May 7, 2025, 1:20 pm | Read time: 2 minutes
The days when major manufacturers experimented with bold smartphone designs, like the LG Wing and Samsung Galaxy Beam, are long gone. Nowadays, devices increasingly resemble one another: rounded displays in the front and large camera housings in the back. According to leaks, the iPhone is now moving closer to Google’s popular Pixel series.
We are still months away from the iPhone launch in September. However, rumors about the upcoming models are increasingly solidifying. Especially regarding the design, leaks are consistent: The biggest change will occur with the camera on the back. Instead of the previous, almost square enclosure, a camera bar will span the entire width of the device. Google sees a clear similarity between the iPhone leaks and its own Pixel series, known for its wide “camera visors.”
“iPhone 17 Leaks Look Very Similar to Google Pixel”
In Google’s ad format “#BestPhonesForever,” a Google Pixel and an iPhone repeatedly appear and converse in a podcast style. In the current episode, the two smartphones discuss the online rumors about the design of the upcoming iPhone 17 series:
- Pixel: “There are a lot of rumors circulating about the upcoming iPhone redesign.”
- iPhone: “It’s crazy. Can you imagine me doing the same thing you did first—years later?”
- Pixel: “That sounds very far-fetched.”
The news headline in the video, “iPhone 17 leaks look very similar to Google Pixel,” is a clear nod to the leaked information about iPhone 17 Air and 17 Pro/Pro Max. Dimensions provided to accessory manufacturers in advance indicate that the smartphones will feature a wide camera bar. Additionally, images of components have now been released to the public, further confirming the new design.
Especially the iPhone 17 Air, with its thinner camera bar, strongly resembles the Google Pixel, as my colleague Marlene Polywka already wrote in February. Those who want a clear picture of how similar the devices are can see early demo units in a Chinese store in the video.
An End to Apple’s Iconic Design? iPhone 17 Air Looks Like Google Pixel 9
First Pictures of the iPhone 17 Pro! Smartphone Looks Completely Different
Apple Is Working on a New Product — and It’s Going to Be Really Expensive
Who Copied What from Whom?
The two smartphones continue to discuss a few features that the Google Pixel had first, which later, often years later, came to the iPhone. Some examples include Night Mode, widgets, and Magic Eraser. However, it’s worth mentioning that there are also examples of the opposite. Google has adopted AirDrop, satellite SOS, and gesture control from the iPhone.
The Pixel concludes the “podcast” episode with the words: “We want to remind everyone that these rumors are just rumors.” Naturally, the iPhone then repeats the same sentence, to which the Pixel responds with “Oh, come on.”