That's the thing though, you can get devices from other manufacturers and you can get unlocked devices with Android. Those things aren't even options with Apple.
Samsung still doesn't allow for unlocking the bootloader in the US, so after 7 years, the phone basically becomes ewaste due to lack of security updates. Repairability, I can't speak on, but they probably still glue their screen.
That's not even counting the fact that SoC vendors put these unmaintainable amount of patches on top of the Linux kernel instead of contributing to upstream Linux, so that their device can use a generic kernel. This leads to the use of ancient Linux versions on embedded devices with no room for upgrade without a third party porting mainline Linux.
"Smart" TVs/IoT devices have the same issue, but often times worse. You'd be lucky to get a new Android version on an Android TV, let alone a new kernel version, or the ability to run a custom OS, with documentation on how provided by the manufacturer, along with stock firmware.
There's also the problem of companies (mainly ones based in China) not releasing source code for the GPL-licensed software they use, such as the Linux kernel. Very common issue, especially with Mediatek products.
Apple is so locked down I fail to see what the appeal could be in the first place, there's very little customization, only one hardware manufacturer, and they're more guilty of anyone else in the market of planned obsolescence.
The ecosystem is the thing holding me here. Everything works so seamlessly and the products are very good (imo). I don’t have to worry that my watch and headphones might not work with another company’s phone, or at least not as good. If there are headphones and watches that would work as well, seamless and long as Apple’s, I’m open to suggestions. Apple might be behind with innovations, but when they implement something, it’s done right (usually)
Havent had any issues with my headphones conncectivity wise.
I turn them on, they boot and play music.
No connection drops or anything else.
Only pairing wasnt fully automagically.
I suppose if you'd buy 1st party brands, you'd get even that but that's only a one time thing anyway so whatever.
The true magic is how seamless they immediately switch between phones and laptops. If I’m listening to a podcast on my phone but need to join a teams call or want to watch a video on my computer, I don’t even need to pause the podcast. The switch is immediate and automatic to the new audio source.
Also audio sharing with other people with AirPods works really well.
More importantly, I am a middle aged software developer who doesn’t want to customise his phone. I am happy to have a handset where I am limited. Gone are my days of geeking out and customising everything. I just want something that works for me.