Google has released a new ad that leans into humor and pop culture to highlight the Pixel Pro 10. The 60-second spot draws inspiration from Wicked, the hit musical, and uses the theme to poke fun at Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro.
In the ad, a purple iPhone plays a cheerful Glinda-like character. Meanwhile, a green Pixel Pro 10 steps into the role of Elphaba, the so-called “wicked” witch. The exchange quickly moves from light teasing to a friendly duet about smartphone features.
Pixel Takes the Lead in the Storyline
Throughout the commercial, Google positions the Pixel as the device behind several popular trends. It thanks the Pixel for ideas that Apple now promotes, such as photo enhancement tools and a more conversational AI assistant.
The ad ends with the pair breaking into an actual song from the musical, which adds a surprising twist for viewers familiar with the show. The playful tone reinforces Google’s long-running strategy of using humor rather than direct criticism.
A Familiar Marketing Approach
This campaign follows Google’s earlier series called Best Phones Forever, launched in 2023. Those ads also portrayed the Pixel and iPhone as unlikely friends who put rivalry aside.
Google has a history of ribbing Apple in public, sometimes with mixed reactions. In 2022, the Pixel team even mocked Apple on social media—while posting from an iPhone.
What Comes Next
The new Wicked parody suggests the competition between the two companies is far from over. However, it also signals that Google plans to keep the tone light and self-aware. As the smartphone market grows more crowded, both brands appear eager to win attention through creativity rather than confrontation.
For now, Google’s latest musical moment keeps the spotlight on the Pixel—and sets the stage for the next act in tech’s most enduring rivalry.
