Structurally, in modern society, it is becoming increasingly difficult to thrive without a smartphone on either iOS or Android. You can exist, but it's a much

Structurally, in modern society, it is becoming increasingly difficult to thrive without a smartphone on either iOS or Android. You can exist, but it's a much higher burden than most going through life even with the cheapest Android smartphone. (Luckily there ARE lots of fairly cheap options) I wouldn't call it as foundational as water, power, heating, fire protection, or healthcare...but the analogy to phoneline connectivity becomes more and more appropriate. This is not the fault of Apple or Google, but it is a reality. Arguably they don't actually want it because what comes next will not be favourable to them. If mobile OS access is as required as a phone line in the modern world, then you can't treat them like Shopping Malls, but rather Bridges across a river that divides a town. You don't want private companies deciding on the tolls and policies for crossing that bridge. We either shift more towards the open web as you suggested, or we regulate Apple/Google.