The comment is talking about installation of adware, which you can install on any Android device, including the flagships.
The Apple App Store does have shady apps (see for example the recent ChatGPT clones) but the problem there is much less severe. Whether it stays that way with alternative app stores proposed in the EU is an interesting prospect, and a separate question though.
Adware can also be installed on any Mac or Windows device, no matter the price. Apple fans always gesture at a supposed threat of breaking the AppStore monopoly, yet they conveniently ignore that such a monopoly already doesn't exist on their beloved Macs.
Do you not remember how much of a problem malware was on windows just a few years ago? It's why the AV industry is a thing now It's gotten a bit better but still a valid concern
Evolution. Operating systems, and more specifically, security have been constantly evolving.
Bad actors have exploited vulnerabilities and because of that there has been a bigger emphasis on security, even down to the hardware level.
One could argue that the sandbox model used in iOS and other operating systems is a response to that era of malware. And we’re more secure because of it.
Ironically, the only device I ever had to fix adware was on an iphone. Don't know if it's still possible but all the calendar got infested with ads which notified the user in loops.
The Apple App Store does have shady apps (see for example the recent ChatGPT clones) but the problem there is much less severe. Whether it stays that way with alternative app stores proposed in the EU is an interesting prospect, and a separate question though.