Apple does force you to create an apple ID if you want to use your iPhone with more than just a few built-in apps though. At least on windows you can still make a local account if you don't connect to internet.
I’m fairly sure but not certain the exact same thing can be done on iPhone - the Apple ID is required for the store, not the device
I know, but an iPhone is not very useful with just the standard apps, most of which also require an Apple ID by the way.
At least on Android you can sideload everything you need (which is what I do actually - I never log in to a Google account on my Androids)
Why compare apples (ha) to oranges, that is iPhone to Windows?
Because this model is what both Apple and Microsoft want to go towards. The chance to skim 30% off the top of every app purchase is something they deeply want. The only reason it's not enforced on macOS and Windows is that users will feel like something is being taken away from them.
On Windows it's now necessary to disconnect from the internet to make the local account option appear, and macOS is constantly reminding you with nags and red dots on the configuration panel ("Finish set-up of your new mac") to create an Apple ID.
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Apple does force you to create an apple ID if you want to use your iPhone with more than just a few built-in apps though. At least on windows you can still make a local account if you don't connect to internet.
I just set up a MacBook Pro for my mother. Updated to latest macOS Sonoma 14.whatever. No Apple ID. Local account.
Didn’t have to disconnect the internet either, for that matter.
I’m fairly sure but not certain the exact same thing can be done on iPhone - the Apple ID is required for the store, not the device.
Why compare apples (ha) to oranges, that is iPhone to Windows?
I know, but an iPhone is not very useful with just the standard apps, most of which also require an Apple ID by the way.
At least on Android you can sideload everything you need (which is what I do actually - I never log in to a Google account on my Androids)
Because this model is what both Apple and Microsoft want to go towards. The chance to skim 30% off the top of every app purchase is something they deeply want. The only reason it's not enforced on macOS and Windows is that users will feel like something is being taken away from them.
On Windows it's now necessary to disconnect from the internet to make the local account option appear, and macOS is constantly reminding you with nags and red dots on the configuration panel ("Finish set-up of your new mac") to create an Apple ID.