You have the freedom to compile source code of https://GrapheneOS.org and various apps from source code and run them on a handheld device named Pixel. You also have the freedom to use Purism's handheld named Librem.
The smartphone space is completely open for competition, consumer choice, and consumer repairability. If you or someone you know does not have the wherewithal to have and exercise their own freedom, that is unfortunate, but Apple and Google owe nothing.
Imagine trying to hail a cab, buy something, find a romantic partner, scan a QR code, schedule an event, call a friend, find your way without one.
And that's just scratching the surface.
Without a smartphone, you basically can't exist equally.
100% not hyperbole. And before you think this is hyperbole, consider that menus at restaurants are no longer physical, that government IDs are being issued to smartphone, that POS systems are transitioning to smartphone, etc. etc.
Everything else will wither and die. The smartphone is the gateway to all modern commerce, communication, and mobility.
If it would get re-phrased a la "An important function of modern society", would nail it. Unfortunately! I loathe where societies are progressing towards. Imagine having to deal with all this tech BS when you are 70+. Travel is already complicated, dealing with fully automated "customer service" methods and figuring out why app xy stopped working right when you need it as a run-of-the-mill type of person is at lesst a nuisance and at worst a nightmare when preventing you from fulfilling life's chores.
But of someone things that how app store is administered is more important function in modern society than say food production then it is not looking well though out.
(I would prefer catastrophic breakdown or malicious takeover to happen with app store rather than food supply if I would need to choose between these two, and there are still many more important functions of modern society before you get to app stores. If food supply collapses I and my family and my friends will be likely dead within month. If app store collapses there are bad consequences but far from "everyone I love dies from starvation".)
(but yes, app store ARE important function of modern society and Beeper Mini seems to illustrate some of ways how current situation is broken)
The most important function of modern society is taxed, locked, fully controlled by two of the most profitable companies on the planet.
The utility of the smartphone has exceeded these two companies, and it must be opened up for competition, consumer choice, and consumer repairability.