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Trump calls for Apple boycott over iPhone in terror attack

Technically Incorrect: The Republican candidate says it's just occurred to him that Apple should be boycotted until it agrees to help the FBI hack a phone linked to the San Bernardino shootings.

Technically Incorrect offers a slightly twisted take on the tech that's taken over our lives.


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Now it's Trump vs Apple.

LeoGrossman2015/YouTube screenshot by Chris Matyszczyk/CNET

Having asked rhetorically "Who do they think they are?" of Apple, Donald Trump went one step further.

At a campaign rally in South Carolina Friday, the Republican candidate was talking about bringing jobs back from China when he abruptly segued into lambasting Apple's decision not to comply with an FBI order demanding it hack an iPhone tied the San Bernardino terror attack.

"First of all, Apple ought to give the security for that phone," he said. "What I think you ought to do is boycott Apple until such time as they give that security number."

"How do you like that? I just thought of that," he said.

Trump explained that the iPhone 5C in question is owned by the government, "but Tim Cook is looking to do a big number, probably to show how liberal he is."

Apple didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.

However, in an open letter published in its Web site, Cook staunchly defended Apple's position, calling the FBI's move "an unprecedented step which threatens the security of our customers."

For Trump, boycotting Apple is "a great idea" and the notion was received with a smattering of applause.

But what might boycotting Apple actually mean? Throwing away one's iPhone? Refusing to call anyone who has an iPhone? Refusing to go to an Apple store?

The details of such things can be very tricky.