How to make iPhone secure and Privacy friendly?

I like the iPhone’s clean operating system, consistent user experience, and overall ease of use. It can take some getting used to, but once I’m comfortable with it, I’m happy.

Lately, I’ve been thinking more about privacy and would like to improve mine. I’m looking for just two or three practical tips. For example, should I avoid iCloud?

The apps and services I use most are Reddit, X, IBKR, Firefox, Gmail, ChatGPT, Gemini, YONO SBI, Kite, YouTube, Google Tasks, Notes, and Alarm.

Gmail is especially important because some of my clients use Google services like Search Console, Analytics, Drive, and Meet. I could ask them to switch, but that might be inconvenient. I’ve also considered self-hosting email and using Nextcloud as alternatives to Google Workspace. The biggest challenge is business risk and data loss in itself. Hence, I do not want to fiddle with Google workspace. Also, any other email usage means my profile pic wont show in other Gmail inbox.

I’m comfortable installing and configuring software in a Linux VM or LXC, so self-hosted options are welcome. I’m especially interested in practical ways to limit data collection and reduce exposure to AI features.

Things I did so far…..

– Left Chrome, using Firefox
– Using Vaultwarden password manager
– Using Adguard DNS, blocked Google Analytics. Before this, browser was crashing due to heavy advt.

It feels risker to move from Gmail to any other thing as my biz depend on it. Even tho I can host mailcow, it's always a risk of data loss and email delivery issues. I dont want to pay for extra services. Google Workspace is cheaper, and UI is awesome for my sanity. I do not trust other mailbox even.

Thanks!