Why are so many of Apple's iOS apps years behind Android?

Thank you for your comments.

My original post is specifically about the aesthetic and functionality of apps - not privacy or other benefits.

Day 3 with the iPhone and can 100% confirm that UX, GUI design and app functionality all lag Android by years.

The latest version of Clock, for example, is almost laughable. Looks like something that was built in 2011. Seriously, this is the best that one of the largest and wealthiest companies in the world can do?

I commend Apple on its hardware and specs (and it's fantastic marketing department), but that's where it stops. Google's AI-driven OS, app functionality and material design approach are far superior.

Thank you Lawrence.

I understand what you're saying but don't necessarily subscribe to that thinking. Why leave it to app developers to improve UX? And then have to watch ads in their apps - which only serves to degrade UX.

Google has a uniform material design philosophy that aids usability. It's very intuitive and supported by AI. Use one app, the rest look/feel/behave the same. There is consistency around font sizing, iconography and layout. You simple don't get this with Apple's iPhone apps. It's like development was outsourced to random developers with no design guidelines.

I copied a phone number out of an email today and tried to paste it somewhere in the iOS Phone app to make a call. Couldn't work out where to paste it. After Googling it, apparently you tap in the white space above the keypad, then paste. Can't Apple at least insert a line or box (ie an indicator of an input field) to make it obvious that a number can be inserted in the white space? When using a web form or app, isn't it normal for input fields to be apparent (eg what normally follows a request for you to enter your name: a box, a line)?

Overall, very disappointed with the core apps (Phone, Contacts, Clock, etc).

On a separate note, I also find myself looking at my iPhone out of habit to check the time and weather without having to touch/wake it. Always On has been around for ~4 years and is so convenient. Especially at night, when you wake and just want to peek over and see what time it is. But not with the iPhone. There isn't even a flashing light to indicate you have a message - a basic feature. The phone looks like it's off.