With Apple App Store, there is no alternative. Your iOS application cannot be distributed without Apple's approval.
It seems clear that it's not, since I can easily bounce from store to store, and it's much more complicated (though by no means impossible) to switch mobile platforms.
The other position also seems extreme: defining the scope of the market as "iOS users" would result in forcing Apple to make room in their store for everyone and everything, as if it weren't possible to seek alternatives at all.
It's not an easy issue, but both starting positions seem extreme.
Also, the app you built was specifically for apple. You cannot sell it anywhere else.
iOS market share is less than 15%
> Also, the app you built was specifically for apple. You cannot sell it anywhere else.
Sounds like the app developer is taking a deliberate risk while doing so. Why do they need to be protected?
iOS has 25% share worldwide. And in the USA, where most customers will be for most startups, it has 58% market share.
There is google play store, huawei app gallery, amazon app store and so on.