99% of said apps are actually nothing more than CRUD Web forms, or crap games easily done with WebGL + WebAssembly, so no it isn't the only way.
I think you are missing the point intentionally. You can't run those apps on an Apple iPhone, but I suspect you knew this.
It's ok to take the literal definition of the word monopoly and take it to its logical conclusion, I suppose. The U.S. government will not do that, however.
I surely can, given that part of my job is to develop mobile Web apps.
If you don't like it then leave. That's how Apple operates. I still can't comprehend why people insist on licking Apple's shoe soles but then complain that it tastes awful.