Apple can provide cover for this restriction by touting their T2 security chip and underlying architecture that enables their chain-of-trust. It just so happens that they’re the only company that is authorized to use those chips, so it’s a very wink-and-a-nod excuse at best.
I’ve owned Galaxy Nexus, Galaxy Note, Note 2, Note 3, Note 4, S7, S7 Edge, Note 9, S10+, Note 20 Ultra, Fold 2, Fold 3, and Fold 4 as well as Galaxy Gear, Galaxy Watch, 3, 4, 5, 6 and the Buds, Buds 2, Buds Pro, and Buds 2 Pro.
None of those devices, or contemporary combinations thereof, have ever worked as well as the Apple ecosystem.