Your analysis is correct, just missing one thing: apple can pretend to refuse the domestic government requests. It is good for their reputation and profits. Bu

Your analysis is correct, just missing one thing: apple can pretend to refuse the domestic government requests. It is good for their reputation and profits. But given what they do abroad, I have no reason to believe they don't do the same at home. If they don't, a secret court order with a gag clause and jail term for those who refuse to comply will make them obey. Neither apple nor the government has any interest in this public display of force. Plausible deniability again: make people believe apple stand for their right, even if you don't get stuff to pin down a know bad guy or two - doesn't matter if you still have plenty on them or if they're dead