That's all right and all fine. It's my user choice to install any crappy third party app store on the hardware I bought. I would like to not being protected. The same on windows, I'm warned than executing an unknown program is a risk for me and if I don't know what I do, then I should not do it. That is perfectly fine. Small fences with warning signs instead of 10 meters walls.
User choice works the other direction as well: that consumers can choose to knowingly purchase a device that is locked down, for reasons of safety, trust, experience, etc.
I happen to broadly favor anti-trust intervention against Apple in this instance; but it's not as though Apple ever deceived users about what their devices can and can't do. They sell appliances, not "computers". Freedom (arguably) includes the freedom to take one's own freedoms away, at least up to a point.
I agree with this. I pay for the experience Apple delivers. I don’t want an open mobile device, or a free (as in software) mobile device. It’s my hardware but I agree that Apple dictates the terms and delegate them the authority necessary. I want a curated experience and pay a premium for it, after tolerating the rough edges of Android for years.
I’m generally fine with the general lockdown on iOS, but at the same time there really are only two smartphone players. It’s either the free-for-all Android or the rigid-reviewed apps on iOS. Given the market realities having at least the ability to side load apps should be allowed. Apple can still offer their curated experience, but I should also be able to add my own open source (or whatever) App Store without Apple’s blessing. Just because I generally like Apple’s approach on the App Store doesn’t mean I shouldn’t be able to “mod” my own hardware. It’s like if I buy a BMW because I like their quality, integration and security that’s fine, but I still want to be able to replace the stereo if I choose. Actually I think it’s my right since I own the hardware, no? Or better, if I install a Sirius XM radio in my car why in the world should Sirius be forced to pay BMW for that “privilege”? If they want to integrate into their pre-made BMW stereo system sure, but I want to be able replace that with my own stereo.
The problem with such a „soft“ system as opposed to a hard sandbox is that rules may change after you purchased the phone and rules get applied inconsistently. Both happens regularly.
