Apple’s recent unveiling of iOS 26 at WWDC 2025 has certainly turned heads, but it’s hard to ignore the striking resemblance to some features that Google’s Pixel devices have flaunted for years.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the standout features in iOS 26 that seem to have taken a detour from the Pixel playbook.
Gemini Live and Circle to Search
While Apple is inching closer to refining its AI capabilities, the Visual Intelligence features in iOS 26 bear a striking resemblance to Google’s Gemini Live and Circle to Search tools. Google’s implementation on Pixel phones as early as January 2024 seems to have set the benchmark in this arena.
Call Screen
The introduction of Call Screening in iOS 26 might seem like a game-changer, but Google’s Pixel phones have been offering a similar feature since the Pixel 4 in 2019. The familiarity extends even to the naming convention, making the parallels hard to miss.
Hold for Me
Apple’s adoption of the Hold Assist feature from Google’s Pixel phones to iOS 26 signifies a belated but welcome addition. Initially seen on the Google Pixel 5 in late 2020 as Hold for Me, this feature promises to be a valuable asset on the upcoming iPhone 17.
Live Translate
The Live Translation feature in iOS 26 opens up new possibilities for iPhone users, but the concept isn’t entirely novel. Google had introduced a similar Live Translate feature with the Pixel 6 back in 2021, providing a head start in this domain.
Google Maps Timeline vs. Visited Places
Apple’s introduction of Visited Places in Apple Maps mirrors Google’s timeline feature, previously known as Location History, available on Pixel and other Android phones for over a decade. Google’s recent privacy-focused enhancements in December 2024 further underline their commitment to this functionality.
Wrist Gestures
In the realm of wearables, Apple’s wrist gesture for dismissing notifications in watchOS 26 is undoubtedly convenient. However, Pixel Watch and Galaxy Watch wearables running Wear OS have long supported gesture controls, offering a more comprehensive range of actions beyond notification dismissal.
As Apple continues to iterate on its software offerings, the echoes of Pixel features in iOS 26 serve as a testament to the cross-pollination of ideas in the competitive landscape of mobile operating systems. While innovation knows no bounds, acknowledging the inspiration drawn from predecessors can foster a richer user experience.