Yes, Google used an iPhone (not a Pixel) to demo Gemini Spark at Google I/O but that actually makes perfect sense

Date:
Wed, 20 May 2026 09:22:07 +0000

Description:
Google seemed to be marketing some Gemini features more at iPhone users than Android ones, likely due to Apple's massive market share.

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Spark on an iPhone 17 Pro during Google I/O 2026 Macs were also used during the keynote This probably wasn't an accident though, as Apple users make up a high percentage of potential customers for Google If you tuned in to the Google I/O keynote yesterday, you might have noticed that, during a demo of Gemini Spark, an iPhone 17 Pro was used rather than a Google Pixel or any other Android phone . That might seem odd, but this almost certainly wasnt an accident or an oversight.

After all, Gemini Spark and other Google software is available on iPhones
and Macs, which were also spotted during the presentation and iPhone users make up a huge number of potential customers for Google.

According to DemandSage , there are around 1.56 billion iPhone users in the world, and in Google's home market of the US, the iPhone has a 57.24% market share. So iPhone users are a much bigger potential customer base than Google Pixel users, and if Google is primarily focused on the US, then they become its biggest potential customer base. Latest Videos From You may like Google I/O 2026 key announcements from today's massive software showcase Gemini takes over Google at i/O 2026 iPhone 17e vs Google Pixel 10a Google's Josh Woodward using an iPhone during Google I/O 2026 (Image credit: Google) An easier sell So, demonstrating that tools like Gemini Spark function well on iPhones makes sense, since getting iPhone buyers to use Googles software is probably easier than convincing them to switch to Pixel.

Also, anyone whos already using a Pixel phone or an Android phone in general is a Google customer already, and probably needs less convincing to use the companys services. Theyll also probably assume Gemini Spark works on their devices, whereas there would be less certainty of that in Apple s ecosystem.

So, while it might look odd seeing Apple devices being used during a Google presentation, this was almost certainly discussed and decided on in advance.

Might it also have been a subtle nod to Google's AI partnership with Apple ? Quite possibly. In any case, we'll find out more about that relationship at WWDC 2026, which is confirmed to take place on June 8 . Get daily insight, inspiration and deals in your inbox Sign up for breaking news, reviews, opinion, top tech deals, and more. Contact me with news and offers from other Future brands Receive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over. Today's best phone deals Contract Deals Sim Free gift Apple iPhone 17 24 months Unlimited mins Unlimited texts 10GB data 19 upfront 34.99 /mth View at Mobiles.co.uk See all prices Apple iPhone 17 Pro 36 months Unlimited mins Unlimited texts 1GB data 100 upfront 62.37 /mth View at Vodafone Ltd See all prices Apple iPhone Air 36 months Unlimited mins Unlimited texts 1GB data 12 upfront 36 /mth View at Sky See
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