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Blogs / Google Trolls Apple’s iOS 26 with Witty Ad Campaign—Pixel Says "Been There, Done That"
Campaign Updates
Jun 19, 202512 Min read

Google Trolls Apple’s iOS 26 with Witty Ad Campaign—Pixel Says "Been There, Done That"

Google trolls Apple’s iOS 26 with a clever Pixel ad, pointing out “new” features iPhones just got that Pixels have had for years. Samsung joins the roast.

Google Trolls Apple’s iOS 26 with Witty Ad Campaign—Pixel Says "Been There, Done That"

Apple’s latest iOS 26 rollout has created quite a buzz in the tech world, but it’s not all applause and admiration. While iPhone fans are excited about the new features, competitors like Google and Samsung are having a bit of fun at Apple’s expense, especially Google, which launched a cheeky new ad to poke fun at the so-called "new" features introduced with iOS 26.

Pixel vs. iPhone: #BestPhonesForever Gets Spicy

Google has taken to its ongoing #BestPhonesForever campaign to highlight how many of iOS 26’s features have existed on Pixel phones for years. In the latest ad, the iPhone 16 Pro excitedly lists features like live translation in text messages, Hold Assist, and call screening. The Pixel 9 Pro, ever the cool customer, replies by saying that it had these introduced four, five, and seven years ago, respectively.

Well, the ad's whimsical and conversational format recalls the fresh format of the series, depicting Pixel and iPhone as friends competing against each other. Despite the humorous tone of the ad, there is a clear message in that Apple’s features might feel new to iOS users; however, Pixel and Android users have been using these features for quite some time.

Google’s Message: Innovation or Imitation?

The campaign doesn’t accuse Apple of copying, at least not outright. Instead, it humorously frames the situation in a way that suggests iOS 26 is catching up to features Android has long had. The video ends with the iPhone curiously asking what the Pixel is working on next for Pixel 10. This means that Apple’s next round of ideas will most likely again reflect things that Pixel is already doing. It’s typical tech talk, but it also emphasizes the competitive advantage companies are trying to get in a crowded field.

Samsung Takes a Jab Too

Google isn’t alone in this playful tech roast. Samsung also chimed in with a post on X (formerly Twitter), subtly referencing Apple’s new "Liquid Glass" design. Samsung suggests its One UI has already mastered this aesthetic. With elements like floating bars, app customization, and a sleek glass-like interface, Samsung reminded users that its interface has long offered many of these visual upgrades.

Samsung also highlighted that its Galaxy S24 series, launched back in 2024, already featured real-time text and speech translation, which is now a major talking point in Apple’s new update.

A Familiar Pattern in Tech

This isn't the first time that Apple has been criticized for moving forward with features that their competitors already developed. And to be fair, this kind of cross-platform initiative spreads both ways. From Face ID to gesture navigation, brands constantly learn from one another. It’s all part of the innovation cycle where consumer demand drives improvements across the board.

While their marketing plans may be a little tongue-in-cheek, the reality is that consumers are the real winners. Each time these companies put their mouth where their money is and start a competition, we are rewarded with better, functional smartphones.

So whether you're team iPhone or team Pixel, it's good to have a common ground and know that the feature war isn't going anywhere, AND this tech talk has just begun.