Google needs an iPhone! People reacted this way at I/O 2026

Google spent most of its time at the Google I/O 2026 event talking about AI agents on YouTube, Gmail, and Docs, smart glasses, and the future of Gemini. 

But amid all the futuristic demos and AI announcements, the audience witnessed something on stage that surprised everyone. Google used an iPhone to showcase the demo during the event, and the scene drew reactions from fans.

iPhone moment captured

The moment occurred during a demonstration of Gemini Spark, Google's new personal AI agent designed to complete tasks on users' behalf. 

Although the company already has its flagship Google Pixel smartphone lineup, it chose Apple's latest iPhone for the live showcase. Techdroider shared the image on X, writing, "Google used the iPhone 17 Pro Max during the live demo."

People gave some such reactions on X

A user named Omkar Dandawate said, "I think the company is using the iPhone for the new Gemini Plus Siri collaboration for AI. But obviously you're an Apple fanatic, so you'll only see the use of the iPhone, not the reason behind it."

I think they're using an iPhone for the new Gemini+siri collaboration for AI. But obviously you're an apple glazer so you'll only see an iPhone being used but not the reason behind it. 👎🏻 @techdroider

— Omkar Dandawate (@dandawate_omkar) May 20, 2026

A user named YaYa wrote that this announces Gemini's deep integration into the iPhone and a collaboration with Apple! Daddy Chill

This announces a collaboration with apple with deep integration of Gemini into the iPhone! daddy chill

— YaYa ⵥ (@yaya_amazigh) May 20, 2026

A user named Sceptic Ali wrote that this was Google IO, not an Android show. It's so hard to understand why this entire keynote doesn't just apply to Android.

This was google IO, not the android show. This whole keynote doesn't apply to android only. How hard is this to understand?