[flntzr]

This is disheartening.

I feel as an Android user, you've always had to put up with a more incoherent overall experience compared to iOS but received some additional freedom in return.

In recent years, Google has been steadily eroding their end of the bargain.

I wonder where that will leave them in the long term. Short term, I think restricting side loading will reduce piracy and drive sales of their subscriptions. Long term though, I wonder what will set Android devices apart from iOS for the average user, apart from being offered at different price points.

It feels they're playing themselves into a position where they're more directly competing with Apple, ultimately restricting themselves to lower price devices and lower margin sales. As far as walled gardens go, I personally prefer Apple's and I assume most people do.