The government is asking (or demanding) that Apple write software that currently does not exist. Apple can’t just magically enter in the passcode to unlock the phone. They don’t know what the passcode is.
“The government is asking (or demanding) that Apple write software that currently does not exist.”
This, of course, implies that someone can write some software that can break Apple’s password lockout feature.
While I’m sure that it would be much more difficult without Apple’s help, it means that all someone needs is a good hacker with familiarity with Apple’s codes. That certainly puts a lie to Apple’s claim that if they do it, then everyone’s phone is at risk, when everyone’s phone is NOW at risk.
Apple just doesn’t want to do it.