The Fall Smartphone Showdown: Apple vs Google in the AI and Foldables Era
This summer is setting the stage for an intense smartphone battle as Apple and Google prepare for major reveals. Apple will unveil its Q3 earnings on July 31, likely giving investors a final snapshot before the launch of the iPhone 17. Just weeks later, on August 20, Google is set to host its Pixel 10 launch event, where it will also debut a revamped foldable device.
Apple’s upcoming earnings call is more than just numbers – it offers hints about the company’s direction, especially with AI. Analysts will be watching for clues on Apple’s plans for on-device intelligence, its rumored first foldable iPhone, and any supply chain shifts. The pressure is mounting as Google continues to expand its Gemini AI platform, pushing Apple to prove it can deliver AI features that are powerful yet privacy-friendly.
Meanwhile, Google’s Pixel 10 event gives the company a rare moment to steal the spotlight. Despite this being the tenth Pixel phone, the real 10-year milestone arrives in 2026. Expectations are high, with deeper AI integration expected in photography, voice control, and productivity tasks. Alongside it, Google will showcase its new foldable – boasting hardware refinements, a sturdier hinge, and aspirations to rival Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Apple’s elusive foldable iPhone.
Both foldables are likely to carry steep price tags, prompting consumers to weigh whether the futuristic features justify the premium. With launches staggered just weeks apart, the fall smartphone season will spark side-by-side comparisons across design, AI, and innovation. Google may strike first in August, but Apple typically dominates the headlines by mid-September.
As both giants lean heavily into AI and next-gen form factors, the real battleground is convincing everyday users to upgrade – especially in a market that’s no longer as hot as it once was. So whether you’re eyeing a powerful Pixel or holding out for the next iPhone, one thing’s clear: the fall phone wars are about to heat up.