It seems like everyone in these discussions sees only two worlds: lawless hellscape of intrusive, data-stealing apps that permit freedom or “walled garden” of good apps that restrict it and users’ freedom. The truth, as always, is already somewhere in between. And it will be after iOS 17.
Let’s see how Apple innovates in this space. It’s time. The iPhone is 16 years old this year. Time to users get behind the wheel if they want to.
My nightmare scenario is if every country and mobile reseller will come up with their own app store, and pre-load/make users use those. Once Apple gave in, they will press further to make this happen.
These stores would onboard Facebook and other big apps, but regular solo dev will have to submit each app to a dozen of different stores and comply with a dozen of different requirements and review processes or pass on user share to some local dev who copies the idea quickly enough.
The EU is pushing for (has already ratified?) rules against even pre-installing Apple apps, or at least making it easy to remove them. I’m certain that Apple, who sells their phones directly, will be able to keep the carrier bloat at bay.
But I also share that concern. It’s one reason I don’t use android as a daily driver.
Let’s see how Apple innovates in this space. It’s time. The iPhone is 16 years old this year. Time to users get behind the wheel if they want to.