[simonh]

For this one case you're right because the FBI will allow Apple to lock the special OS build to this device's ID. The problem is if the FBI can force Apple to create a special build to order, with features specified by the FBI, they can also be ordered by the FBI to create an OS build that isn't locked to one device. And if the FBI can make them do this, so can any law enforcement or government agency capable of finding an amenable judge, such as say the CIA, the DEA, the NSA, or any random public prosecutor. THAT is the problem.

[mistermumble]

Not to mention that once this is done in the US, what is to prevent other governments in countries where Apple does business to compel Apple to do the same?

China (or Russia or Germany or whoever) could force Apple to backdoor phones used by CIA informants in that country.

[fredsir]

And the fact that who is to assure that Apple doesn't leave one or multiple bugs around that makes the compromised OS not so tied to a single device as they meant it to be?

It's a ticking bomb, man.

[russell_h]

The FBI can't legally do any of that.