Apple absolutely does collect huge amounts of data from the users. The difference is they don’t directly ‘sell’ that data to advertisers. Instead they get paid to personalize the ads themselves and wear that as a badge for ‘advocating privacy’. Stock Android is horrendous compared to what Apple does, yes. However you usually have the option to ditch it for a more privacy respecting Android.

Not specifically horror, but “Operation Tango” and “Keep talking and nobody explodes” both have a similar dynamic that you’re referring to.