With fast charging, removable batteries aren't that important now. IR blaster is too niche. SD card, headphone jack are still available in lot of phones, but again aren't deciding factor for most people.
IPhone is an aspirational brand with awesome marketing, so things like notch which don't make much sense are copied by everyone.
IPhone is an aspirational brand with awesome marketing, so things like notch which don't make much sense are copied by everyone.