In a lighthearted twist to the ongoing rivalry between tech giants, Google has humorously responded to rumors suggesting that Apple's upcoming iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Air may be borrowing design elements from its Pixel smartphones. The playful exchange comes through a new advertisement in Google's #BestPhonesForever series, which features a comedic dialogue between the Pixel and iPhone.
The advertisement, aptly titled "Answering Rumors," kicks off with the two devices hosting a podcast where they discuss the anticipated redesign of the iPhone 17 series. As the conversation unfolds, a headline from a tech blog appears on screen, stating, "iPhone 17 leaks look very similar to Google Pixel." This sparks a conversation about the similarities and history of feature adoption between the two brands.
In the ad, the iPhone humorously laments, "Can you imagine me doing what you did a few years later?" This comment echoes sentiments shared by many Pixel fans since the iPhone 17 renderings were released. The discussion delves into the history of feature borrowing, with the iPhone recalling how Google introduced the "Night Mode" feature in 2018, which Apple subsequently adopted for its devices in 2020. Similarly, the Pixel's "Magic Eraser" feature, unveiled in 2021, was mirrored by Apple's "Cleanup" feature last year.
Moreover, the iPhone and Pixel reflect on the introduction of widgets, which have been a staple of Android since 2016, long before they made their way to iOS. This playful banter not only entertains but also highlights the competitive nature of the smartphone market, where innovation often leads to imitation.
As for the iPhone 17 Air, it is rumored to replace the Plus version and is expected to feature a remarkably thin body measuring just 5.6 mm. However, this slim design may come with compromises, such as a smaller battery and a single rear camera positioned on a raised platform. Early leaks suggest that the design of the iPhone 17 Air may closely resemble that of the latest Google Pixel models.
The iPhone 17 Air is set to be unveiled in September 2025, alongside the primary iPhone lineup. Its main competitor is anticipated to be the Galaxy S25 Edge, which will launch this summer. While the Galaxy S25 Edge is expected to be thicker and pricier, it is also projected to maintain superior technical specifications.
Interestingly, there were rumors that the iPhone 17 Air could become the first smartphone without ports. However, Apple has reportedly shelved this idea due to potential conflicts with European regulatory standards.
As the tech community eagerly awaits the release of the iPhone 17 series, Google's playful jab serves as a reminder of the ongoing competition in the smartphone arena. The humorous ad not only showcases the Pixel's features but also reinforces the notion that innovation often leads to a back-and-forth exchange between industry leaders.
In the meantime, the anticipation for the Google I/O conference, scheduled for May 20-21, 2025, is building. At this event, Google is expected to preview the Pixel 10 series, which will feature the new Tensor G5 processor, developed by TSMC using a cutting-edge 3-nanometer process. Unlike previous years, this chipset will be designed entirely by Google, marking a significant step in the company's hardware development.
As the competition heats up, consumers can expect to see a flurry of new features, designs, and innovations from both Google and Apple. The tech landscape is ever-evolving, and the playful rivalry between these two giants only adds to the excitement surrounding upcoming releases. With each new device launch, the stakes get higher, and the race for technological supremacy continues.
Ultimately, whether one prefers the Pixel or the iPhone, the ongoing dialogue between these two devices serves as a testament to the dynamic nature of the smartphone industry. As features and designs evolve, consumers will benefit from the competition that drives innovation and enhances user experience.
