If ti takes an army of 1000 programmers working for several years to do this, that is going to be expensive. Plus, taking this people away from their usual jobs is going to hurt Apple.
Maybe the issue is that enough money has not yet been offered...
Maybe if the government had actually done its’ frickin’ job and kept the terrorists out of the country, they wouldn’t have to come begging to Apple.
FBI/govt. has to reimburse Apple for any work done...
bottom of “All Writs Act” court order here:
https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/2714001-SB-Shooter-Order-Compelling-Apple-Asst-iPhone.html
Hopefully no work will be needed.