> "can't participate in society without an apple or google account".

Wow. You nailed it. Thank you.

When desktop operating systems were dominant, the need for the freedom to control your own software installation was beyond obvious.

But now our phones are an even more dominant/necessary computing/communication tool.

Apple and Google's appeal to security is such a fig leaf. They can continue to lock down our phones, add even more security.

BUT, simply provide a way for users to mindfully bypass that. They could make the pass through screen as scary as they feel they need to. That's it.

(If they did that, customer pressure would naturally build over time, for less draconian warnings, as other verifiably/clearly responsible sources became popular.

Another benefit. Apple would soon put its considerable resources competing to delivering the most robust security of a more valuable kind. The kind that enforces the walls between unpermissioned/dark behavior without limiting desired behavior and innovation. That would create healthier quality-loyalty based "lock in" that their vertical integration and high focus DNA already gives them advantages to "win".)