Think how much time/energy you could waste on a sudden lock-in imposed by Apple, you have to deeply evaluate the real advantages in the short term to use it. Perhaps a macOS platform has some value for specific tasks, but an iPhone... really?
Discussion
In my experience android was more bloated and my hardware experience was always inferior when not on Apple. The iPhone just works - I chose to give up power features on my phone for a more streamlined device since I use my computer more anyway.
BUT I totally agree with your point. That means Apple has far too much control over my phone experience. Also, I wasn’t aware of options like GrapheneOS when I left android the first time. A de-googled android seems like a fantastic option now.
Yes, try a Pixel with GrapheneOS (paradox!), probably it will change your mind.
However any mid-high model with a clean custom rom should work fine.
That’s what I’m thinking! Currently researching the available and upcoming pixel models and trying to get myself over the mental hurdle of switching - even the little things like iMessage are surprisingly hard to leave behind. Will be well worth it in the long run!
Absolutely; iphone does just work (provided you know the arcane and secret never-taught 'language' of gestures, pauses, directional swipes and incantations to get the flashlight on) -- at the expense of complete access and control to all content, location, speaker, mic, etc. -- There's a reason journalists with sensitive meetings/interviews are/were often told NOT to bring Apple devices ... because even if the journalist is agreeable to 'discretion' the device itself ...often will blow cover/broadcast/record etc. --- Apple owns whatever that device does and where ever it goes.