Another commenter mentioned that this is probably happening due to the EU’s right-to-repair law. If Apple has to provide the parts and instructions there, then they might as well do it in the US as well and get some good press and goodwill for supporting the bill.
It’s essentially the same reason why once the EU’s USB-C law goes into effect, the US versions will (probably) also switch to USB-C, even though it isn’t required.
Another commenter mentioned that this is probably happening due to the EU’s right-to-repair law. If Apple has to provide the parts and instructions there, then they might as well do it in the US as well and get some good press and goodwill for supporting the bill.
It’s essentially the same reason why once the EU’s USB-C law goes into effect, the US versions will (probably) also switch to USB-C, even though it isn’t required.