[simonh]

There is nothing new about this model, of selling a device with optional software bought later from the vendor. It’s how games consoles have worked, from the Atari 2600 to the Nintendo Switch, even cars work this way with optional after market ‘performance packs’ that are just software tweaks. VTech used sell toys like mini laptops for children, with little software ‘disks’ you could buy with educational games on them.

[mrep]

True, but to be fair, phones are a way bigger market and 1 of the practically only 2 operating systems is doing it which is why it is such a huge complaint.

I don't complain about my Xbox because I can buy a computer that can run most the same games where I can do anything I want (not to say I don't want to be able to do anything but phones are a much bigger market with only 1 real competitor which does allow you to side load apps)

[simonh]

There have been many, many other competitors, some of which had huge market share to start with. The market decided this, not Apple. There has been plenty to choose from over the years. Consumers chose the options that won, because those are the ones they want.

I don’t want to put words in your mouth, but to paraphrase in saying there is ‘only one’ choice in the market that is truly open you seem to be arguing that any second option ought to be too. That competition on openness is more important that there even being a closed option at all. Surely that would give consumers less choice though, not more?

But as I have pointed out, there have been plenty of other options and every now and then a ‘truly’ open phone comes out again.