I came to the realization that I couldn’t think of an example of when vertical integration isn’t just an older name for enshittification. Apple owning an app store, Amazon being a marketplace and seller, etc. What examples of vertical integration aren’t bad? Are there any?
I would argue that Amazon selling and also handling significant parts of the logistics is beneficial to the customer.
Shipping companies did not do a good job, that’s why Amazon vertically integrated parts of it.
Netflix having its own fiber and datacenters is another example where it was likely beneficial.
These companies do other things that suck, but I’m not sure I would blame the vertical integration on much of it.