Following Apple’s recent unveiling of iOS 26, Google has joined the growing chorus of playful jabs aimed at the tech giant’s latest software update.
Through its ongoing and tongue-in-cheek #BestPhonesForever campaign, Google released a new video that highlights how several of iOS 26’s features appear to mirror long-standing capabilities of its own Pixel smartphones.
The ad, like others in the series, features a fictional conversation between a Pixel phone and an iPhone. This time, the Pixel cheekily accuses Apple of borrowing its features.
The video specifically calls out auto-translation of messages, which Google says Pixel users have enjoyed for four years, and Hold Assist, a call feature Pixels have had for five. The video also references call screening, now debuting in iOS 26, which has been available on Pixel devices for over seven years.
In a humorous moment at the end of the video, the iPhone asks the Pixel what features it’s working on for the upcoming Pixel 10 series—suggesting Apple might once again “get inspired” for its future iPhones, namely the anticipated iPhone 17 lineup.
Compared to previous videos in the series, this installment is relatively tame but still delivers a light-hearted critique. While some viewers may find the campaign’s tone cringeworthy, others might appreciate the playful rivalry between the tech titans.
However, industry observers note that borrowing ideas across platforms is hardly new. The practice of adapting or evolving existing features is a standard part of innovation in tech. Apple, Google, and Samsung have all introduced functions over the years that echo one another’s earlier advancements.
Still, with both iOS 26 and the Pixel 10 series on the horizon, the competition is clearly heating up. As launch dates approach, users can expect even more comparisons—and possibly more playful jabs—as each brand vies for attention in a crowded smartphone market.