With the launch of the Google Pixel 10, the tech giant is rolling out more than just upgraded hardware — it’s also refining the user experience right from the moment you power up the device. And if the new setup screen feels strangely familiar, you’re not imagining things. Google seems to be borrowing a page straight from Apple’s playbook.
A new “hello” from Android
With the latest Android 16 QPR2 beta, Google has introduced a revamped setup interface that greets users with a clean, animation-rich welcome screen. The moment you turn on a Pixel 10, you're met with a large, friendly “Hello,” written in various languages — a clear nod to the iconic iPhone setup experience.
While the inspiration is obvious, Google has layered its own style on top, keeping in line with the Material 3 Expressive design language. Subtle geometric animations, modern colour palettes, and a redesigned emergency call button give it a more Android-native feel. The language selection screen, now moved to the next step in the process, mirrors Apple’s setup flow almost exactly.
Is Google trying to ease the switch from iPhone?
This visual rework might seem like a small detail, but it reflects a bigger strategy: making the Pixel onboarding process more comfortable for users coming from iOS. For someone unboxing their first Pixel after years of iPhones, this subtle familiarity could make all the difference.
Of course, there’s always a balance to strike. Some longtime Android fans have voiced concerns that this move could dilute the Pixel’s identity. But in a market where user retention and smooth transitions are key, Google may see mimicking Apple’s polish as a feature, not a flaw.
What else is new with Pixel 10?
Beyond the interface tweaks, the Pixel 10 lineup is packed with notable upgrades. At the Made by Google 2025 event, the company unveiled the full range, including the Pixel 10 Pro, Pro XL, and the new Pro Fold.
Among the standout features? Support for Qi2 wireless charging through Pixel Snap accessories — essentially Google’s version of MagSafe. There's also more focus on AI-powered tools, as demoed during the event, giving the Pixel series a smarter, more responsive edge.
Whether you see it as flattery or familiarity, there’s no denying that Google’s setup redesign blurs the lines between Android and iOS — at least on the surface. But for users diving into their new Pixel 10, that seamless first impression might be the smoothest part of the switch.
