A what if on mobile device history

Let's imagine a (very lucky) planet Earth somewhere in the multiverse, where history unfolds a bit differently. Keeping it realistic and as close to our reality as possible. It starts with a tiny change, a slightly different chain of events back in 2007 influencing the next 20 years and eventually landing a very different outcome.

• Nokia releases the N95 Pro, a touchscreen smartphone with advanced features, beating Apple to market.
• Apple still launches the iPhone, but it doesn't dominate the market.
• Google releases Android as an open-source platform.

• Multiple app stores emerge, with Nokia, Google, Microsoft, and Apple each launching their own.
• Early discussions on user privacy and data collection begin in tech circles.

• A major mobile privacy scandal occurs, leading to increased awareness among consumers.
• Nokia introduces a user-controlled permissions system for apps, setting a new standard.
• Apple positions itself as a premium, niche player focusing on design and integration with its computer ecosystem.

• The "Right to Repair" movement gains traction, with Nokia being the first to provide repair manuals and spare parts to users.
• An open-source mobile OS gains popularity among tech enthusiasts, offering full customization.

• The European Union proposes regulations on data collection and user privacy in mobile ecosystems.
• Microsoft's Windows Phone introduces a "developer mode" allowing users to sideload apps without restrictions.
• Apple, despite its smaller market share, influences the industry with its focus on user experience and design.

• A coalition of tech companies, including Apple, agrees on a standard for cross-platform app development.
  • Standardization leads to a surge in creativity and UX innovations:
  • Developers can easily create apps for all platforms, fostering experimentation.
  • UX researchers gather insights from diverse user bases across different platforms.
  • New interaction paradigms emerge, combining the best elements from each ecosystem.

• The EU implements strict privacy regulations, forcing all mobile platforms to offer granular control over data sharing.
• Nokia launches a "privacy-first" smartphone line with enhanced security features and minimal data collection.
• The standardized development environment leads to rapid advancements in accessible design, benefiting users with disabilities across all platforms.

• A global "Digital Rights" movement emerges, advocating for user sovereignty in digital spaces.
• Open-source mobile operating systems see a surge in adoption, reaching 10% market share globally.
• UX innovations from the open-source community start influencing mainstream platforms, leading to more customizable interfaces.

• Lawmakers in multiple countries propose "Right to Install" legislation, mandating that all mobile platforms allow users to install apps from any source.
• Major tech companies agree on a universal standard for app sideloading and security.
• Apple, adapting to market pressures, introduces more open policies while maintaining its focus on premium hardware and seamless ecosystem integration.

• The mobile ecosystem is diverse, with Nokia, Google, Microsoft, open-source options, and Apple (as a smaller but influential player) coexisting.
• Users have unprecedented control over their devices, data, and app choices.
• Repairability scores become a standard feature in smartphone marketing, with most devices easily repairable by users.
• Privacy-focused features and minimal data collection become major selling points for smartphones.

• Any resemblance to real corporations is totally not coincidental
• I originally posted this as a thread on Mastodon