Is the iPhone 17 going to be 'inspired by' the Pixel 9? Google's hilarious new ad throws shade at Apple

In the world of tech rivalries, Google and Apple have always been titans on opposite ends of the battlefield. But just when you thought the war had cooled, Google has reignited the fire—this time with humour sharper than ever.

Whispers Turn into Winks
Rumours swirling around Apple’s next big release—the iPhone 17 Air—have caused more than just a ripple among fans. While Apple remains tight-lipped, leaks suggest that its upcoming phone may feature a bold new design: a horizontal camera bar instead of the traditional square bump. Sounds familiar? That’s because Google’s Pixel 9 got there first.

And the internet noticed.

The design leak sparked outrage in corners of the Apple community, with some calling the iPhone 17 Air “the product no one asked for.” But Google didn’t just sit back and enjoy the buzz. It hit back with what might be its cheekiest Pixel advertisement yet.

Enter the Shade: Google’s Pixel Has Something to Say
Titled #BestPhonesForever: Responding to the Rumors, the latest YouTube skit in Google’s ongoing Pixel vs iPhone series doesn’t pull any punches. Featuring AI-voiced versions of the Pixel and iPhone, the ad sets the stage like a talk show—and lets the roast begin.

Pixel opens with a knowing grin (or the digital equivalent): “Hi, I’m Pixel and this is iPhone.” Then it dives straight into the juicy bit—those copycat design rumours. The iPhone, with comic timing, feigns innocence: “It’s crazy. Can you imagine me doing the same thing you did first, years later?”

A History of Echoes
The skit then turns into a polite, if biting, highlight reel of innovation déjà vu. iPhone acknowledges moments of “inspiration” it may have taken from its rival—like introducing Night Mode a year after Pixel’s Night Sight, launching widgets long after Android’s version, or rolling out a CleanUp feature that trails behind Google’s Magic Eraser.

Google closes the show with a wink: “We want to remind everyone that these rumours are just rumours.” iPhone, cheeky as ever, parrots back every word.

Fans Choose Sides—With a Smile
Reactions online have been predictably divided—but wildly entertained. “This reminds me of the ‘copy my homework but change it a little’ meme,” quipped one user. Another called it a throwback to the golden age of Coca-Cola vs Pepsi ad wars.

While Android users cheered the digital smackdown, most Apple loyalists took it on the chin—shrugging off the ad with humour. Some even admitted it was hard not to enjoy Google’s creative upper hand.

With Apple reportedly working on its own foldable phone—rumoured to cost a fortune—Google’s ad team is likely sharpening their scripts already. If the BestPhonesForever series has proved anything, it’s that this rivalry still has plenty of fuel left, and fans are here for every roast, jab, and parody.

Because in tech, imitation isn’t just the sincerest form of flattery—it’s content gold.