I develop on iOS as a hobby not for business. But I don't know how common that is.

Even as an individual, the agreements you sign would be considered business deals since both you and Apple have the potential to profit from the agreement.

If I am an individual developer and only intend to release free apps, I should be entitled to full customer protections, period. Apple has no excuse here.

But your 'harm' in that scenario is limited to your developer fees and likely the venue limited to small claims court or local equivalent.

Would that also be true if you are an independent developer? Why should individual developers releasing apps not get full customer protections?

Treating all developers as businesses is part of the problem here I think. There should be more bespoke apps by individuals for small audiences — more of a community feel to things.

Apple does not have to cater to independent developers - and it doesn't, per the Developer Agreement contract. Initially you weren't able to develop apps for the iPhone at all - that is okay too.

You are not entitled to get a open computing platform if the thing resembles an... Actually, they defined this form factor!

Right, I understand that's Apple's point of view. I just believe all of this nonsense should be totally illegal.