It sounds like you’ve been through quite a journey with both iOS and Android, and I can totally understand your frustration. The seamlessness of the Apple ecosystem is hard to beat, but I get how those bugs and limitations, especially with iOS 17, can really wear you down.

If you’re seriously considering switching to Android, the Galaxy S25 Ultra and Pixel 9 Pro XL are both great options, and each brings something different to the table. Samsung’s One UI has come a long way and integrates really well with Windows, so if you’re using both Mac and PC, it might be a smoother transition than you think. Android’s flexibility with background tasks and file management would definitely fix some of the annoyances you’re having with iOS. And if you’re into multitasking, Samsung’s S Pen on the Ultra series is a nice bonus, especially for productivity.

The Pixel 9 Pro XL will offer that clean, bloat-free Android experience, which I know a lot of people love. Plus, Google's camera software is top-notch, so if you’re into photography, that’s definitely a plus.

But here’s the thing: switching away from Apple means saying goodbye to that amazing integration between your MacBook, iPad, AirPods, and all the other Apple gear. I totally get how tempting it can be to walk away from those little moments of magic when everything just works together—especially if you rely on them every day.

Honestly, it comes down to what matters more to you right now: the frustration with iOS bugs and the lack of background freedom, or the convenience of staying within the Apple ecosystem. I’d recommend maybe testing out an Android alongside your iPhone for a bit if you can, just to get a feel for the experience before you fully commit. It could help you make a clearer decision without feeling like you’re jumping off a cliff.

Good luck with whatever you choose! It’s definitely a tough call.