As of March 2021, reports suggested Apple remained in the dark over how the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) successfully unlocked the San Bernardino shooter's iPhone without needing the company's direct cooperation. While there had been speculations and various theories from security experts on potential methods used, such as a zero-day software exploit developed by a "third-party company" as the FBI stated without giving specific details, Apple itself confirmed it had not assisted in bypassing the iPhone's protection. Despite its continued uncertainty over these events, Apple expressed ongoing commitment to the protection of user privacy and secure devices for its customers.