Last August the Tame Apple Press told us that Jobs’ Mob had magnanimously agreed to allow independent repair shops to fix its gear. This was hailed as a victory for the right-to-repair movement and proof that Apple really loved polar bears and recycling.

Apple's so-called Independent Repair Provider (IRP) programme had its limitations but was still seen as a step forward for a company that's fought independent repair for years.

However, it would appear that independent repair shops were forced to sign a contract which is lawyers and repair advocates describe as "onerous" and basically gives Apple control over their business.

The contract is also invasive from a consumer privacy standpoint. In order to join the programme, the contract states independent repair shops must agree to unannounced audits and inspections by Apple, which are intended, at least in part, to search for and identify the use of "prohibited" repair parts, meaning  Apple can impose fines.

Even if shop owners leave the programme, Apple reserves the right to continue inspecting repair shops for up to five years afterwards.

Apple also requires repair shops in the programme to share information about their customers at Apple's request, including names, phone numbers, and home addresses.