Google Says iOS 26 Copies Three Android Features

[MacRumors]

In a new ad, Google says iOS 26 copies three Android features that have been available on Pixel phones for years: Live Translate, Hold Assist, and Call Screening.

The video, part of the ongoing #BestPhonesForever series, shows an iPhone and a Pixel 9 Pro talking to each other on a fictional podcast.

"I announced live translation for text messages," the iPhone says.

"And it turned out I had that four years ago," the Pixel 9 Pro responds.

"Yeah, crazy coincidence," the iPhone says.

Similarly, the iPhone brings up Hold Assist and Call Screening, and the Pixel phone says it already offered those features too.

Live Translate debuted on the Pixel 6 in 2021. Just like on iOS 26, the feature can auto-translate text messages and phone calls.

In 2020, Google introduced a Hold for Me feature for the Pixel 3 and newer. Just like Hold Assist on iOS 26, the feature can wait on hold for you during a phone call so you do not need to pay attention, and alert you when the agent comes on the line.

Call screening debuted on the Pixel 3 all the way back in 2018.

Google does have a point here, but whether the ad is humorous or cringy is up for debate.

Also, the copying goes both ways.

Article Link: Google Says iOS 26 Copies Three Android Features

 

[MacUserFella]

Google points out something Apple’s being doing for years, it’s not copying, it’s catching up with the competition.

 

[v0lume4]

Apple doesn't do anything new anymore. All they do copy is copy yesteryear's features from someone else. I say this as someone who has used Apple's products (and competitors') for a lonnng time.

 

[Digital Dude]

Yeah, sad but true…🤷‍♂️
When I think about upgrading from my 12 Max, the iPhone has slipped to third on my list.

 

[AnotherOpinion]

I have to admit my brother and I were talking about this the other week that the iPhone just doesn't seem to ever catch up to android. And the design has just been stagnant and boring. We're both thinking about switching platforms. I'm a complete Apple/Mac/iPad/iPhone consumer, but I'm starting to get really bored of the iPhone and envious of android's capabilities and Samsung designs

 

[vertsix]

That's cute. They have liberally done the same for years.

There's nothing wrong with copying features and making them better to compete with others, and vice versa. This results in improved products for everyone regardless on the platform they use.

 

[mcled53]

And Android has copied IOS in all other aspects of smartphone-ness.

 

[uacd]

In a year or two we will see how Google copies glass interface and turns their logo into glass aero-aqua style🤣

Also this poorly aged “talking smartphones podcast” looks silly. Is Google cosplaying Joe Rogan? Yeah, heard lots of 💩 from that guy too

 

[WarmWinterHat]

I don't care who copies who, or for what reason, I just want the features.

 

[Jason2000]

Google whines about Apple copying it as they are literally rolling out Live Activities on android...lol. They both copy but it is the Android crowd that whines the most.

 

[djinn]

I’m not too concerned about who’s copying who—as long as the platform I’m using works well and feels polished. So go ahead, Apple! If copying leads to better tech and a smoother experience for all of us, I’m all for it.

 

[wonderings]

I don't care who copies who, and for what reason, I just want the features.

Same, I don't care who originally did what. If you wanted to go down that road then it would all go back to Apple basically with the iPhone. I am a consumer, I want what works best for me, I don't care if it is Apple, Google, Samsung. etc. I don't do brand loyalty.

 

[JGIGS]

That's cute. They have liberally done the same for years.

There's nothing wrong with copying features and making them better to compete with others, and vice versa. This results in improved products for everyone regardless on the platform they use.

Ugh ya. The only thing that Apple really has going for it is the ecosystem lock and possible more secure than Android. Which, unfortunately, are pretty important to me. I've preferred Androids UI and ability to customize vs ios for a loonnng time now.

 

[rorschach]

Never understood the point of these kinds of ads. "Hey, if you were considering switching to Android because these features are missing on your iPhone...don't worry, now you don't need to."

 

[Havalo]

Good artists copy, great artists steal 😁

 

[Unregistered 4U]

Google:
Hey world! You know this thing only we were doing? APPLE IS DOING IT THIS FALL!
Apple:
Thanks for the free advertising, Google!

 

[AppleTO]

Ah, also the three most useful new features. Lol

 

[Zorn]

Google should tell us more about their novel new "Live Activity" feature in Android 16.

 

[Zapski]

At least Apple doesn’t harvest all your personal data and sell it. That’s the killer feature for me

 

[Apple Knowledge Navigator]

Haha, and how many features has Android copied?

 

[firewood]

Does Google do hold assist and call screening using on device AI? Or does Google vacuum up your personal messages into their pile of data to better target you with annoying ads?

 

[Devyn89]

I can’t imagine a consumer going “I was going to go with Apple but Google had these features first so I’m going to go with them instead.”

 

[xiJulian_]

Google really put an ad that says “The iPhone now does the same things as our phones so now there’s no reason to buy from us.”

 

[one more]

Until now Android has offered more platform freedom, flexibility and functionality (with associated risks), while Apple were offering a really polished walled garden (with their own set of sometimes bizarre rules and restrictions). Android is still behind on the design and eye candy, while Apple lag behind with AI deployment, split screen functionality for iPhones, etc. Interesting times, basically. 😉

 

[Rradcircless]

I remember Google spending years and millions of dollars BEGGING Apple to “copy” RCS. They need to **** or advertise on what continues to set their products apart from iPhone. It’s not a flex that Apple took what you do and did it better WITH privacy built in.