I was surprised to learn that iOS 4 - 8 permits updating the firmware without first entering the PIN.<p>Device Firmware Update mode
<a href="https:&#x2F;&#x2F;www.theiphonewiki.com&#x2F;wiki&#x2F;DFU_Mode" rel="nofollow">https:&#x2F;&#x2F;www.theiphonewiki.com&#x2F;wiki&#x2F;DFU_Mode</a><p>This technical factoid is relevant to the current discussion. I did not understand how creating a custom firmware was useful.<p>To further ground the discussion, I found this informative:<p>Legal Process Guidelines U.S. Law Enforcement<p><a href="https:&#x2F;&#x2F;ssl.apple.com&#x2F;privacy&#x2F;docs&#x2F;legal-process-guidelines-us.pdf" rel="nofollow">https:&#x2F;&#x2F;ssl.apple.com&#x2F;privacy&#x2F;docs&#x2F;legal-process-guidelines-...</a><p>Whereas before I was firmly against Apple helping to crack the San Bernadino iPhone, I&#x27;m now merely mostly against.<p>I don&#x27;t understand how this action can help FBI. What additional, unique information could possibly be on this phone that they couldn&#x27;t discover by alternate means?<p>I don&#x27;t understand how an error by FBI obligates Apple to clean up their mess.<p>My understanding is that iOS 9 changed things so that this kind of forensics backdoor is no longer possible, mooting this discussion.<p>FBI should take their lumps and learn from their mistakes.