• Only keep the apps you need. I mean uninstall everything that you don't need strictly.
• If you need an app like once in a week for a few minutes but you can also live with using that in a browser I would not keep that app. e.g. I don't have Fb, Twitter etc on my phone, neither Reddit.
• Don't let it become a time sync - keep video and gaming for computers.
• Try to use stock apps as much as you can if not then install the non stock and uninstall stok. e.g. I remove Podcasts and installed Overcast and Maps -> Google Maps etc.
• Keep one app for one purpose.
• Invest in iCloud to backup
• If you have bought an app by mistake you can just install quickly and ask for refund after trying, they usually refund w/o Qs
• If you haven't moved to iOS 11 yet, wait it's really in a shitty state right now
• /r/apple is a massive circle-jerk. Read its posts with a pinch of salt and tune out from rabid fanboys and blind haters both, there's like 95% of the former.
• Let me know if you are looking for specific types of apps - maybe I can help.

and

• Under no circumstances by any another Apple product just because you feel, or looks like, it will be easier since you already have iPhone - be it AirPods, watches, macs, iPads etc. Buy only if you need. Apple keeps a closed garden ecosystem for this very purpose and we shouldn't give in to it. Buy only if the need can't be fulfilled by a cheaper device from elsewhere.