FBI drops case against Apple after unlocking San Bernardino shooter's phone

The FBI has unlocked San Bernardino shooter Syed Farook's iPhone and is dropping its legal fight with Apple, federal officials said Monday.

In a statement, prosecutors said the decision to "conclude the litigation was based solely on the fact that, with the recent assistance of a third party, we are now able to unlock that iPhone without compromising any information on the phone." The FBI had been seeking Apple's assistance in unlocking the encrypted phone, with the company fighting back, saying it would threaten the privacy of all customers.

The FBI said it had sought an order "compelling Apple to help unlock the phone to fulfill a solemn commitment to the victims of the San Bernardino shooting — that we will not rest until we have fully pursued every investigative lead related to the vicious attack." Officials did not disclose what the FBI has discovered on the phone.

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