> It's very much arguable that it's necessary for modern life.
Not even arguable. You need a smartphone running iOS or Android + a cellular plan to maintain an acceptable standard of life in America or most other countries today, and the costs of switching from one to the other in the middle of the cycle are prohibitive for most.
Once when I wanted to take a ferry, the only way to buy a ticket was through android / iOS app. Many times you need 2fa app including for work, or to access government services or online banking. Some stores only accept mobile payment.
Not even arguable. You need a smartphone running iOS or Android + a cellular plan to maintain an acceptable standard of life in America or most other countries today, and the costs of switching from one to the other in the middle of the cycle are prohibitive for most.