Google Teases Apple's iPhone 17 Design

05/07/2025 Mobile Phones

Recent rumors suggest Apple's upcoming iPhone 17 may feature a horizontal camera bar, a design element strikingly reminiscent of Google's Pixel 9 series. This similarity hasn't gone unnoticed by Google, which has subtly acknowledged the resemblance through its "#BestPhonesForever" YouTube series.

A Playful Exchange

The series features an animated exchange between a Pixel and an iPhone, playfully discussing the rumored design. The iPhone expresses surprise at the potential design mirroring the Pixel's, prompting a witty response from the Pixel highlighting the apparent resemblance.

More Than Just a Camera Bar

The playful exchange extends beyond the camera design. Google also pointedly draws parallels between features like its Night Sight and Apple's Night Mode, and the Magic Eraser versus Apple's Clean Up function, highlighting a perceived pattern of similar features appearing on Apple devices after their initial release on Pixel phones. This subtle teasing underscores a potential narrative of Google's innovative lead in the mobile technology sector.

Google's Design Rationale

Google's design director, Claude Zellweger, previously explained the reasoning behind the Pixel 9's prominent camera bar. The large camera module, Zellweger stated, is a direct result of consumer demand for high-quality photography. The advanced sensors and lenses needed to achieve this necessitate a larger physical footprint.

A Continuing Narrative

This isn't the first instance of Google playfully highlighting similarities between its Pixel phones and Apple's iPhones. The "#BestPhonesForever" campaign has previously showcased Pixel's superior capabilities in various areas, subtly contrasting its features with those offered by Apple products.

The Pixel 9 Pro itself boasts impressive specifications, including a 6.3-inch display with a 120Hz refresh rate, and a powerful triple-camera system incorporating Google's Gemini AI capabilities. This showcases a strong product offering.