If what the FBI says is true, it seems like they could have just done this without getting all public with Apple. So they could have gotten access to all these particular phones anyway, without Apple’s help and not broadcast their capability? The whole thing makes no sense. They didn’t realize that some other company could do this or do it this fast or what?
Freegards
My understanding is that they were unaware that another company could do this until after they had already made their filing. Perhaps it was the publicity that motivated this other company to try to crack the IPhone?
You are right. I don't see the FBI advertising the capability if they didn't have to. Ergo, they weren't aware of it (or didn't believe it) prior to making their filing.