“The FBI would like to use this methodology with every single phone for which they obtain a COURT ORDER.
Apple is deliberately trying to fear stampede the public into believing the government is trying to access *ALL* their phones without warrants, in other words, Apple is promoting an intentional lie. “
Oh really??
The same government has elevated lying and illegal domestic spying to a national sport. Hayden and his NSA did it and lied to Congress about it. Do you believe they are now willing to accept it and live within the rules? If they have it, they will use it illegally. (or with the permission of an utterly un-American secret court!)
How about ATF? It is flat ass illegal for them to compile registration lists and to use NICS check firearm transactions to compile a list of guns and owners. They can only use it briefly for auditing purposes. But they laughed and started doing it.
How about IRS openly launching investigations into groups solely because of their political beliefs? Then saying they have destroyed all records of it. This is pure banana republic stuff.
But you say that the FBI would never never never access phones without a warrant. Naïve at best. In the face of so much evidence its either stupid or treacherous.
Since they will not have the means to do so, I can safely say they won't do so. Once again, I repeat the fact that Apple can maintain custody of the hardware and software without giving either to the FBI.
The only way the FBI gets a hold of their modified software is if Apple inc decides to give it to them.