Google unveils iPhone 16, Apple Watch X, and Apple Intelligence rivals
Google is taking the fight to Apple this fall.
![Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/xt9YYJZfd34d5ZjTgprCRf-320-80.jpg)
Ahead of the next Apple event, Google has taken the covers off its brand-new flagship smartphones, its latest smartwatch, and a slew of new AI features coming to its Google Gemini platform.
With iPhone 16, Apple Watch X, and Apple Intelligence about to land in the coming months, it's a great look at one of the main Android-powered rivals Apple will be going up against for your hard-earned cash. Here's everything Google announced.
Google Pixel 9
The Google Pixel 9 has a snazzy new design that will look a little too familiar to Pro iPhone users. There's a Pixel 9 and a Pixel 9 Pro, the latter available in two different sizes for the first time ever (another marvelous innovation).
All of the Pixel 9 models are powered by Google's Tensor G4 chip, which as you might expect is all about AI. Other big upgrades to the Pixel lineup include beefed-up RAM (12GB and 16GB respectively) and the brightest and best Super Actua displays Google has produced yet.
The Pixel 9, Pro, and Pro XL retail at $799, $999, and $1099 respectively.
Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold is Google's biggest-ever smartphone display. Powered by the same chip as the regular Pro, it features the thinnest-ever chassis of a foldable device and the biggest inner display of any mobile device.
It features an upgraded ultrawide camera and gaming gets a boost thanks to optimizations to games like Minecraft and Asphalt Unite.
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That foldable display boasts Corning® Gorilla® Glass Victus® 2 that's scratch and water-resistant.
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold starts life at $1,799.
Google Pixel Watch 3
The new Google Pixel Watch 3 includes a new 45mm display option, smaller bezels, and variable refresh rates. There are new recovery and wellness elements built into activity tracking which echo those introduced by Apple in watchOS 11.
The headline feature is a new first-of-its-kind Loss of Pulse Detection, meaning Pixel Watch 3 can call emergency services if it detects a loss of pulse in its wearer, saving vital minutes for emergency responders.
Prices start at $3349 and $399 for the respective sizes, and there are also LTE options.
Pixel Buds Pro 2
The new Pixel Buds Pro 2 features a new Tensor A1 chip that powers the audio performance, noise cancellation, and AI on these new buds. They're lighter and smaller than the old version and the noise cancellation is twice as powerful. The Tensor A1 provides a dedicated 'highway lane' for processing your audio, which means the noise cancelling shouldn't compromise sound quality. You get up to eight hours of battery life on a single charge and 30 with the case.
AI features provide a hands-free virtual AI assistant that can give directions, notify you of appointment, and make song recommendations. You can also talk direct to Google Gemini Live and have "free-flowing" conversations with your earbuds.
Pixel Buds Pro 2 start at $229, and will be available on September 26.
New Gemini AI features
Apple Intelligence isn't available to the public yet, but Google's AI platform is already well established. Gemini is getting some upgrades, notably Gemini Live, a "mobile conversational experience that lets you have free-flowing conversations with Gemini." You can have conversations about anything you want with Gemini Live, even in the background when your phone is locked.
The AI is also now more integrated with other Google Apps and tools such as Gmail, thanks to new extensions. Gemini can also help you out no matter what you're doing on your smartphone, with contextual awareness so you can ask about what's on screen, or summon your AI sidekick from anywhere.
As you might expect, Google's new hardware is the best way to enjoy Gemini thanks to the processing power of its new smartphones.
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Stephen Warwick has written about Apple for five years at iMore and previously elsewhere. He covers all of iMore's latest breaking news regarding all of Apple's products and services, both hardware and software. Stephen has interviewed industry experts in a range of fields including finance, litigation, security, and more. He also specializes in curating and reviewing audio hardware and has experience beyond journalism in sound engineering, production, and design. Before becoming a writer Stephen studied Ancient History at University and also worked at Apple for more than two years. Stephen is also a host on the iMore show, a weekly podcast recorded live that discusses the latest in breaking Apple news, as well as featuring fun trivia about all things Apple. Follow him on Twitter @stephenwarwick9
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FFR They can try but everyone knows even the head of the pixel hardware team uses Apple iPhones and Apple Watches.Reply
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TNT
Most "techies" use all products. Fanboys, not so muchFFR said:They can try but everyone knows even the head of the pixel hardware team uses Apple iPhones and Apple Watches.
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FFR TNT said:Most "techies" use all products. Fanboys, not so much
By techies, you mean the the pixel hardware executive team.
You might be onto something top brass at Huawei, Samsung, and nothing all use iPhones, iPads, Apple Watches, and MacBooks as well.
Oh wait, even Microsoft now mandates all employees in China can only use iPhones. No wonder premium Android segment keeps shrinking every year. -
TNT
It's crazy to think that in the year 2024 people are still on Apple vs Google toxic energy. It's almost like kids from the console wars never grew up. It's fine for two or more companies to exist at the same time. It's perfectly fine to own more than one device or one brand. You can own aI Benz and a BMW. IOS and Android. Everything is not a competition.FFR said:By techies, you mean the the pixel hardware executive team.
You might be onto something top brass at Huawei, Samsung, and nothing all use iPhones, iPads, Apple Watches, and MacBooks as well.
Oh wait, even Microsoft now mandates all employees in China can only use iPhones. No wonder premium Android segment keeps shrinking every year. -
FFR TNT said:It's crazy to think that in the year 2024 people are still on Apple vs Google toxic energy. It's almost like kids from the console wars never grew up. It's fine for two or more companies to exist at the same time. It's perfectly fine to own more than one device or one brand. You can own aI Benz and a BMW. IOS and Android. Everything is not a competition.
Are you able to distinguish between common consumers and the pixel / Huawei/ Samsung hardware executives?
They all use iPhones.
Can you list the Benz or beemer executives personally driving the other brands car. Pretty sure that’s not allowed. -
TNT
The world has moved beyond Android vs IOS. Feel free living in the past decade. Eventually you'll catch up.FFR said:Are you able to distinguish between common consumers and the pixel / Huawei/ Samsung hardware executives?
They all use iPhones.
Can you list the Benz or beemer executives personally driving the other brands car. Pretty sure that’s not allowed. -
FFR TNT said:The world has moved beyond Android vs IOS. Feel free living in the past decade. Eventually you'll catch up.
You find it normal for the heads of the pixel Samsung and Huawei hardware teams to use an iPhone and an Apple Watch instead of their own products. Ok
Still waiting on the list of Benz or beemer executives owning the other brands car. Completely normal. -
TNT FFR said:You find it normal for the heads of the pixel Samsung and Huawei hardware teams to use an iPhone and an Apple Watch instead of their own products. Ok
Still waiting on the list of Benz or beemer executives owning the other brands car. Completely normal. -
TNT Still waiting on you to get to 2024. You're literally the last person on Imore still entertaining IOS vs Android. You're literally the last person on Imore getting triggered at every Samsung or Android topic. The rest of us are past that.Reply -
FFR TNT said:Still waiting on you to get to 2024. You're literally the last person on Imore still entertaining IOS vs Android. You're literally the last person on Imore getting triggered at every Samsung or Android topic. The rest of us are past that.
Indeed, however you seem to be triggered by the currant 2024 market dynamics. Which I find quite humorous and entertaining, the currant smartphone market not your opinion of it.
Does it bother you that much that premium Android devices are declining?
Or that the heads of the pixel division daily drive an iPhone instead of pixel? That’s what I have been posting about.