REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, WASHINGTON -- Apple said Monday it supports the idea of a panel of experts to consider access to encrypted devices if US authorities drop legal efforts to force it to help break into the iPhone of one of the San Bernardino attackers.

In a statement, Apple reaffirmed its opposition to the US government's effort to compel it to provide technical assistance to the FBI investigation of the deadly December attacks, but also suggested a compromise in the highly charged court battle.

"We feel the best way forward would be for the government to withdraw its demands... (and) as some in Congress have proposed, form a commission or other panel of experts on intelligence, technology and civil liberties to discuss the implications for law enforcement, national security, privacy and personal freedoms," the statement said.

"Apple would gladly participate in such an effort."

Apple's statement -- the latest volley in an escalating legal and public relations battle over encryption -- said enforcing the court order "would set a legal precedent that would expand the powers of the government and we simply don't know where that would lead us."

The statement said it was "possible to create an entirely new operating system to undermine our security features... But it's something we believe is too dangerous to do."

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