Apple isn&#x27;t an arm of military intelligence.  They shouldn&#x27;t be compelled to act as one, particularly when the task would take a month, yes.<p>It&#x27;s not just about time.  Part of Apple&#x27;s product is security.  The DOJ is asking them to weaken their product.  This could cost Apple their business in the long run as foreign companies enter the fray and offer a secure product that Apple is no longer allowed to produce.<p>Keep in mind that there&#x27;s a black market where hacks and exploits for various systems are sold by hackers and bought by intelligence agencies.  If this software is created by Apple, there&#x27;s a chance it could get out there and end up in the wrong hands.