Its for many a reason to go with an iphone/ipad, due to the many OS updates. Thing is, compared to Android its kinda hard to compare like for like, as Android is modular, software (even core) is usually updated via the playstore, while IOS updates usually everything with a whole new OS update. Android phones might see fewer OS revisions but also need fewer.
Sure but you are talking about features. An Android phone can get new features for years but might not recieve anymore security updates after 2 years. Regardless non tech people cant be bothered with updates, they arent the ones that will push to install iOS 15 when it releases
people buy iPhones because its a strong brand, easy to use and reliable and often lasts many years without slowing down. Apple might cheap out on 4K screens and 120 Hz but their chips are 2 gens ahead. And that matters for smoothness