6th September 2023 – (Hong Kong) Google has taken a jab at Apple’s upcoming iPhone 15 in its latest video ad titled “Spa Day,” as part of its ongoing #BestPhonesForever campaign. The ad playfully ridicules the iPhone 15 for its apparent lack of groundbreaking features and its expected switch from the Lightning port to USB-C.
The ad portrays an iPhone and a Pixel smartphone enjoying a relaxing spa day, surrounded by towels and candles. Their rear cameras are playfully covered with cucumber slices as they engage in casual conversation.
Expressing the stress of frequent product launches, the iPhone tells the Pixel, “Pixel, a spa day was the perfect idea with all these launch events coming up.” It laments that launches have become increasingly challenging, reminiscing about the applause its slide-to-unlock feature received 16 years ago. The iPhone continues, “Now it seems like every time I turn around, phones like you are doing stuff I can’t, like unblurring old photos, answering unknown calls with AI, and live translating messages… it’s exhausting. But I’ve still got a few tricks up my sleeve.”
Curious, the Pixel asks, “Like what?”
The iPhone coyly replies, “That’s under wraps. But let’s just say you’ll be USB-C-ing soon!”
Surprised, the Pixel responds, “You’re finally getting USB-C charging?”
Caught off guard, the iPhone exclaims, “How did you know?” as the cucumber slice slides off its camera lens. The Pixel sarcastically retorts, “Lucky guess?”
The ad concludes with the tagline, “Rest up for October 4,” alluding to Google’s upcoming Pixel event, where it is anticipated to introduce the new Pixel 8 lineup, a Pixel Watch, and possibly updates to Pixel Buds.
Interestingly, Google sent out event invitations the day after Apple invited the media and others to its iPhone 15 “Wonderlust” event on September 12.
Since the iPhone 5, Apple has stuck with the Lightning port for its iPhones, despite the industry’s gradual shift towards USB-C. However, due to new regulations in Europe, Apple is compelled to replace the Lightning port on iPhone 15 devices with a USB-C port.
This transition means that Macs, iPhones, and iPads will finally adopt USB-C charging, aligning with the prevailing universal charging standard for consumer mobile and laptop devices. Apple customers will now have the convenience of charging their devices using the widely accepted USB-C standard.