Saying that offline, local-first apps aren't relevant because "almost everyone is always online" rings similar to saying accessibility isn't relevant because almost everyone can use their eyes.
As for sharing, that's very much application dependent: personal data could benefit from being shared across a user's device, but not with third parties.
> Saying that offline, local-first apps aren't relevant because "almost everyone is always online" rings similar to saying accessibility isn't relevant because almost everyone can use their eyes.
It’s true, and that “almost” is smaller than you think! There’s a concept called temporary disability which shifts the meaning of “disability” from “some permanent crippling condition” to “unable to do X thing in a given moment”.[1]
For example, one place I regularly go without reliable Internet is… the subway! There’s no signal between stations, so if I need access to something I have to make sure it’s downloaded first.
My grocery store also has a basement with no cell reception. Imagine if the notes app with my grocery list required an Internet connection!
As for sharing, that's very much application dependent: personal data could benefit from being shared across a user's device, but not with third parties.