FBI–Apple encryption dispute

The U.S. Justice Department on April 22 dropped its effort to force Apple Inc to help unlock an iPhone in a drug case in New York after someone provided authorities the passcode to access the device.

The FBI has unlocked the iPhone used by one of the San Bernardino attackers, officials said March 28, ending a heated legal standoff with Apple that had pitted US authorities against Silicon Valley.

Apple went small on March 21 -- cutting prices as well as screen size -- as it unveiled a new iPhone and iPad aimed at first-time buyers and customers in emerging markets.

The battle between the FBI and Apple over encryption moved to Congress on March 1, with both sides arguing security is at risk in the legal wrangling over accessing a locked iPhone.

A federal judge ruled Monday that the U.S. Justice Department cannot use a 227-year-old law to force Apple to provide the FBI with access to locked iPhone data, dealing a blow to the government in its battle with the company over privacy and public safety.