So buy an iPhone or an android? The consumer only has two options?
Until another maker comes along with a successful alternative, when it comes to smartphone OS yes, you can choose between iPhone or Android. So what? There are tons of Android makers who offer a huge variety of options. Whether or not iOS has a walled garden approach doesn't change that consumers have AMPLE choice from the competition. And the competition offers a different approach which allows things like side loading, so not only can they buy alternatives (many of them CHEAPER) they have different options when they do. Further, forcing Apple to allow alternate app stores won't change that iPhone or Android are the only major smartphone OS choices, in fact Apple sticking to its offering should make it EASIER for a competitor to arise by offering an alternative approach if thats what consumers actually want.
Google is also being sued, so Epic is clearly saying that there is a monopoly in the smartphone App Store market, not the console market.
Epic may be suing Google as well, but its not a monopoly, since mono means one, and Google allows both side loading and alternative App stores so you can't even credibly claim a monopoly. Just because someone claims something does not make it true.
Plus, consoles like the Nintendo switch are solely gaming devices and don’t event have a browser, whereas the iPhone can do much more than gaming and has a browser.
First, they aren't solely gaming devices, consoles have offered browsers, media playback, task scheduling, video conferencing, etc.
Second, so what if the iPhone has more capabilities? That has exactly nothing to do with whether or not its a monopoly (its not) or whether there is consumer choice (there is) in the smartphone market. This isn't a question about device capabilities, its about consumer choice in a market, consoles vs. smartphones. In both cases consumers have choice. Whether they wish there were MORE choices or certain choices did things differently is irrelevant.
I think it is baffling that a consumer is fine with giving up the right to browser downloads of apps or being fully informed about other methods of payment other than in-app purchases, as it should be the consumers choice!
What rights is anyone being asked to give up? None. You don't have a right to alternate app stores. You don't have a right to app stores period. Apple could have stuck with no 3rd party apps for iPhone if it had wanted. It could have offered a very select curated selection if it wanted. Those are business approaches, not infringements on your rights.
Further, consumers have every opportunity to learn about payment methods all they want. The internet is full of information (and misinformation as you demonstrate so well). The consumer has the choice of which smartphone to buy and Apple (and Google) clearly tell you what their platform does and does not allow, in fact Apple campaigns on it.
Again, if you don't like Apples approach, you can buy the alternative. Just like if you don't like what the Switch or the xbox, or playstation offers you can buy a different console, or none at all, or a PC, etc.
Macs do just fine with security by allowing browser downloads and other payment methods.
First, Macs have security problems which iOS devices don't.
Second, so what? Just because something CAN be done doesn't mean it MUST be done. Car manufacturers CAN sell manual transmissions and people will buy them. Does that mean a car manufacturer can't offer automatic transmission? What if they ONLY offer automatic transmission cars. Lets say Ford decides to make only automatic cars. Lets say you REALLY love manual transmission cars but also want a Ford car. Does that mean you should be allowed to sue Ford to force them to make manual transmission cars? No, it means you have to choose which is more important to you, Ford or manual transmission. If manual is that important you can CHOOSE to buy a Toyota or a GM or a VW, whatever. And the same with smartphones, if you don't like Apples approach you can CHOOSE to buy a Huawei or a Samsung or a Google or a OnePlus or any other number of Android devices which gives you multiple app stores, side loading, etc. You already have the choice. And so does Epic.
Heck, if they wanted Epic could make their own phone, either an Android device or go crazy and build their own OS. Make a Fortnite phone! Load it up with Fortnite and Fortnite themed skins for Android. Bundle in the EPIC game store (where they are charging fees just like the App Store does btw). They'd have complete control. THAT is your customer choice.
If Apple had a monopoly, yes, things would be different. But they don't. Not even close. Epic (and you) are wrong on the merits.