Setting aside this abhorrent behavior and the entire question of "smart" appliances and anti-consumer behaviors, I would like to point out:

It would be trivially easy - as in, as easy as Legos - to use push fittings (such as sharkbites) and a short, extra length of hose and cheap in-line filter to insert a pre-filter just before the refrigerator.

You would then gain the ability to change the filter with any you like, anytime you like, and the interior filter of the refrigerator would last, basically, forever.

Seriously - no plumbing involved - you are putting together 2-3 pieces from the hardware store, like Legos.