This can't possibly be true. Why do you think Apple is so popular among tech circles? It's not because everyone collectively decides to read their privacy policies. Apple has to actively advertise they don't collect data.
The simple act of making a spectacle of their products announcements are advertisements. Not clickable ads in a website but an ad regardless. They could quietly release products every year by updating their website but that wouldn't sell nearly as much...
I get a feeling you commented after reading the headline and didn't read the article. This is a positive story and I'm glad the person was given the opportunity to chase her dreams.
Robinhood made a decision that cost its users from hundreds to tens of thousands of dollars, perhaps more. If there's ever been a more justified reason to give an app a 1-star rating, it's this. Google was out of line.
How is it a net downside? The entire purpose of the App Store being locked down is that it's reliable. There is no way any HR department will launch an investigation because you downloaded an app called Amphetamine. Worst case scenario they go look it up and realize there's nothing more to the situation.
I'd have to see a documented event of this happening rather than a hypothetical scenario to believe a downside actually exists.
The simple act of making a spectacle of their products announcements are advertisements. Not clickable ads in a website but an ad regardless. They could quietly release products every year by updating their website but that wouldn't sell nearly as much...