Apple unveiled its highly anticipated iOS 26 redesign during the WWDC 2025 event, showcasing a range of new features and updates. While the tech world was abuzz with excitement over the latest changes, some keen-eyed observers noted similarities between iOS 26 and existing features on Google’s Android platform.
One standout feature of iOS 26 is the Visual Intelligence capabilities, which leverage Apple’s AI technology to provide contextual assistance based on on-screen content. This functionality bears a striking resemblance to Google’s Gemini Live and Circle to Search tools, which have been available on Pixel phones since January 2024.
Another feature that caught the attention of many is the new Call Screening feature. This innovative tool allows iOS users to gather information about incoming calls and decide whether to answer or not. Interestingly, a similar feature called Call Screening has been a part of Google’s Pixel phones since 2019, highlighting the cross-pollination of ideas in the competitive mobile OS landscape.
iOS 26 also introduces Hold Assist, a feature that alerts users when a live person rejoins a call after being placed on hold. This functionality, originally known as Hold for Me, was first introduced on the Google Pixel 5 in late 2020 and has proven to be a valuable addition to the user experience.
Live Translate is another noteworthy addition to iOS 26, enabling real-time translation of text and audio on the iPhone. This feature, reminiscent of Google’s Live Translate feature on the Pixel 6 from 2021, demonstrates the ongoing evolution of language translation capabilities on mobile devices.
Apple Maps users will now benefit from a new feature called Visited Places, which automatically logs and creates a personal timeline of locations visited. This feature bears resemblance to Google Maps Timeline, which has been available on Pixel and other Android devices for several years, showcasing a user’s location history in a secure and privacy-focused manner.
In the realm of wearable technology, Apple’s watchOS 26 introduces wrist gestures for quickly dismissing notifications with a flick of the wrist. While this functionality is a welcome addition for Apple Watch users, similar gesture controls have been available on Pixel Watch and Galaxy Watch wearables running Wear OS for some time, offering a range of intuitive interactions for users.
Overall, the similarities between iOS 26 and existing features on Google’s Android platform highlight the ongoing exchange of ideas and innovations in the competitive tech industry. As mobile OS continue to evolve and improve, users can look forward to a more seamless and feature-rich experience across different devices and platforms.
