Giannis Antetokounmpo has been associated with both iPhone and Google Pixel devices. He has expressed disappointment with Apple on X, suggesting he uses or has used an iPhone, and mentioned his kids hacked his iPhone to post tweets. However, he’s also known for using a Google Pixel, notably during the Slam Dunk Contest in 2023, and is a paid promoter for the Pixel as the “face” of the Pixel 6, the NBA’s official fan phone.
It’s likely he uses both, possibly an iPhone personally and a Pixel for professional endorsements when he has to. And this really isn’t a good look after accepting money to promote Pixel phones.
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s endorsement of Google Pixel phones is a notable part of his off-court portfolio, primarily tied to his role as a prominent NBA star and marketable athlete. Here’s what is known about his involvement with Google Pixel:
- Official Endorsement Role: Giannis has been a paid promoter for Google Pixel, specifically highlighted as the “face” of the Google Pixel 6, which was designated as the NBA’s official fan phone. This partnership aligns with his high-profile status, as the two-time NBA MVP and Milwaukee Bucks star brings significant visibility to the brand.
- Public Appearances and Campaigns:
- During the 2023 NBA All-Star Weekend’s Slam Dunk Contest, Giannis was seen using a Google Pixel phone, which was noted in media coverage. This was likely a deliberate part of his endorsement deal to showcase the device in a high-visibility setting.
- Google has leveraged Giannis in marketing campaigns, emphasizing the Pixel’s camera capabilities and user-friendly features. For example, posts on X have referenced Google Pixel’s “Giannis Antetokounmpo Mode,” a promotional term tied to his dynamic personality and on-court energy, though this appears to be more of a marketing gimmick than a specific phone feature.
- Contractual Details: While specific financial terms of his endorsement deal are not publicly disclosed, it’s standard for athletes of Giannis’s caliber to command multi-million-dollar contracts for such partnerships. His role likely includes social media promotion, appearances in commercials, and product placement during NBA-related events. The Pixel 6 campaign, in particular, was a significant push by Google to compete with Apple’s iPhone in the smartphone market.
- Context Within His Endorsement Portfolio: Giannis’s Pixel endorsement is one of several high-profile deals. He also has partnerships with Nike (his signature “Freak” shoe line), Tissot, Hulu, and WhatsApp, among others. The Google Pixel deal complements his tech-related endorsements, positioning him as a relatable yet aspirational figure for tech consumers.
- Public Perception and X Activity:
- Some social media posts have speculated about the authenticity of Giannis’s Pixel use, given his occasional criticism of Apple and mentions of using an iPhone (e.g., his kids hacking his iPhone to post tweets). This suggests he may use both devices, with Pixel being a professional obligation rather than his exclusive personal choice.
- Fans and commentators on social media have noted his Pixel promotion with mixed reactions, some praising the phone’s features (like its camera) and others joking about the endorsement as a “paycheck” gig.
- Timeline and Continuity: The Pixel 6 campaign was prominent around 2021–2022, but there’s no clear evidence from recent sources (up to May 2025) indicating whether Giannis’s endorsement deal has been renewed for newer Pixel models (e.g., Pixel 8 or 9). His visibility with the brand seems to have peaked during the Pixel 6 era, though he may still be under contract for ongoing or less prominent promotions.
Giannis’s endorsement of Google Pixel phones centres on his role as a key ambassador for the Pixel 6 and its NBA partnership, involving public appearances, marketing campaigns, and social media promotion. While he’s likely compensated handsomely, his personal use of an iPhone suggests the Pixel endorsement is primarily professional. Some would say it is hypocritical and wonder why Google would even put up with it. It’s pretty bad for a brand ambassador to not genuinely use the product because it undermines authenticity, which is critical for trust and credibility. If the ambassador doesn’t use the product, their endorsement feels hollow or deceptive, risking consumer scepticism or backlash. Audiences can often sense inauthenticity, especially on social media, where users quickly call out inconsistencies. This can damage the brand’s reputation and erode customer loyalty. Plus, an ambassador who uses the product can provide real insights and relatable experiences, making their promotion more compelling and effective. Instead Giannis just looks like he did a cash grab with Google. He also looks stupid for writing stuff like this about his iPhone.
Apple has completely disappointed me. @Apple
(Giannis tweet)
Overall he doesn’t seem like a good brand ambassador! His iPhone use could dilute the Pixel’s “exclusivity” for some fans. Many posts joking about his dual usage (e.g., calling his Pixel endorsement a “paycheck” gig) spark scepticism about both his ability as a brand ambassador and his honesty. It’s almost as bad as using your baby daughter to make money selling nappies…
( In any case the Google case study is interesting and worth a read even if it now seems pretty hollow and fake as he uses iPhones. )
