Yes and no, see other replies for nuance. Apple controls software distribution for their platform, in exactly the same way (in principle) that games console manufacturers have done so for many decades. They do so in the same way Atari controlled software distribution for the 2600 in 1977 and Nintendo controls it for the Switch today, or that Volvo does for software performance packs for their vehicles. All these and many, many, many more are closed platform devices you buy, with optional software features you can purchase from the vendor.