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Google has taken a direct shot at Apple in its latest ad for the Pixel 9 Pro, accusing the iPhone 17—months before its release—of copying design and features that Pixel introduced years ago. Presented in a playful but unmistakably sarcastic tone, the ad turns the tables on Apple by humorously showcasing how the iPhone allegedly mimics Pixel innovations, from camera bumps to software features.
Google’s Ad Isn’t Holding Back
In a one-minute skit styled as a podcast between two anthropomorphic smartphones, Pixel and iPhone casually discuss the “coincidences” that seem to always follow Pixel’s innovations. The fictional iPhone, portrayed with a British accent, sheepishly confesses to adopting Pixel’s features—like Night Mode, Magic Eraser (rebranded as “Clean Up”), and even widgets—years after Pixel introduced them.
The satire builds as the phones talk about camera bump design rumors surrounding the iPhone 17, hinting that Apple’s upcoming flagship might resemble the Pixel 9 Pro’s layout. While the iPhone character tries to play it off as pure chance, the Pixel phone isn’t buying it.
The script ends with the iPhone repeating the Pixel’s words verbatim, pushing the copycat narrative to the limit. Google’s ad clearly favors blunt mockery over subtlety, a choice that may entertain fans but risk alienating others who find it too on-the-nose.
Key Takeaways:
Google’s Pixel 9 Pro ad mocks Apple’s iPhone 17 before its official reveal.
The ad is styled as a fictional podcast between “Pixel” and “iPhone.”
iPhone is portrayed as copying Pixel’s innovations, including:
Night Sight → Night Mode
Magic Eraser → Clean Up
Android Widgets → iOS Widgets
Google also accuses Apple of mimicking Pixel’s camera bump design.
The tone is intentionally cringeworthy, full of sarcasm and repetition.
The ad seems designed for viral impact, even at the expense of elegance.
The ad plays up “coincidence” in repeated lines to underline the joke.
Pixel highlights it had features years before iPhone adopted them.
The ad ends with iPhone copying
What Undercode Say:
Google’s latest jab at Apple is less of an ad and more of a brand-level roast—a form of corporate performance that increasingly defines big tech marketing. This campaign speaks volumes about how competitive and culturally aware the smartphone wars have become.
Let’s break down what this ad really means, beyond the satire:
1. Strategic Timing:
Dropping this ad before Apple even announces the iPhone 17 is a classic preemptive strike. It positions Google as the originator and Apple as the follower, shaping the narrative before Apple even reveals the device.
2. Psychological Positioning:
Rather than wait for press comparisons post-launch, Google puts the idea in consumer heads that anything Apple shows off next is likely derivative. It plants a subconscious bias.
3. Cultural Language:
This ad taps into the tone and format of podcasts—a medium currently dominating digital attention. By personifying the phones and mimicking podcast banter, Google increases relatability among younger audiences.
4. Apple’s Secrecy as a Weakness:
Since Apple is famously secretive, it’s vulnerable to speculative attacks. Google weaponizes this mystery by using rumors as a narrative playground.
5. From Feature Parity to Feature Legacy:
Instead of simply boasting what the Pixel can do, Google reframes the story: Pixel didn’t just arrive first—it led the way. Apple is no longer catching up; it’s copying.
6. Tone Risk:
Google walks a fine line here. Some viewers might find the ad refreshingly bold, but others could see it as juvenile. There’s always a risk when humor crosses into mockery.
7. Reinforcement of Ecosystem Strength:
By indirectly mocking Apple’s slow adoption of certain features, Google’s ad reminds users that the Android ecosystem is often faster and more flexible when it comes to innovation.
8. Meme Potential:
The ad is perfectly optimized for meme culture. Lines like “Total coincidence” and “Oh come on!” are meme-ready punchlines that will likely spread across social platforms.
9. Influencer & Fan Echo:
This format invites tech influencers and YouTubers to break down and debate the ad—generating secondary media waves for free.
10. The Bigger Picture:
This isn’t just about phones—it’s about controlling the tech narrative. Google knows that perception often beats reality. If the Pixel can be seen as the innovator and Apple as the copier, Google wins in the mind of the consumer.
Fact Checker Results:
Pixel introduced Night Sight in 2018, iPhone added Night Mode in 2019 – True.
Magic Eraser launched in 2021, Clean Up appeared in iOS 17 Photos app in 2023 – Accurate.
Android introduced home screen widgets in 2008; iOS got widgets in 2020 – Confirmed.
Prediction:
Expect Apple’s iPhone 17 to draw intense visual comparisons to the Pixel 9 Pro, whether justified or not. Tech YouTubers, analysts, and leakers will likely amplify these similarities. While Apple rarely responds publicly to such provocations, this type of competitive jabbing will increasingly define pre-launch marketing in 2025. Meanwhile, expect Google to double down on bold storytelling tactics, possibly involving more parody and viral formats to gain traction where specs alone no longer suffice.
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References:
Reported By: 9to5mac.com
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