@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.

@mike you cant use notifications on webapps which is a requirement for realtime chat

@sneak @mike I’m guessing the android equivalent is avoidable at least?

The sad part is all of those things except cellular vpn blocking and degrading is mostly anti-fraud and marketing.

@surfingalot @mike no the android play services situation is bad too. you basically cant use any apps unless you install the google spyware lib

@sneak @mike @surfingalot wdym
Just look in fdroid.