Apple defends refusing to create bypass software
Apple Inc.Company statement signed by CEO Tim Cook
Apple argues that the requested software and precedent could weaken security beyond the seized phone. It distinguishes new software creation from the assistance it had already provided.
Responding to
Compelling Apple to create software bypassing iPhone safeguards would exceed the government's proper authority and threaten security beyond this investigation.
“We feel we must speak up in the face of what we see as an overreach by the U.S. government.”
Official statement
Where this statement fits
Was Apple right to refuse to create software to unlock the San Bernardino iPhone?
Apple opposed creating software to bypass safeguards on a seized San Bernardino iPhone. The government sought to compel its assistance under a court order. The proceeding ended when investigators obtained access without Apple and the order was vacated; the court did not resolve the disputed authority on the merits.
Source and context
Official statement
About this source
Cook explains Apple's refusal to create software to bypass iPhone safeguards. The letter also says Apple had provided data in its possession and engineering assistance.
Before the quotation
A court had ordered assistance with a seized iPhone in the San Bernardino investigation.
After the quotation
Apple says it supplied data in its possession and engineering advice, but objects to creating software that would bypass safeguards.
How this statement is classified
The label describes this statement's response within the context above.
Why this label?
The company justifies its refusal to create the bypass software, the conduct addressed by this case.
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- Published here
More from this case
Read the full caseDOJ criticizes Apple's resistance to the San Bernardino unlocking order
United States Department of Justice
“Apple’s rhetoric is not only false, but also corrosive of the very institutions that are best able to safeguard our liberty and our rights”Read statement
CDT supports Apple's challenge to the unlocking order
Center for Democracy & Technology
“The Center for Democracy & Technology (CDT) has filed an amicus brief in support of Apple in its challenge to the FBI order”Read statement
Microsoft backs Apple and calls for modern privacy laws
Microsoft
“By standing with Apple, we’re standing up for customers who depend on us to keep their most private information safe and secure.”Read statement
Cite this record
- Publisher
- The Dispute Index
- Title
- Apple defends refusing to create bypass software
- First published
- Last updated
- Permalink
- https://disputeindex.com/events/5535-apple-argues-that-the-requested-software-and-precedent
Last updated marks the most recent saved version of this published statement.
The Dispute Index. "Apple defends refusing to create bypass software". First published: 2026-10-11. Last updated: 2026-10-11. https://disputeindex.com/events/5535-apple-argues-that-the-requested-software-and-precedent