However, I think that a better move is to force HW platforms (maybe starting at a certain magnitude) to let the users use any software market they desire. This way Apple and Google can continue forcing the apps on their own markets to use their payment systems and "keep the users safe", while the other markets can do whatever they like
Selling hardware and software separately ensures that the hardware can be repurposed with independently sourced software. That gives control to the user and reduces e-waste.
This should include 'firmware'. The benefit for the manufacturer is that they can charge for software updates. But the consumer can choose to get the update from elsewhere.
*edit
Undocumented hardware, really. It's very hard to run anything if you can't even init the chipset.
Would that mean letting e.g. Sony PS5 devices allow homebrew markets to be used legally on their consoles? That would be awesome for the consumers.
I didn't mean firmware. This sounds like an interesting discussion for another day...
In markets in SE Asia, I've seen people still use older Canon models because it allows them to fill their ink cartridges and beat the cost of having to buy official ink cartridges. Those printer still work well afterwards. A business I once consulted for had a 10 years old printer that still was chugging on happily with cheap ink fills.
Who has a monopoly? Anticompetitive behaviours are legal if you aren’t a monopoly—they’re what businesses call moats.
Don't let the perfect be the enemy of the good.