It'll get there eventually, it always does.

I think what's worrying is what the landscape will look like when it's done. E-sims are a very bad sign for the future. It gives much more granular choices in what phones they permit on the network.

I worry that as long as Apple is out here spouting bullshit about scanning people's messages to protect them from "nudes", eventually we'll reach a place where any phone that isn't actively monitoring its user will be perceived as doing something criminal and blocked out.

"Linux" does not make phones, no.

But there are several small projects currently working on a linux-based alternative to iOS and Android. A true 3rd option has been sorely needed for a very long time, but never as much as it is now.