That's exactly how it works on my Linux laptop (which is GNOME on Arch). I also use a Macbook Pro regularly and I don't think there's a substantive difference in ease-of-use around WiFi configuration.
There is a substantive difference in WPA Enterprise configuration. When connecting with Gnome there are so many options I have to check a screenshot of the correct ones every time I configure it (which I've done 5ish times because of distro hopping+changing my password). On an iphone, all you need to do is write your username and password, then press the "trust certificate" button.
Android has this problem as well which I've always found odd. Connecting t0 802.1x networks in Windows is very straightforward, but for Android I've had to publish a guide with screenshots for people to follow.