Seeking recommendations for apps

As someone just starting their journey into privacy-focused, open-source software, I'd love to hear what apps the community recommends.

I'm particularly interested in:

• What messaging apps you use instead of WhatsApp/Messenger
• Alternatives to Google services (email, calendar, cloud storage)
• Social media alternatives that respect privacy
• Browsers
• Password managers worth using
• Any other productivity apps you’d recommend me to use

I'm using Apple devices (I know, I know), so apps that work well in this ecosystem would be ideal. Which ones have you found perform exceptionally well?

What was your experience transitioning away from corporate services? Any pitfalls to avoid or strategies that made the switch easier?