I'll have to read that link, this is a 181° changes in Apple's attitude. Wonder if they will also de-activate the battery replacement attack?!
OK, reading the Apple News page, here is a hint as to their reasoning:
Apple will provide more independent repair businesses ... with the same genuine parts, tools, training, repair manuals and diagnostics as its Apple Authorized Service Providers (AASPs).
From what I've read, Apple has been losing AASPs for several years because these folks are not allowed to actually do much of any parts replacements. The relationship with the AASPs was not exactly cordial. I suspect Apple is simply trying to find other sources to take the load off their own workers. But that's just my cynical opinion. It is possible that Apple is actually listening to their AASPs and their customers.
We'll see. "Trust but carry a big stick."