I mean literally half the people I know under the age of 25 have iPhones in my country. How can it be a status symbol when it’s the default phone for most people?

In the end it's the same thing, but in many countries where iPhones are popular, it's more of the "anti status symbol" effect happening. An iPhone is not a status symbol anymore per se, however NOT having one is the thing that gives you a "lower" status.