In other words, Apple complies with paragraph 18 of EU-Directive 2024/1799: "manufacturers are to provide access to spare parts, repair and maintenance information or any repair related software tools, firmware or similar auxiliary means."

This directive applies EU-wide for all devices sold after 31st of July 2026. Some countries have earlier deadlines, e.g. devices sold in Germany after 20th of June 2025.

I'm glad that they didn't try to delay it for the better part of a decade like they did with USB charging ports.

Yeah, this stuff needs to be plastered on billboards in Times Square.

Almost every time they do this stuff, it's because the EU is forcing them.