Google is challenging its rival Apple with an artificial intelligence (AI) offensive just before the anticipated launch of new iPhones.

The new Pixel 10 series features AI capabilities such as call translations and a "camera coach" that offers photo composition suggestions, the company said in a press release issued on Wednesday. In the more expensive, high-end Pro models of the Pixel 10 series, generative AI is directly integrated into the camera, creating artificial details at high zoom levels.

Google also plans to offer health recommendations on its new Pixel 4 smartwatch under the acquired Fitbit brand.

Apple has struggled with AI, having to delay a new version of its assistant software Siri, which was expected to be more useful in daily life by accessing various user data, to next year.

Meanwhile, Google is deeply integrating its AI software Gemini into its own Pixel devices and other smartphones using the Android operating system, also developed by the internet giant.
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In recent years, Apple has introduced individual AI features for photos and text editing.

In another move against the competition, Google has added a telephoto camera to the entry-level Pixel 10 model, which is often missing in this price range. The US company previously viewed Pixel phones as a prototype smartphone to demonstrate the capabilities of the Android system.

The market shares of previous models were small, partly because Google cannot undermine the business of its Android partners.

With the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, which can be unfolded into a compact tablet, users are expected to benefit from additional screen space when taking photos. Alongside the camera image, the display shows the gallery of recent photos.

It is also the first foldable phone to offer higher dust protection.

This launch frames an AI-first push from a major tech company. They unveiled four new pixel phones and a smartwatch at a New York event.

The announcement centers on on-device intelligence as the marquee feature. This shift aims to make everyday tasks—organizing info, calls, and photos—feel more useful and private.

Timing matters. With a rival overhaul not expected until 2026, this company is betting it can lead the race by shipping practical tools now.

The devices run new silicon and a secure enclave to process sensitive data on the handset. Early impressions will focus on real-world feature maturity, not just marketing claims.

Market share is small compared to incumbents, so the key question is whether this strategy can change buyer habits in a crowded phones market.

Key Takeaways

• Four Pixel 10 phones and a watch highlight an AI-first product launch.
• New on-device tools target organizing, translation, and camera guidance.
• Security and local data processing are emphasized for privacy.
• Timing aims to capture momentum before major competitor updates.
• Small market share makes consumer response critical to the company’s strategy.

Made by Google event unveils Pixel 10 lineup, AI-first hardware, and a smartwatch push

At a New York showcase hosted by Jimmy Fallon, the company mapped out a broad new devices lineup focused on practical on-device features. The made google event cataloged four slab phones, a foldable model, a new watch, and two tiers of wireless buds.

What launched: four Pixel 10 phones, Pixel Watch 4, and new Pixel Buds

The launch included Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro XL, and Pixel 10 Pro Fold. The Pixel Watch 4 starts at $349, while Pixel Buds come in $129 and $229 versions.

Pricing, availability, and U.S. market positioning

Price points span $799 for the base pixel up to $1,799 for the foldable pro model. The slab phones ship August 28; the foldable arrives October 9. This lineup aims to give U.S. buyers clear choices across budget and premium tiers.

Tensor G5, RAM, wireless charging, and hardware upgrades that power on-device features

Tensor G5 is the core of on-device processing. RAM is 12GB on the base pixel and 16GB on pro models. All phones add a 5x telephoto camera as a shared camera upgrade.

Practical upgrades include Qi2 wireless charging with magnetic alignment up to 15W and 25W on the Pro XL, and slightly larger batteries across the lineup. These capabilities aim to make daily use faster and more reliable.
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• Models and pricing: $799 / $999 / $1,199 / $1,799.
• Ship dates: Aug 28 (slab phones), Oct 9 (foldable).
• Hardware highlights: Tensor G5, 12–16GB RAM, 5x telephoto, Qi2 charging.

Google goes after Apple’s iPhone with AI smartphones through Gemini-powered features

Pixel phones now run a small, local model. This model pulls the right info from core apps when you need it. It turns background signals into practical help without extra taps.

Magic Cue: surfacing Gmail, Calendar, Messages, and Screenshots data

Magic Cue acts as a context-aware tool. It scans Gmail, Calendar, Messages, and Screenshots on-device. It surfaces reservation times, boarding details, or meeting links right when they matter.

On-device privacy and permission controls

All processing happens inside a secure enclave. So, surfaced data stays local. Third-party apps must request explicit permission before they access that information. This helps both business users and consumers.

Real-time Voice Translate and Camera Coach

Voice Translate supports live calls in many languages. It preserves tone and creates transcripts for accuracy. Camera Coach gives composition tips and lets you refine photos with natural-language prompts and software zoom.

Daily Hub, smarter Voicemail, and subscription tier

Daily Hub pulls calendar items, weather, and timely suggestions into one view. Smarter Voicemail can answer a missed call and request a message. Advanced content tools cost $20/month; most pixel models include one year free to try them.

Competitive stakes: Apple’s Siri timeline, Samsung’s Galaxy AI, and where Pixel fits now

Market timing now shapes perceptions as much as raw specs or camera samples.

Apple is unlikely to deliver a full Siri overhaul until 2026. iOS 26 adds translation and some assistant options this fall, but it stops short of a complete assistant revamp.

Timeline contrast and launch impact

The quicker rollout of on-device models gives this company a window to claim practical wins now. Time-to-market matters in the phones race because usable features drive early reviews and buyer interest.

Android ecosystem and Samsung partnership

Samsung’s Galaxy demonstrates agentic behaviors that work across apps and services. Collaboration can scale these capabilities across many Android devices over time.

U.S. market snapshot and enterprise angle

Pixel phones offer privacy-forward, practical features. They may appeal to people and business buyers. On-device processing and strict permission controls cut exposure during calls, messaging, and document handling.

• Iterative upgrades to the model and lineup will build capability over time.
• Daily Hub weather personalization highlights small, useful differences day to day.
• Pixel Pro models act as halo devices that preview features for lower tiers.

Conclusion

The new lineup focuses on real features that give you timely information from your apps. Magic Cue and the cue tools aim to pull calendar items, weather, and call details when they matter most.

This practical focus pairs software tools like Camera Coach and Daily Hub with stronger hardware. The Tensor G5, higher RAM, 5x telephoto, and faster charging are all part of it. The result is a set of phones and a smartwatch that try to save people time every day.

Switching platforms is a lot for most users. But over the next year, iterative updates could make these capabilities a compelling reason to try a pixel or a Pro model. Count the first year cost, test the included subscription period, and pick the phone that fits how you communicate, capture, and organize your life today.