Enhancements iOS 26 Needs to Adopt from Google to Match its AI Advancements:
In the realm of tech, it's clear that Apple's got a tough battle ahead with Google's AI prowess on Pixel phones. Bringing some serious heat to iOS 26 is essential if they want to keep up!
At WWDC 2025, let's see whether Apple can pull off a comeback, possibly presenting more AI features. While they've made some moves with AI - such as Visual Intelligence and Photo Clean Up, folks like me are ready for a significant upgrade.
Here are some incredible Google AI features that Apple should consider stealing (or at least, getting inspired by):
Phone Captain, my ass!
The underrated star of AI in any phone has got to be Google's Call Screen. This bad boy automatically takes phone calls on your behalf, and with Google Assistant in charge, it's like having a real-life helper fielding your calls. Attempting to resist my praises for this feature would be a struggle. Just imagine the number of sticky situations it's saved me when I've been tangled up in work meetings!
App-tacular
While Siri can channel some basic commands, Apple needs to spruce up its AI game by embedding it in third-party apps, a la Google's cross-app actions. With this function, Pixel phones can breeze through complex tasks that involve multiple apps by merely issuing simple voice commands.
When summoned, this feature acts as a personal assistant, capable of summarizing emails, finding pet-friendly restaurants nearby, and even scheduling appointments. It's about damn time iPhones could catch up to this level of convenience!
Circle Jersey
First seen on Samsung phones and eventually making its way to Pixel devices, Circle to Search is an insanely convenient feature that lets users perform on-the-spot searches directly on their device.
Apple currently lacks an equivalent, though Visual Intelligence could argue it performs the same functions. With Circle to Search, you can circle any element on your phone's screen to initiate a search for information, potentially unearthing answers, performing Google searches, or even finding deals on a product.
Redesign and Reinvent
As a photo editor, the Pixel's Reimagine tool has become one of my go-to features. Its magic lies in enabling you to remix sections of photos into new styles, changing up scenes or making minor edits.
The closest Apple has to this tool is Image Playground, but it's not optimized for photos (as it generates images from scratch based on a text description). Apple's iPhone truly needs something like Reimagine to elevate its photo-editing capabilities!
Screenshot Savior
While it could use a few refinements, Google's Pixel Screenshots have the upper hand when it comes to recalling information. Available exclusively on the Pixel 9, 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL, and 9 Pro Fold, this tool lets you use the screenshot function and AI to reclaim details in screenshots.
For example, if you snap a screenshot of a recipe or party info, Pixel Screenshots can help you recall the specifics by searching for them. Sadly, Apple still hasn't caught up in this regard, but wouldn't it be fantastic if Apple Intelligence could somehow handle obscure-but-vital info appointed tasks seemingly effortlessly?
embarrassed, bewildered, or frustrated that users can see through its apparent lack of innovation in AI, Apple needs to step up its game if it hopes to remain competitive in the smartphone industry. If they play their cards right and incorporate these thoughtfully adapted Google AI features, the stage could be set for iPhone users to reap the rewards of renovated functionality and elevated convenience!
In the upcoming WWDC 2025, it's imperative for Apple to introduce more advanced AI features, such as an upgraded version of Call Screen, to match Google's AI prowess in phone functionality. Additionally, Apple should consider emulating Google's cross-app actions that seamlessly integrate AI in third-party apps, providing users with greater convenience.
