Don't use third parties then. Problem solved!!
Equally, when someone is considering buying a phone, they are unlikely to compare the lists of apps available for each platform when making their decision, just as car buyers don't look at the levels of tailpipe emissions when comparing possible cars. In such situations we accept that the government can intervene to prevent socially negative outcomes, even if it means increasing the costs (or decreasing the profit margins) for companies.
In any case, the problem isn't just the switching costs for users who discover their platform is limiting their app choices (or increasing their app charges), it's that companies trying to sell apps to users can't choose to simply "Don't use an iPhone", as Apple is preventing commerce between iPhone users and those companies, which is again not socially beneficial.
- You can download Facebook and WhatsApp from the Meta Store
- You can get Google software from the Google Store, except Gmail and Maps which are available in the Apple App Store too, but YouTube is a Google Store exclusive. Or and Authenticator is only available on the Google App Store with a valid company login. So you'll have to switch accounts depending on if you are logging in as a user for yourself or your company.
- You can get Netflix from the App Store, Google Store, or Facebook store but each requires that you log in to the respective store with an account before logging in to your Netflix account and the pricing is different depending on the cut each of the stores takes. Google is interested in finding what Netflix shows you are watching so they can adjust your YouTube algorithms.
- You can download Twitter from the Apple App Store and Google, but not Facebook.
And you can download the MLB App if you have a Prime subscription because of a new partnership, but only if you have the Amazon Prime App.
Can't wait!
-edit-
As a general shareholder I care. But in that area I think Apple will figure out a solution that keeps the status quo. They're #1 for a reason.
You're right that there are other bills in the pipeline. I think the user experience will be worse off because of them and we'll lose lots of ground on privacy and convenience, but it's inevitable because small, vocal minorities usually win even when they make everything worse for everyone else.
It'll be interesting to see the fallout though. It won't take long for others to connect the dots and start filing lawsuits for any store or platform with any sort of standards. Obvious first targets are companies like Sony, Nintendo, and Microsoft for consoles. But other non-obvious targets will start being platforms. Take Chrome - why can I only use (and maybe I can't and I don't know) Google's Chrome Store to install third-party software? Or rather, why can't I install another "App Store" on Chrome and replace Google's? Maybe you can (and I'd argue it has to be identical in terms of convenience and ease of use to qualify) but there will definitely be other, similar targets for lawsuits.
Two points
1. User experience is already bed. No access to game streaming services and many valid open source apps not available on iOS
2. User experience is not be the only matrix that matters. What about poor indie developer whose app is banned due to opaque App store rules. What about having control over device you bought with your own money
> What about poor indie developer whose app is banned due to opaque App store rules
They'll just have the opportunity to get banned from more than one store I guess. Then once this indie developer decides its profitable to scam their customers they'll create their own app store and just install their software that way, bypassing any legitimate bans too.
1. More app store will compete with each other to provide better app delivery service to developers.
2. Host the app on a website and install it from there. No need for app stores. There I solved it for you
I'm not going to reply to you anymore as your arguments lack depth and seriousness