And Apple has services for replacing that. Although I used to repair my devices myself, it makes sense from Apple’s POV. There’s far more people who don’t know how to do this (or couldn’t be bothered to learn and when they fuck up, they blame Apple) than people in HN’s demographics that are willing and knowledgeable enough.

The bigger problem is not techy owners, it's locking out repair shops from doing a quick and cost-effective job.

Everyone knows how to use a repair shop.

And what's the problem with having Apple authorize and vet repair shops to ensure they use genuine parts and whatnot?

The vetting isn't anywhere near the biggest issue. Did you think that's the main thing people were complaining about?

The inability to take parts out of broken phones is one of the big ones. The inability to stock up on parts so they can do a same-day replacement is also one of the big ones.

People are complaining about a lot of things. I don’t know. If there’s a secure way to stock up on parts and use parts from broken phones that also works with anti-theft goals then yes they should do that.

Do you sincerely believe what Apple is doing is the least restrictive means to achieve that goal?