You have degoogled Android options like GrapheneOS that are far, far better for your privacy than Apple devices.

GrapheneOS devices lack push notifications, and lot of other features that make it unviable for most users.

Making exceptions like installing the Aurora Store or microG, defeat the point of a degoogled phone.

iOS can’t be hardened it to a 0 telemetry state like GrapheneOS, but it is a fully featured OS.

It strikes the right balance for general consumers, and prosumers like myself.

That is likely true and I was in that game for awhile but tired of the effort required and the limited hardware that would be fully functional and reliable as a production device.

With Apple it’s just easier and I can focus on other areas of life and just use my phone as the tool it is rather than spending untold hours making everything work.

Truth be told there was a time in my life when I actually enjoyed fiddling with that but I got my fill and am on to other priorities. There is only so much time in the day.