The rivalry between Google and Apple just took a surreal turn.
To mark the launch of the iPhone 17, Google dropped a new spot in its ongoing “Best Phones Forever” campaign, and it’s equal parts parody, provocation, and promotion.
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In the ad, we find Pixel and iPhone standing in a cornfield, surrounded by chickens. The catch? Google’s Pixel manages to make the chickens sing, thanks to Gemini, its AI model. The iPhone, meanwhile, tries and fails to keep up.
The comedy escalates with even stranger Gemini-powered scenarios, like turtles running an investment bank. Behind the absurdity lies a clear message: Google wants to position Gemini as more advanced, and more useful, than Apple Intelligence, which has been met with mixed reviews since its announcement.
A jab timed to perfection
The timing isn’t accidental. Apple’s iPhone 17 lineup (Air, Pro, Pro Max) officially launches September 19, following a pre-order phase. Meanwhile, Google is using the moment to spotlight its Pixel 10 range, framing the Pixel 10 Pro as the “perfect companion” for Gemini. Three out of four Pixel 10 models are already on shelves, with the Pixel 10 Pro Fold set to follow in October.
The spot has already sparked a wave of reactions online. Some users praised the humor and shared memes poking fun at the “AI duel.” Others criticized the ad as trying too hard, with an attack that felt more goofy than sharp. Still, the buzz fits Google’s playbook. Every time Apple takes the stage, Google makes sure Pixel and Gemini are part of the conversation. This time, with chickens, turtles, and a healthy dose of absurdity.
