In the ever-competitive world of smartphones, few rivalries are as iconic as Apple vs Google. From innovation battles to advertising jabs, these tech titans constantly challenge each other in bold—and often humorous—ways. The latest salvo? Google’s clever new ad that hilariously critiques Apple’s rumored iPhone 17 camera bar design, strikingly similar to the long-standing aesthetic of Google’s Pixel phones.
Let’s dive deep into what makes this ad so pointed, why it resonates with tech fans, and what it says about the blurred lines between innovation and imitation in the mobile industry.
Google’s Latest Ad: A Tongue-in-Cheek Take on Apple’s Design Shift
The #BestPhonesForever Campaign Strikes Again
Google’s newest commercial, part of its successful and sarcastic #BestPhonesForever ad series, has social media buzzing. The spot features animated versions of a Pixel phone and an iPhone having a playful yet pointed conversation. The topic? Apple’s rumored shift toward a horizontal camera bar on the upcoming iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max—eerily reminiscent of the Pixel’s now-signature camera design.
CAD Leaks Reveal the Inspiration
Recent CAD renders suggest Apple may be ditching its signature vertical camera layout in favor of a horizontal camera bump that spans across the phone’s rear, sparking immediate comparisons to the Pixel 6, Pixel 7, and Pixel 8 series. While Apple’s version looks bulkier and more “Apple-esque,” Google wasted no time capitalizing on the similarity.
Pixel Phones Did It First: A Subtle Jab with a Big Impact
History of the Pixel Camera Bar
Google introduced the horizontal camera bar with the Pixel 6 lineup in 2021—a design that was both functional and futuristic. It not only distinguished the Pixel visually but also provided better balance for camera sensors. By referencing this in their ad, Google cheekily asserts its design leadership in the smartphone space.
Pixel to iPhone: Inspiration or Imitation?
While Apple may be reimagining the design with its own flair, the underlying structure feels borrowed. Google’s ad plays into this narrative, subtly asking: Is Apple copying a competitor, or merely taking inspiration from a good idea?
Beyond the Camera: Feature Comparisons and Past Borrowing
Night Sight vs Night Mode
Google didn’t stop at design critiques. The ad also throws shade at Apple for implementing Night Mode long after Pixel introduced Night Sight, one of the most celebrated low-light photography tools in mobile history.
Magic Eraser vs Photo Cleanup
Similarly, Magic Eraser was a revolutionary Pixel-exclusive tool that allowed users to remove unwanted elements from photos with AI precision. Apple introduced its own version—Photo Cleanup—years later, a fact that doesn’t go unnoticed in Google’s latest jab.
Widgets and System Features
Even basic UI enhancements like widgets—available on Android since the early 2010s—only made their way to iPhones with iOS 14 in 2020. Google’s ad revisits these late adoptions, driving home the point that Apple tends to follow in Google’s footsteps.
Is Copying Really That Bad? Tech Innovation Is a Two-Way Street
Borrowing vs Building Better
While Google’s ad is humorous, it also brings up a key question: Does borrowing ideas make a company less innovative? Not necessarily. The smartphone industry thrives on iteration. Apple’s adaptation of features may come later, but often with its signature polish and broader ecosystem integration.
Google Copies Too: Auto Reboot and More
Let’s not forget that Google also borrows. Recent Android features like auto-restart, tighter privacy dashboards, and dynamic widgets have clear inspiration from iOS. Innovation, after all, is not a straight line—it’s a loop.
Why This Ad Resonates: Brand Identity Meets Tech Humor
Marketing Meets Meme Culture
Google’s decision to take a humorous, self-aware approach aligns with modern digital culture. It connects with younger, tech-savvy audiences who appreciate brands with personality.
Pixel’s Identity Boost
This playful roast not only critiques Apple but also reinforces Pixel’s identity as a trendsetter, not a follower. It positions Google’s phones as not just alternatives but as influential leaders in smartphone design and software intelligence.
A Fun Yet Strategic Shot at Apple’s Evolution
Whether you see Apple’s rumored iPhone 17 camera bar as copying or simply adapting, Google’s response is a masterclass in creative marketing. It’s funny, timely, and rooted in a long history of mutual inspiration between two tech giants.
Ultimately, users win when brands compete—not just in specs, but in storytelling. If Apple’s new design improves the user experience, fans won’t mind where the inspiration came from. Still, it’s nice to see Google remind the world who wore the camera bar first.
FAQs
Q1: What is the #BestPhonesForever ad series by Google?
A: It’s a humorous ad campaign by Google where a Pixel and an iPhone are personified and engage in playful conversations, often highlighting Pixel’s unique features while poking fun at Apple.
Q2: Is Apple really copying Google’s camera bar design for iPhone 17?
A: Based on leaked CAD designs, Apple appears to be adopting a horizontal camera layout similar to Google’s Pixel phones, but with its own design language.
Q3: What are the key differences between Pixel and iPhone camera features?
A: Pixel phones are known for features like Night Sight and Magic Eraser, while iPhones offer Night Mode and Cleanup. Both aim for photo enhancement, but Pixel often debuts them first.
Q4: Has Apple copied other Android features in the past?
A: Yes, features like widgets, multitasking gestures, and photo editing tools were present on Android long before making it to iOS.
Q5: Does Google also borrow features from Apple?
A: Absolutely. Features like auto-restart, polished UI refinements, and privacy dashboards have been adapted from Apple’s ecosystem, showing mutual influence in the tech space.
