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Apple has not done "this" before. Apple may have unlocked phones for older models (with less security), but with the upgrades to iOS for versions 5 and 6, this
by bmelton 11y ago
Apple has not done "this" before. Apple may have unlocked phones for older models (with less security), but with the upgrades to iOS for versions 5 and 6, this is a much different ask.
The FBI is hoping to have Apple develop a new iOS that does not automatically wipe the device after <x> invalid password attempts, then use their signing keys to push a deployment of that operating system onto this specific phone.
Nobody else has access to Apple's signing keys, ergo nobody has the ability to do this on Apple's behalf.
- gravypod 11y agoYes but they have unlocked phones before and they will conceivably continue to do it. It's not about the difficulty of the task, it is about the principle. I haven't heard of the FBI asking to get apple's keys before, but that is crazy.
- bmelton 11y agoOstensibly, they made the security increases in iOS to prevent from being able to comply with these types of requests, ensuring that their software was as secure as possible. Aside from that, a fourth amendment search or seizure cannot generally compel someone to open a door. The usual logic is that it allows agents entry; the trade-off of letting them in is that you don't have to replace your door after. This isn't a matter of standing aside while the agents effect the search, it's a whole different thing. Put into (what will assuredly be a bad) analogy, whereas a physical property search involves opening a door, or standing aside while the cops break down the door, this scenario is more akin to demanding that Apple build an entirely new house, one without doors, then removing the old building and installing the new building in its place so that the cops can enter.