Did iOS 26 Copy Android Features? Here's What Google Says
Apple recently unveiled iOS 26, introducing a suite of AI-powered tools to improve user experience. But in a fresh jab at Apple, Google released a new ad suggesting iOS 26 is simply playing catch-up—specifically by copying three Android features already available on Pixel devices. The ad, part of Google's humorous #BestPhonesForever campaign, playfully highlights Live Translate, Hold Assist, and Call Screening—all of which have been available on Pixel phones for years. So, did Apple really copy Android with iOS 26? Here's a closer look at what the ad claims and how each feature compares.
Live Translate in iOS 26 vs. Pixel's Longstanding Feature
Google first introduced Live Translate with the Pixel 6 in 2021. The feature allowed users to auto-translate text messages and phone calls in real time, helping people communicate seamlessly across language barriers. Fast forward to iOS 26, and Apple now touts a similar translation experience integrated into Messages and Phone. In the ad, the iPhone character proudly announces its new feature—only to be reminded by the Pixel 9 Pro that Android users have been enjoying that functionality for over four years.
From a practical standpoint, both versions of Live Translate aim to deliver the same convenience, though execution and UI might differ slightly. Still, the overlap is enough for Google to imply that Apple borrowed the concept directly from Android. It’s a fair call—especially when considering how central real-time AI translation has become in modern smartphones.
Hold Assist: A Familiar Pixel Experience Rebranded by Apple?
Another spotlighted feature is Hold Assist. In iOS 26, Apple introduces it as a time-saving AI feature that listens to hold music during calls and alerts you when a real person comes on the line. However, Google’s Hold for Me—introduced in 2020 on Pixel 3 and newer—has done the exact same thing for years. In the playful ad, the iPhone tries to present Hold Assist as a new innovation, while the Pixel calmly points out it’s old news in the Android world.
Functionally, both Hold Assist and Hold for Me solve an everyday annoyance: wasting time on hold. But the resemblance is too strong to ignore. Whether Apple was “inspired” or just late to the party, the feature is another example of Google shaping smartphone AI before Apple catches up.
Call Screening: Android's Veteran Tool Makes an iOS Debut
The third feature Google claims iOS 26 copied is Call Screening. On Pixel devices, this feature dates all the way back to 2018. It allows Google Assistant to answer calls on your behalf, ask who's calling, and even provide a transcript of the caller’s response in real time—helping users avoid robocalls and spam. Now with iOS 26, Apple has added a similar capability, allowing Siri to screen unknown calls with on-screen transcriptions.
While iOS 26’s version adds Apple polish and integrates with Siri, the core functionality mirrors what Pixel users have known for years. In the ad, the Pixel 9 Pro wryly points this out, underscoring the narrative that Apple is following Android’s lead when it comes to call AI innovation.
Apple vs. Google: Is Innovation Now a Two-Way Street?
Although Google’s ad pokes fun at Apple for playing catch-up, it's important to note that feature parity across platforms isn’t always bad. Many users benefit when good ideas are adopted by more devices. In fact, Apple often takes time to refine and perfect features before release—sometimes resulting in smoother implementation. Still, Google has a point: these three iOS 26 features closely resemble tools Android users have had for years.
For Android fans, the ad is a humorous win that showcases Google's lead in AI-powered phone features. For iPhone users, it’s a reminder that Apple isn't always first—but sometimes being late means being better. Either way, the smartphone feature race continues to heat up, with both giants pushing innovation forward in their own style.
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