The smartphone industry has always thrived on innovation, but also on inspiration borrowed from rivals. The latest debate is heating up between Apple’s rumored iPhone 17 Air and Google’s just-launched Pixel 10 Pro XL. Both devices are blurring design lines, raising the question: Who copied who?
Design Showdown
iPhone 17 Air
- Rumored Design: Apple is reportedly shifting away from its classic vertical camera stack, opting for a horizontal camera bar spanning the back.
- Build: A sleek aluminum unibody with Gorilla Glass, aligning more with Pixel’s iconic aesthetic.
- Philosophy: A radical break from Apple’s minimalist legacy, signaling Apple’s willingness to experiment with “Pixel-like” elements.
Pixel 10 Pro XL
- Established Identity: Google has used the camera bar design since the Pixel 6, making it a signature look.
- Refinements: The Pixel 10 continues with flat sides, aluminum build, and a familiar form factor.
- Philosophy: While sticking to its design DNA, the Pixel 10 now feels more iPhone-like, dropping features like the physical SIM tray for a sleeker appeal.
Key Differentiators
| Aspect | iPhone 17 Air | Pixel 10 Pro XL |
|---|---|---|
| Camera Module | Horizontal bar (new for Apple) | Horizontal bar (established Pixel DNA) |
| Body Material | Aluminum + glass, premium Apple build | Aluminum + glass, consistent Pixel feel |
| Software Focus | iOS refinements, ecosystem integration | Gemini AI features (Camera Coach, Magic Cue, smarter edits) |
| Target Audience | Loyal Apple fans, luxury-seekers | Android enthusiasts, iPhone switchers |
Public Reactions
- Apple Critics: Many accuse Apple of copying Pixel’s design language, something unusual for a brand often seen as a design trendsetter.
- Google’s Response: Google playfully mocked Apple in marketing, claiming “we did it first.”
- Market Analysts: Some argue this cross-pollination is inevitable. Apple’s rumored design changes give its phones a fresh identity, while Pixel 10 strategically borrows iPhone-like minimalism to lure switchers.
Who Copied Who?
The truth lies somewhere in between:
- Apple seems inspired by Pixel’s design with its horizontal camera bar.
- Google intentionally makes Pixel 10 feel more iPhone-like, aiming to lower barriers for Apple users to switch.
In reality, both tech giants are influencing each other, creating a design tug-of-war that benefits consumers with devices that feel familiar, yet innovative.
👉 Bottom Line: Instead of asking who copied who, the better question is: who did it better? The iPhone 17 Air could reinvent Apple’s design legacy, while the Pixel 10 Pro XL leans on AI power to stand apart.
