You're no entitled to a "feature" of my phone blocking functionality that doesn't affect you.

That's just dumb. You knew going into what Apple was like. Most of the phones on the earth are Android. How is Apple a monopoly?

> You're no entitled to a "feature" of my phone blocking functionality that doesn't affect you.

I respect that you would prefer other stores, but I would prefer a single store, that's all. I don't think I'm entitled to anything. I bought an iPhone with the expectation of a walled garden, but if that changes then I can re-evaluate my phone choice. BigCorp doesn't own me anything.

Also, a second store would affect me. I will have to make a decision on whether to trust a separate store or not use those apps. I'd prefer not to have to make that choice.

I've seen many things described as a feature but platform monopoly is a new one, unless 'many of us' in this case means 'Apple shareholder'

Why can't the increased security of the review process be a feature?

it can (on the official app store), it's just not an argument against letting other stores compete on the same platform. For all I care put a banner up that says 'this is not first party Apple software, you use it on your own risk!' and what is the problem? You're not being robbed of your safe Apple store at all, users only gain choice.

And the "feature" is what, exactly?