Originally Posted by
der_saeufer
Neither Apple nor Google allow LTE or 5G bands to be locked out--and they don't region-lock their phones either, though they both do geoblock features.
That's a distinction without a difference to the user. As I said above, there's also carrier settings, which can be pushed to the device. From my experience, sometimes carrier settings don't get properly changed when switching (e)SIMs. Not a big deal if I can DIY it, but a problem if I can't.
Originally Posted by
der_saeufer
Somewhat ironically it's Google who's more aggressive about that--Apple only blocks features that are actually illegal (UWB in former Soviet countries for spectrum issues, the hearing aid function of AirPods for regulatory reasons, etc) vs. Google has recently started locking out 'unsupported' features like Google Pay in India and Android Auto in HK.
I'm sure Apple blocks services in regions that require it too. Apple Pay is not available in many countries. Neither is Apple "Intelligence". Apple blocks far more functionality than google. Much of it is features they had previously and later removed. Off the top of my head: raw GPS data, the ability to spoof location, deep battery metrics (removed), cellular signal metrics, ability to modify cellular settings* (even field test mode was removed circa iOS11), ability to even view current (cell) signal strength (removed), hotspot while on wifi (<-- this one is unforgivable IMO), sharing VPN over said hotspot...etc, etc. All of these functions are available on Android without rooting. I'm sure there are many more.
One of my fav Android apps shows the Cellular RSRP of up to the 7 closet towers to me. Also shows what bands/freqs they're using (SA/NSA), tower ID, etc etc. AAPL would never allow something like that.