work or may for legal purposes not have been willing to make accusations (they only want this for precedent) that aren't possible to back up. He may even have his own motivations that diverge from those of the public (gasp). Regardless, we as tech-literate folk can understand that this isn't a master key but would be unprecedented (and therefore create new legal precedent).