What happens when Apple decides that the current model of iPad is too old to bother replacing batteries on? You can no longer maintain your own device. If you

What happens when Apple decides that the current model of iPad is too old to bother replacing batteries on? You can no longer maintain your own device. If you have to send it to Apple, you already can't maintain your own device, regardless of whether they decide to keep supporting it. I would note that Apple still replaces batteries for the original iPod. And as far as I know Apple doesn't prevent third parties from replacing batteries. What is the fundamental difference between the batteries and another component, like the hard drive?