I don’t want to have to configure settings on a micro level per-app. I want sane defaults that respect my privacy at the app level, all the way down to the OS layer. Paired with the Play Store with a much lower barrier to app acceptance, this has proven to be a danger to peoples’ privacy if they aren’t vigilant to vet and check settings of each new app they install.
That being just privacy, I was also tired of micromanaging every setting on my phone. I don’t care to have custom UI widgets, root-level modifications, or especially installing a completely new OS. I know as a software developer these things should be more acceptable, or fun even, but my phone is such a critical piece of my day-to-day, I’d rather pay a premium (to a degree.. looking at you XS Max) for the peace of mind that everything will Just Work every time. I’ve yet to have any real problems with any iPhone I’ve owned.. Android was a different story.