Every Time Google Criticized Apple During the Pixel 9 Launch Event

Between revealing new Pixel phones and AI features at its event today, Google took a few targeted digs at Apple. Some were subtle – others far from it.

While it’s not uncommon for companies like Google to draw comparisons with competitors during big events like this, Google seemed to sprinkle references to Apple throughout its storefront. Perhaps it’s because Google has become especially competitive in the AI ​​industry, which Apple has only just begun to delve into.

Here are all the comparison moments we captured during the event.

Gemini is going “far beyond English speakers”

In introducing Gemini, Sameer Samat, president of Google’s Android ecosystem, boasted that Gemini is available in 45 languages ​​and in more than 200 countries and territories, highlighting its expansion to older, non-flagship Android devices.

To top it off, Samat mentioned that “Gemini is available worldwide now, far beyond English speakers and a single market.” This final clarification appears to be a direct shot at Apple Intelligence, which has not yet been widely rolled out and will only be available to English speakers in the US when it launches this fall.

Google will not send your data to third parties

Google also highlighted Gemini’s ability to process tasks, such as using your Drive resume to write a short bio, without transferring it to a third party. “Gemini can handle these types of complex personal queries in Google’s own secure cloud, without sending any of your personal data to a third-party AI provider that you may not know or trust,” said Samat.

It seemed like a clear shot for Apple, which partnered with OpenAI to put ChatGPT into Siri. When Siri is unable to answer a question, it will obtain your permission to ask ChatGPT. (Of course, Google’s system still requires you to trust Google, so it doesn’t entirely escape the same criticism.)

Google wanted to make sure you knew their demos were live

While Apple is known for carefully crafting its live events, Google’s events tend to be a little more relaxed. You could see this when Google’s Dave Citron took the stage to demonstrate some of Gemini’s AI capabilities, boldly announcing, “By the way, all the demos we’re doing today are live.” Google took this risk head on – and things didn’t go exactly as planned.

After taking a photo of the Sabrina Carpenter concert poster, Citron asked Gemini if ​​she could check his schedule to see if he would be free when she comes to San Francisco this year. Gemini did not respond on the first two attempts, but finally issued a response when Citron switched phones.

The Pixel 9 Pro and 9 Pro XL come with “no compromises”

The only difference between the Pixel 9 Pro XL and the new smaller Pixel Pro option is the size. “You can choose between the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL without compromise,” said Brian Rakowski, vice president of product management at Google. “They have the same incredible display, elegant design, premium finish, processing power and the same Pro Pixel camera.”

Meanwhile, there are some small differences between the iPhone 15 Pro and the larger iPhone 15 Pro Max. The iPhone 15 Pro Max offers up to 5x optical zoom, while the regular 15 Pro is limited to 3x. The larger variant also comes with up to 29 hours of video playback instead of 23 hours.

Google Pixel 9 Pro vs iPhone 15 Pro Max

In showing off the Pixel 9 Pro’s camera, Google directly compared it to that of the iPhone 15 Pro Max. Google’s Kenny Sulaimon said the company has “rebuilt” the Pixel 9’s panorama mode, which now supports Night Sight, to improve the appearance of images in low light.

To demonstrate these changes, Sulaimon invited the audience to view a panorama of the Tetons at night. He then immediately compared it to a darker photo from “another smartphone company” – namely Apple.