It is about the precedent. Consider that the current fully secure Apple device situation is point A, and the fully exploited your private data is easily extracted by criminals easily cracked Apple device situation is point Z.<p>The FBI is currently arguing for point B - just this device. The argument is - it is so close to point A, there is no issue!<p>If the FBI wins point B, then they will argue for point C. - it is so close to point B, there is no issue!<p>If the FBI wins point C, then they will argue for point D. - it is so close to point C, there is no issue!<p>Repeat over and over.<p>At about point M or sooner an exploit or the extraction processes to the gradually less secure device would probably become available to governments through means legal or otherwise and we would probably hit point Z straight away.<p>Apple are trying to stop the inevitable by not starting, the FBI are arguing for point B.