It's so clear how Mac OS and Windows both can function without app stores that it's obvious that app stores are a rent-seeking middle men. Terrible that they've been normalized for mobile devices.
I don't see any issue with the app store models for macOS (mostly) and windows (could be useful, but not in its current implementation). They act as more curated package managers with a GUI, and an added bonus of taking care of payments (a hard problem!).
App stores allow users a centralized place to both acquire known and verified applications as well as get updates for them. They are a safe place to buy things - Apple is not going to steal your credit card. For developers, they are a convenient place to park your app, without having to manage your own distribution services. And payments is always pain - it's probably the single biggest value add that the app stores cover it for you.
And you can always circumvent it on these platforms. It's just an addition. I'd prefer to get an app on the mac app store if it is there, if it is not then that is fine as well, but will require more digging to verify it's authenticity.
These stores are not curated. They can catch the most egregious things, but they also are not really "safe" either. It would totally be worth 30% of my payment for a truly curated app store. However the Apple app store takes a lot of income for providing a negligible quality filter, updates, and taking payments (most payment processors take single digit percentages).
I think the problem is locking us to one app store - because the app store does provide some added functionality (easy of use - one place to go for all apps - security vetting - automated update settings across apps)
The App Store on macOS is a convenient distribution channel. It’s helpful to have, especially because alternatives exist if it doesn’t have the right tradeoffs for you.
While I'm all for opening devices up the fact that app stores exist on platforms like Windows or Mac disproves the rent-seeking thesis if anything. Steam commands a 70/30 cut while software can be distributed freely on Windows which was in fact the normal situation on desktops before the advent of app stores.
App stores are distribution mechanisms and advertisement channels, same value proposition as Spotify compared to shipping your music on your own website.
