In its latest playful jab, Google is teasing Apple over the rumored iPhone 17 Pro design with a fun new ad promoting the upcoming Pixel 9 Pro. The ad cheekily targets Apple’s alleged plan to adopt a horizontal camera bar—a design element Google has used since 2021 on its Pixel lineup.
A “Podcast” Between Pixel and iPhone
Titled “Responding to the Rumors,” the ad is styled as a quirky podcast chat between two animated phones—a Pixel and an iPhone.
When the Pixel mentions online rumors about the iPhone 17 Pro’s redesign, the iPhone character responds with mock disbelief:
It’s crazy. Can you imagine me doing the same thing you did first years later?
The moment lands as a clear reference to the leaked iPhone 17 Pro dummy units, which hint at Apple shifting from its signature camera bump to a horizontal camera bar—something long associated with Pixel phones.
Watch the ad here:
More Than Just Design: Google Highlights Feature Copying
The ad doesn’t stop at camera design. Google uses the moment to call out features it believes Apple borrowed from Android, including:
- Night Mode: First launched on Pixel in 2018, later added to iPhones in 2019.
- Magic Eraser vs. Clean Up: Pixel introduced Magic Eraser in 2021; Apple added a similar Clean Up tool in 2024.
- Widgets: Android had widgets from the start; Apple only introduced them in iOS 14 (2020).
It wraps up with a disclaimer delivered by both phones:
We want to remind everyone that these rumors are just rumors.
And the video description maintains the tongue-in-cheek tone:
Please don’t go repeating everything you see.
A Longstanding Friendly Rivalry
This isn’t the first time Google has fired friendly shots at Apple in its marketing. Previously, Google, in its #BestPhonesForever campaign, has mocked Apple’s delayed adoption of USB Type-C and features like the lock screen customization on its iPhone, something Android devices have long offered.
These jabs come with a wink, positioning the Pixel as the more “innovative” device while poking fun at Apple’s slower-paced design and feature changes.
Rumors Suggest Bold Redesign for iPhone 17
The rumored iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Air redesigns feature a horizontal camera layout reminiscent of Pixel devices, but with a twist. Apple is likely to keep its triangular lens arrangement inside a wide module, maintaining a distinct look.
While Apple hasn’t confirmed any details, multiple leaks and dummy models have shown this potential shift—giving Google just enough ammo to run with it.
The Rivalry Heats Up Ahead of Launch Season
As both companies gear up for major releases—Pixel 9 Pro on one side and iPhone 17 on the other—the Google vs. Apple rivalry is clearly alive and well. Google’s new ad may be lighthearted, but it fuels the ongoing battle for innovation—and attention.
What do you think? Was Google’s jab funny, fair, or a little too far? Join the conversation in the comments.
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