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So what? How would Apple be able to say yes in this case, but no in the next case? Developing such a system when none exists is effectively creating a back door for every iOS device out there.

> How would Apple be able to say yes in this case, but no in the next case?

Well, because an actual judge would be required to make such a decision, and in each case, the merits would be assessed separately. So Apple could say no, and a judge might agree with them "right, the government has no grounds here".

(IANAL, and IANEAA - I am not even an American).

That is extremely difficult to do after it's already been revealed that Apple has the capability to do so.

And then they know that this is a simple change to an if statement the next time they want to do this.

Presumably that change would invalidate the signature.

So? They'd compel Apple to resign the firmware.

Not an Apple fan so genuinely curious how this unique ID is secured.