Here’s my take on this.
When it comes to monitoring an iPhone, most third-party apps work by accessing iCloud backups rather than installing software directly on the device. If you have the Apple ID and password and regular backups are enabled, these services can pull data from messages, photos, and some social media apps. The main advantage is that this method is generally more discreet since there’s no visible app on the phone itself.
However, there are practical considerations. This approach is only as current as the last backup, so the information might not be in real-time. Also, if Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) is enabled, you might need physical access to the device to get the initial verification code. It’s a trade-off between the potential for comprehensive data and the technical hurdles involved.