Google Playfully Trolls Apple’s iOS 26 Features in A New Video

Highlights

• Google releases a new #BestPhonesForever video.
• A Pixel 9 Pro jokes in the video that iOS 26’s Live Translation, Hold Assist and Call Screening have been available on Pixel devices for years.
• Samsung also recently poked fun at Apple while comparing iOS 26’s Liquid Glass look and AI tools to its more advanced One UI 7 and Galaxy AI.

Caption – Screengrab from the latest #BestPhonesForever video. (Credit – Made by Google)

Playful rivalries in the tech world aren’t new and are often a constant reminder that great ideas can come from anywhere. This time, we are getting some fun banter over iOS 26 features Apple recently announced.

Following Samsung’s recent digs, Google is now having some fun at Apple’s expense after the launch of iOS 26. In its latest #BestPhonesForever ad, Google gently teases Apple for adding features to iPhones that Pixel users have been using for years.

The video was released on June 17 and features a light-hearted chat between a Pixel 9 Pro and an iPhone. As the iPhone excitedly talks about iOS 26’s new features like Live Translation in messages, Hold Assist and Call Screening, the Pixel calmly replies that it’s had all of them for a while.

Google further highlights that Live Translate came with the Pixel 6 in 2021, Hold for Me arrived on the Pixel 5 in 2020 and Call Screen has been around since the Pixel 3 in 2018.

The ad ends with a cheeky moment when the iPhone asks what’s coming in the Pixel 10, hinting that Apple might again “take inspiration” for its next release.

While the tone is playful, Google’s message is clear that many of iOS 26’s headline features aren’t exactly new in the smartphone world. Samsung also recently poked fun at Apple, mocking iOS 26’s Liquid Glass look and limited AI features in comparison to its own One UI 7 and Galaxy AI tools.

Online reactions are mixed. Some users enjoy the friendly back-and-forth and point out how Apple is catching up with Android. Others note that Android often borrows from iOS too, so the inspiration goes both ways.

The timing is no coincidence since Google is gearing up to launch the Pixel 10 series in August. Rumours suggest upgrades like a telephoto lens on the base model and improved wireless charging.

FAQs

Q1. What features did Google mock in its latest video about iOS 26?

Answer. Google’s ad points out that Live Translation, Hold Assist, and Call Screening, touted as new iOS 26 features, have been available on Pixel devices for years.

Q2. How does Samsung fit into the rivalry with Apple’s iOS 26?

Answer. Samsung recently poked fun at Apple by comparing iOS 26’s Liquid Glass look and AI tools to its own One UI 7 and Galaxy AI, implying Apple is behind.

Q3. Why did Google release this ad now?

Answer. The timing aligns with Google gearing up for its Pixel 10 launch in August, teasing features that Apple might later incorporate into future iPhones.

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