Apple’s iOS 26 brings plenty of fresh design and AI-controlled updates, but many of the biggest additions feel like a catch-up to Android. Here’s a breakdown of which features Apple borrowed, and why they matter.
Android-Origin Features in iOS 26
Call Screening and Hold Assist
- Call Screening now screens unknown calls, automatically answering and transcribing content, just like Pixel’s feature since Android 12. Unlike Live Voicemail, this is proactive.
- Hold Assist (similar to Pixel’s “Hold for Me”) waits on hold with automated monitoring and alerts you when a rep is available.
Live Phone Call Translation
- iOS 26 finally adds on‑device, real-time translation during calls, similar to what Samsung and Google have offered. Handy for multilingual conversations.
Screenshot-Based Actions (Visual Intelligence)
- Apple now offers contextual actions right from screenshots: create events, search images, or map addresses. Think Google Lens and Android’s Circle to Search.
Camera Mode Toggle
- iOS 26’s camera UI prioritizes Photo and Video modes with quick swipe access, much like Pixel’s always-visible toggle.
CarPlay Enhancements
- You can now use Tapbacks, pin conversations, and add widgets in CarPlay. This feature has been long available in Android Auto.
Opinion: Catch-Up or Smart Move?
I see this as pragmatic progress. Yes, Apple’s copying, but these additions greatly improve day-to-day iPhone use. My hope? That Apple doesn’t stop here; AI deserves more than a reactive catch-up.
What’s Next?
Android isn’t standing still. With Android 16’s QPR1 bringing even more AI tools, the rivalry continues. But for now, iOS 26 finally brings Apple up to parity.
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