Google is having some fun at Apple’s expense, and the timing couldn’t be more perfect. As rumors heat up about a dramatic redesign for the upcoming iPhone 17—particularly the iPhone 17 “Air” model—Google dropped a new entry in its popular #BestPhonesForever ad series titled “Responding to the Rumors.” The short video features a cheeky exchange between animated Pixel and iPhone characters, offering a not-so-subtle dig at Apple’s alleged plans to borrow some familiar Pixel design traits.
Pixel Points Out: “We Did It First”
At the heart of the video is the growing speculation that Apple’s next iPhone may adopt a horizontal camera bar—a design element that has defined Google’s Pixel line since the Pixel 6. Leaks suggest the iPhone 17 Air might move away from the iconic square camera bump to a sleek, camera visor stretching across the back. It’s a design shift that instantly calls to mind the Pixel’s signature aesthetic.
In the ad, the Pixel character humorously recounts a list of innovations it claims to have done first, including:
| Feature | Pixel Launch Year | iPhone Launch Year |
|---|---|---|
| Night Mode (Night Sight) | 2018 (Pixel 3) | 2019 (iPhone 11) |
| Magic Eraser | 2021 (Pixel 6) | 2024 (iOS 18) Clean Up |
| Widgets on Home Screen | 2008 (Android 1.0) | 2020 (iOS 14) |
The dialogue escalates when the Pixel teases, “We just want to remind everyone these are just rumors,” only for the iPhone character to parrot the exact phrase—prompting a hilariously exasperated response.
A Strategic Marketing Move
This isn’t just playful banter—it’s savvy marketing. Google is preemptively staking a claim on innovation, subtly asserting that Apple’s “new ideas” are often Android’s old news. With Apple’s September iPhone event still months away, the ad positions Google as the trendsetter, planting seeds of skepticism among fans who might otherwise praise Apple for reinventing the wheel.
The move also reinforces Google’s current momentum. With the Pixel 9 expected to debut later this year—and likely to push further into AI, imaging, and design—it’s a reminder that the Pixel isn’t just an iPhone alternative, but a genuine competitor.
The Bigger Picture: Tech Rivalries Go Public
Apple and Google’s rivalry has long simmered beneath the surface, but in recent years, it has become more public and more entertaining. From poking fun at “blue bubbles” to ribbing each other over privacy claims, both companies now use advertising as a battleground for perception—and consumers are the audience for every punchline.
Google’s latest video is a reminder that in the smartphone world, imitation isn’t just the sincerest form of flattery—it’s a marketing opportunity. Whether the iPhone 17 ends up resembling a Pixel or not, the internet won’t forget who got there first.
Key Takeaways
- Google released a humorous video poking fun at Apple for allegedly copying the Pixel’s camera design for the iPhone 17 Air.
- The advertisement features animated versions of Pixel and iPhone characters engaged in a playful back-and-forth dialogue.
- Recent leaks suggest the iPhone 17 will adopt a camera visor design similar to what has been featured on Google’s Pixel phones for years.
Google’s Video Response to the Rumored iPhone 17 Redesign
Google has created a clever marketing campaign addressing rumors that Apple’s iPhone 17 will adopt design elements similar to the Pixel series. The video features animated phone characters engaging in a lighthearted conversation about design inspiration.
Overview of Google’s Video
In a short clip titled “Responding to Rumors,” Google portrays animated versions of Pixel and iPhone devices having a playful conversation. The Pixel character appears surprised when hearing about the iPhone 17’s rumored redesign, which reportedly includes a camera visor similar to what has been a distinctive feature on recent Pixel phones.
The video specifically references leaked images of the iPhone 17 Air that suggest Apple may be adopting a horizontal camera bar design reminiscent of Google’s Pixel series.
Google’s marketing team cleverly uses humor rather than direct criticism, with the animated phones acknowledging that these design changes are still just rumors at this point.
Humor and Comparison With Apple Products
The video maintains a light tone while highlighting the irony of Apple potentially adopting design elements from Google after years of Pixel being criticized for following iPhone trends.
The animated phones in the ad joke about the role reversal, with the Pixel character expressing surprise at being the design inspiration rather than the follower. This represents a significant shift in the narrative between the two competitors.
Recent reports from Bloomberg and industry analysts have suggested the iPhone 17 series will feature a visor-like camera module that has been a signature element of recent Pixel phones. Google’s video subtly emphasizes this point without appearing too aggressive.
The ad also cleverly reminds viewers of Pixel’s camera capabilities, which have been considered industry-leading.
Public and Media Response to the Campaign
The video has generated significant buzz across social media platforms, with tech enthusiasts and consumers appreciating Google’s humorous approach to competitive marketing.
Media outlets have largely portrayed the campaign as a clever marketing move rather than a hostile attack. Tech reviewers have noted how the ad highlights the cyclical nature of smartphone design, where companies regularly borrow ideas from competitors.
Some industry commentators have pointed out that while Google is poking fun at Apple for potentially copying design elements, both companies have a history of adopting features introduced by their competitors.
The timing of the ad coincides with growing anticipation for both the iPhone 17 lineup and Google’s upcoming Pixel releases, effectively keeping Google in the conversation during a period of intense speculation about Apple’s plans.
Rumored Features and Redesign of the iPhone 17
The iPhone 17 lineup is expected to undergo significant design changes that mirror elements from competitor devices, particularly Google’s Pixel series. These upcoming changes represent one of Apple’s most substantial redesigns in recent years.
Key Design Changes Rumored for the iPhone 17
The most talked-about design change for the iPhone 17 series is the new camera module arrangement that appears to be inspired by Google’s Pixel phones. Instead of the square camera bump present in recent iPhone generations, the iPhone 17 is rumored to feature a horizontal camera bar spanning across the upper portion of the device’s back.
The iPhone 17 Air, in particular, has attracted attention for allegedly copying the Pixel’s camera design. Industry insiders suggest Apple will use premium materials like brushed titanium for the Pro models and upgraded glass finishes for all variants.
The Dynamic Island, introduced with iPhone 14 Pro, will likely remain but with improved functionality. The display is expected to maintain the 120Hz ProMotion refresh rate for Pro models, possibly extending this feature to standard models as well.
Potential AI Features and Software Upgrades
Apple Intelligence is expected to receive significant enhancements in the iPhone 17 lineup, powered by more sophisticated large language models. These AI capabilities will likely extend beyond the current features to offer more contextual awareness and personalization.
Siri may undergo its most substantial upgrade yet, with rumors suggesting deeper integration with ChatGPT for enhanced conversational abilities. The voice assistant could handle more complex requests, understand nuance better, and maintain context throughout longer conversations.
iOS 19 will likely introduce new privacy enhancements, allowing users greater control over their data while using AI features. The Control Center might see a redesign to accommodate new AI toggles and shortcuts.
The Namedrop feature and Contact Posters introduced in iOS 17 may evolve with more interactive elements and deeper integration with VisionOS for augmented reality experiences.
Expected User Experience Improvements
Battery life improvements are anticipated through both hardware and software optimizations. The iPhone 17 series may include larger batteries coupled with more efficient processors to extend usage time between charges.
The rumored dedicated camera button, following its introduction on iPhone 16 Pro models, might be refined and extended across the entire iPhone 17 lineup. This hardware addition would provide users with more intuitive photography controls.
Airdrop capabilities are expected to receive upgrades for faster transfer speeds and more seamless interaction with Apple’s ecosystem devices, including Vision Pro headsets.
App loading times and multitasking capabilities should improve thanks to enhanced RAM configurations across all models, with the Pro variants potentially offering up to 12GB of RAM.
Comparison With Previous iPhone Generations
The iPhone 17’s design represents a notable departure from the iPhone 15 and 16 series, which largely maintained design continuity from the iPhone 12 era. This marks the most significant visual redesign since the introduction of the iPhone X.
The camera system is anticipated to surpass the already impressive capabilities of the iPhone 16 Pro, with improvements in low-light photography, zoom capabilities, and video stabilization. The standard iPhone 17 models might inherit some features previously exclusive to Pro variants.
The processing power will likely build upon the advancements made with the iPhone 16’s chips, with a particular focus on neural engine capabilities to support the expanded AI features.
Unlike previous generations where major upgrades were reserved for Pro models, the iPhone 17 lineup may see more feature parity across all models, reducing the gap between standard and Pro versions in terms of user experience and capabilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Google’s recent video poking fun at the iPhone 17‘s rumored Pixel-style redesign has sparked numerous questions from tech enthusiasts. The playful jab has created quite a buzz in the smartphone community.
What are the new features mentioned in the Google video about the latest iPhone?
The Google video primarily focuses on the iPhone 17’s rumored camera design, which appears to mimic the Pixel’s distinctive camera bar. The video features animated versions of Pixel and iPhone characters in a humorous conversation.
The most notable element referenced is the camera visor that has been a signature feature of recent Pixel phones. Google is essentially highlighting how Apple might be adopting design elements that have been present in Google’s lineup for some time.
Has Apple responded to Google’s satirical video on the iPhone redesign?
Apple has not yet issued any formal response to Google’s playful video about the iPhone 17 redesign. This silence is consistent with Apple’s typical approach to competitor marketing.
Apple generally maintains a professional distance from direct competitor comparisons in their own marketing. They tend to focus on their own product announcements rather than responding to competitive jabs.
What are the industry experts’ opinions on the video released by Google?
Industry experts have viewed Google’s video as a clever marketing tactic that capitalizes on leaked iPhone 17 designs. Many tech analysts see this as a strategic move to establish Google’s design leadership.
Some experts have noted that this type of playful competition can actually benefit the smartphone industry by encouraging innovation. Others point out that it highlights how design trends often cycle through major manufacturers.
How has the public reacted to the jokes made by Google on the iPhone’s features?
Public reaction to Google’s video has been largely positive, with many tech enthusiasts appreciating the humor. Social media platforms have seen considerable engagement with the animated back-and-forth between the Pixel and iPhone characters.
Loyal iPhone users have had mixed reactions, with some finding the comparison amusing while others defend Apple’s approach to design evolution. The video has certainly succeeded in generating conversation about both brands.
Why would Google create a video mocking a competitor’s product?
Google’s decision to create this satirical video serves multiple strategic purposes. First, it positions Google as an innovator whose designs are worthy of imitation by competitors.
The timing aligns with rumors about the iPhone 17’s redesign, allowing Google to capitalize on existing tech news cycles. This approach also helps Google build brand awareness and highlight the distinctive features of its own Pixel lineup.
Could the Google video impact consumer opinions or sales of the upcoming iPhone?
The video’s impact on iPhone 17 sales will likely be limited, as brand loyalty in the smartphone market remains strong. However, it may influence some undecided consumers by highlighting Google’s design innovation.
The video could potentially increase interest in comparing the two devices when the iPhone 17 is officially released. For tech-savvy consumers who follow industry news, it might plant seeds of recognition about which company pioneered certain design elements first.
