Just waiting for a time when we can say this about Apple and third party repairs.
They've caved somewhat: https://www.apple.com/nz/newsroom/2019/08/apple-offers-custo...
The independent repair program is bullshit and is just a marketing move to try to appear good and avoid regulation being passed. Louis Rossmann (a popular unauthorized repair shop owner) explains it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0rCUF-V1esM
I'm more concerned about what's not clarified: What are the costs to these independent repair specialists? Are they being charged exorbitant fees to keep Apple's in-house repair options more competitive? What cut is Apple taking, if any, per repair? Does Apple guarantee a repair made through these independent providers isn't going to result in a bricked device down the road? Can consumers see a cost breakdown of parts and labor like we can with repairs to non-Apple devices? And what criteria is being used to determine an "authorized" third party? Is that criteria biased against critics of Apple's platform? Is this considered a "license to repair", and if so, under what conditions is Apple reserving the right to revoke that license?
I have more questions than anything else.
If you're considering downvoting them, there's news articles about when Apple caved and allowed 3rd party cables.