Same here.
Unfortunately, you can’t use AirTags or any Apple services without an Apple account so you may want to hold off on deleting your account.
Unlike Android/Google, the Apple stock apps will work just fine, it’s the backup part (iCloud) that won’t. If you haven’t already, you need to decide if you want to backup your data and how.
I stopped using iCloud and de-Googled during the pandemic (I’ve had crossing time zones and syncing issues before). So I won’t be hysterically crying like I did the past two times because iSync, then iCloud deleted rmy contacts, calendars, notes, photos, etc.
Whilst I still use Apple stock apps, I hurriedly replaced them with the Proton ecosystem and still depend on my EHD. However, many people advise against putting all of your eggs in the same basket. I also use Disroot, Standard Notes and Ente just to name a few.
It seems like you’re doing very well and ahead of the de-Apple game. I also did not download any apps on my MBP but there’s a few on our house computer (iMac); I only log in to update apps and the OS. Good luck!
For photos. At least I used to.
I used it to remove EXIF data on iPhone photos, I’ve made photo collages, my nieces and nephews like to use it to make GIFs and turn the lights on and off - Lol.
There’s a few “Theft Protection” shortcuts but the ones I tested required leaving the Shortcuts app running in the background along with Location Services which drained my battery quicker.
After a while, it just got bloated IMO. I prefer Automator especially when I have a lot photos to scrub. Sometimes I use Session Messenger which removes metadata from photos (not videos) so I don’t have to download another app just to remove EXIF data.
Freeform is what I’ve been using lately to make photos collages, memes, etc. It took about 5 minutes to make the collage on this post . It seems that anything Shortcuts can do can also be done with another stock app.