I used my phone as hot spot for my PC for around 4 weeks daily for sometimes up to 16 hours non stop because I had a problem with my internet provider. Never had any problems with this and honestly never heard of this by anyone either. Sounds like a you and your brother problem to me.
Disclaimer personal opinion only.
Apple had less podcasts but more songs than Spotify in 2022 (last time I checked). You might find songs that are on Spotify but not on Apple.
You can add songs to Apple super easy through iTunes. Just drag and drop the song there on your PC and it auto syncs to your phone (awesome)
Spotify has better song recommendations in my opinion but Apple works good enough for me. I often find new songs I like.
Lossless and moreover Dolby atmos is absolutely beautiful if you have the right headphones. That’s my main reason for Apple.
Apple works better with appletv and iPhone
Spotify works better with iPhone to anything non Apple related.
My friends use Spotify mostly so shared playlists are not comfortable usable for you anymore and some other Spotify exclusive features of course.
If your friends use Apple you get nearly all features. Love the carplay integration so your friends can play music in your car via QR code if they have an iPhone (Apple Music not required for them) love the feature because I don’t have to constantly unlock my phone for them and pass it around.
Siri and Apple work way better with carplay than Spotify.
You get lyrics with Apple and you can search for lyrics and find the song.