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Introduction: When Innovation Looks Familiar
Apple’s latest unveiling of iOS 26 at WWDC 2025 was supposed to mark another revolutionary leap in mobile operating systems. Instead, it triggered a chorus of playful jabs—and not-so-subtle mockery—from rivals like Google, Samsung, and Microsoft. The star of the show? A new “Liquid Glass” design that emphasizes transparency and minimalism. But what Apple touted as fresh and innovative is, according to its competitors, a decade-old playbook dressed in high-polish.
The debate has quickly turned viral, with tech giants taking aim through ads, memes, and sharp social media posts. But beyond the humor lies a deeper story of rivalry, timing, and the blurred lines between innovation and imitation.
the Original
Apple introduced iOS 26 during WWDC 2025, showcasing its new “Liquid Glass” interface—an aesthetic overhaul that immediately divided the tech community. While fans praised its clean, fluid design, critics and competitors were quick to call it derivative.
Google joined the conversation with a humorous ad featuring the Pixel 9 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro as personified characters. In the skit, the iPhone eagerly presents iOS 26’s new features—like live translation for text, Hold Assist, and call screening—only for the Pixel to sarcastically point out that Android phones had those features four to seven years ago. The iPhone’s enthusiastic dismissal of these similarities as “crazy coincidences” drew laughs while underscoring Google’s claim of prior innovation.
Samsung had its own moment of shade. On X (formerly Twitter), it mocked Apple’s glass-like UI, referencing how similar elements—customizable apps, floating bars, and sleek design—were already part of Samsung’s One UI. Samsung also ridiculed Apple’s Live Translation feature by welcoming them aboard a tech it debuted last year with the Galaxy S24.
Microsoft also chimed in, comparing the macOS Tahoe
In short, while Apple presented iOS 26 as a bold evolution, its tech competitors see it as a stylish echo of their own earlier breakthroughs.
What Undercode Say: Who’s Copying Whom in the Tech Arms Race?
The mockery Apple is facing
Let’s break it down:
- Liquid Glass Design: A Case of Déjà Vu?
Apple’s “Liquid Glass” mirrors past UI concepts that emphasized transparency—most notably Microsoft’s Aero from Windows Vista and 7. Even Android flirted with semi-transparent effects in older versions. The current rage for “glassmorphism” is not new—it’s a revival, repackaged with cleaner lines and bolder gradients.
The reality? Apple didn’t invent the look—but it may have perfected the feel. Its strength lies in refined execution, not first-mover advantage.
2. Feature Set: Innovation or Catch-Up?
Google’s Pixel ad highlights a recurring criticism of Apple—lagging behind in feature rollouts. Features like live translation, AI call screening, and hold assist have been part of the Android ecosystem for years.
However, Apple has a pattern of introducing “old” features in more integrated and reliable ways. Take Face ID or widget customization—both existed before iOS implemented them, but Apple often refines what others rush.
3. Marketing vs. Substance
Apple’s genius lies in its storytelling. It doesn’t just announce features; it sells experiences. That’s why even recycled ideas can feel groundbreaking to the average consumer.
But this raises a vital question: Does timing matter more than originality in tech? Google may have pioneered features, but Apple often brings them into the mainstream with seamless UI/UX integration.
4. The Power of Ecosystems
Another aspect often ignored is ecosystem maturity. Apple’s cross-device harmony (iPhone, Mac, iPad, Apple Watch) gives every new feature exponential utility. Samsung and Google excel in isolated innovation, but Apple thrives in total cohesion.
5. The Mockery Strategy
Google, Samsung, and Microsoft mocking Apple might be satisfying in the short-term, but it also signals something deeper—Apple still sets the cultural agenda. If iOS 26 wasn’t impactful, no one would bother parodying it. Imitation may be the sincerest form of flattery, but ridicule? That’s reserved for threats.
🔍 Fact Checker Results
✅ Apple’s “Liquid Glass” resembles Microsoft’s Aero UI
✅ Live Translation existed on Android and Samsung years prior
❌ Apple never claimed these features were firsts—only that they are now part of the Apple ecosystem
📊 Prediction: What Comes Next?
Apple will double down on refining borrowed features into premium experiences. Expect a push into AI-powered personalization and context-aware UI changes, integrated deeply across iOS, iPadOS, and macOS. Meanwhile, Google and Samsung will likely escalate their feature drops to preempt Apple’s next cycle, while Microsoft may expand its nostalgic branding to emphasize its “originality.”
By 2026, the conversation may shift—not around who did it first, but who did it best. And Apple’s bets on execution over invention might once again turn critics into customers.
References:
Reported By: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
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