Apple and the App Store desperately need regulation. The "why" is outlined below, and I'll briefly describe the "how" right now. There are two proposed solutions:
- Apple is forced to allow competition in the form of alternative app stores. This would effectively be "GateKeeper for iOS" which would give developers an avenue to distribute their own apps from Safari as well, similar to how software is distributed on computers. Ideally a CA would emerge to distribute certificates for developers to use so that users could trust apps on a per-developer basis. This "GateKeeper" would have settings similar to those on macOS, with the default state being "Only allow apps from the App Store," and another option "Only allow apps from Trusted developers." It would obviously have a setting under Parental Controls as well.
- The App Store becomes regulated by some government body, either by antitrust laws being passed or by direct oversight. Antitrust laws are what will lead to #1 anyway.