i did an experiment for the last year or so seeing if it is possible to live a modern connected life without being tracked by big tech and by extension the us military.
@mike apple id requires phone number. cant install ios apps without one. services require phone numbers. some require a payment card even if you add a gift card balance first. most mobile carriers interfere with vpn traffic, or block it entirely.
@sneak only workaround I can think of for iOS apps is to skip apps and use the browser and/or web apps added to the Home Screen.
Not a great solution at all, though, and I’m sure you explored it.