Syed Farook

The U.S. technology giant said it received between 13,250 and 13,499 requests affecting between 9,000 and 9,249 accounts, according to its transparency report. Apple is not allowed to disclose the specific numbers of requests received so has to do so in a range.

Apple chief Tim Cook went public on Feb. 24 in his battle with the FBI, saying that unlocking an iPhone in the name of fighting terrorism would be "bad for America."  

A court order the U.S. government requested to force Apple to unlock an iPhone linked to the San Bernardino shooting rampage is about "the victims and justice," FBI Director James Comey said.

As many as three people killed at least 14 people and wounded another 17 during a Christmas party at a center for the disabled in San Bernardino, California, on Wednesday. Three shooters, reportedly clad in military-style gear and masks, barged into the center and opened fired in the deadliest mass shooting to take place in the United States in three years.