That's the problem, "authorized shop". The only reason you need to be "authorized" is to give Apple money for upgrading something that you own. It's a lock-in s

That's the problem, "authorized shop". The only reason you need to be "authorized" is to give Apple money for upgrading something that you own. It's a lock-in scheme. Imagine having to go to a Toyota or Honda dealer just to get a battery upgraded, and that it cost 10x more than replacing the battery in a Ford or Chevy at a 3rd party dealer. The battery is no different, just the manufacturer. Also, what if you don't live in an area with an authorized Apple store? I think there's only 2 Apple Stores in my state, and if I drive south, the next authorized Apple reseller is 4 hours away (I don't think they even do repairs). On the flip side, there are PC repair stores peppered in nearly every town. That's like saying that the only place you can get your car repaired is 2 hours away, even though there are 3 car repair stores that repair literally every other kind of car in your home town. That's a BIG deal!