Making a product that people want so bad that they don't want others isn't a monopoly. There are alternatives and you do have a choice.

The decision will be based on how much free speech (and, potentially, privacy) matter to you.

iPhones are easy. I get that. Unfortunately, in this world, being free takes work. There is a whole ecosystem fighting against you. They think you prefer the convenient cage. And, it seems, most do.