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I'm just stating that it hasn't been fairly safe and secure for decades. But that very much depends on what you consider fairly safe. My view is it's been a $#!T show. A constant barrage of hacks and breaks in security of almost every single system we have. Phones being on the list as well.

iOS isn't exempt. And I've argued heavily against this EU law making iOS even less secure.
I personally use Mac's and PC's. But, my preference has been Mac for over 2 decades. One GREAT reason for that is security. Less hacking (Viruses, Trojans, zero days, etc) attempts on Apple's platform than Microsoft. And with the phones. iOS "IS" safer than Android. Everyone gets updates, and never have to worry about a carrier not supporting it or what level of hardware you have. As most iPhone users update their OS quickly and carry (purchase) more currently supported phones. Plus phone hardware support lasted longer than Android (Till recently with their 7 year support claims now). It's been a more secure platform. Perfect, no but more secure.
You’re conflating and misconstruing a bunch of stuff here, but I think the main thing is that there are still a bunch of safety fails protecting users in this situation. Apple is making it sound like you’re basically giving your phone AIDS by even considering another app provider, but the reality is a lot more mundane. Use common sense (which hopefully most people have at least a little bit of) and as long as Apple does its job of building a modern computing platform, you’ll be fine.

In fact, you could probably ignore this stuff completely — something Apple is going to probably do their best to encourage.

That said, if you’re so inept with computers that you shouldn’t be able to use the internet unsupervised, then yeah, you might be slightly more at risk, but you were at risk anyway via Safari, so it’s kind of a moot point.
 
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Windows allows installing apps from anywhere. Surprise, the world hasn’t imploded.

The value isn’t security as much as it is revenue for Apple.

There have been very lucrative scams via the App Store.

The world hasn’t imploded. Did I even say that? But Windows is more vulnerable to problems overall because of its “openness” compared to the iPhone. I also don’t see what the problem is with Apple intentionally trying to make their platform more secure. Cynical people will say it’s to make alternative app stores less appealing. But to customers they are already less appealing because of the risks. I have no issue with Apple trying to at least prevent the Wild West of malware. If Apple did nothing, it would be the Wild West. And then you’d be blaming Apple for not doing anything.
 
Correct, Apple decides what you can buy from a non Apple store.

this has 0 benefit to the consumer. It just means instead of money going to Apple it will goes else where. It hurts apple income but does not benefit the end user.

why would I buy from another store if it is the exact same thing?
 
You’re conflating and misconstruing a bunch of stuff here,
No. This one is pure fact. I don't have to defend it. As it is a 24/7/365 world wide issue.
but I think the main thing is that there are still a bunch of safety fails protecting users in this situation.
The safe bet would be not to do it. And yes, funneling it through lots of prompts and disclaimers and evening having the alternate store come through and validated by the AppStore. Certainly helps a LOT. As it doesn't sounds like you can just install something from any website or link. There is still a filter to go through.
Apple is making it sound like you’re basically giving your phone AIDS by even considering another app provider, but the reality is a lot more mundane.
Wouldn't you agree it's easier to get AIDS by not using a condom than it is by wearing one? Would you purchase a Windows computer and not turn on any of the security features "before" heading onto the internet? Some of these protections we take for granted didn't all just show up day one. And phones certainly were not built to handle file scanning in the background while you surf the web on it. They have much more capabilities now than they ever did for sure. But, do you want your device wasting its power on just protecting you from the endless onslaught of baddies out there? OR delivering you the performance, battery life, and content you're looking to use it for? Most people don't use their phones while plugged into an outlet. There are trade-off with a device like this. Because it can compute all of this, doesn't mean it should.
Use common sense (which hopefully most people have at least a little bit of)
This has been beaten to death many times over. Too many people don't use common sense. They just "use" the device. They want to get from point A to B and Z and back to C and around to L as easily and quickly as possible. They blindly click on links they shouldn't. They respond to texts and calls they shouldn't. And they still don't fathom patching very well either. Most people are not tech savvy. Or fully understand why they are expected to "another" thing. They just want the device to work.
and as long as Apple does its job of building a modern computing platform, you’ll be fine.
This job just got harder.
In fact, you could probably ignore this stuff completely — something Apple is going to probably do their best to encourage.
100% correct. Until your app isn't available on the AppStore and you have to download it via a 3rd party store. So that was an unknown that we will learn about as we go.
That said, if you’re so inept with computers that you shouldn’t be able to use the internet unsupervised, then yeah, you might be slightly more at risk, but you were at risk anyway via Safari, so it’s kind of a moot point.
Intelligent people can get hacked too. Microsoft just did by Russian hackers very recently


Same for some SEC people.

And there are always Zero Day's that can come along and cause you/me/everyone a bad day on whatever platform or service one uses.


Being inept doesn't help ones situation. But, people are people and make mistakes and or have lapses in judgement too.
The walled garden minimized the risk to iPhones/iPads. Just like wearing a condom to protect oneself from getting an STD. Is it guaranteed? No, but it sure as heck helps.
 
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