Apple’s iPad Pro Ad Sparks Controversy Online
The Ad
Apple’s recently released ad showcasing their new iPad Pro has generated a strong reaction from internet users. The ad, which features a hydraulic press crushing various creative instruments, has left many critics questioning the campaign’s execution.
Interpretations and Criticisms
Marketing experts have criticized the ad, with one professor of marketing describing it as “tone-deaf.” Some have perceived the commercial as a symbolic representation of the technology industry’s impact on creativity, which has led to concerns about the negative effects of big tech on creative individuals.
Celebrity Reactions
The ad has also faced criticism from celebrities on social media. Actor Hugh Grant expressed his views on the destruction of the human experience caused by Silicon Valley. Similarly, filmmaker Justine Bateman commented on the ad’s impact on the arts, suggesting it “crushes the arts.”
Apple’s Departure from Previous Marketing Strategies
Experts point out that this ad represents a significant departure from Apple’s previous marketing approach, which often focused on uplifting creativity and individuality. The new ad has been interpreted as a shift towards prioritizing the consolidation of creativity into one device.
Apple’s Apology
Apple, in a statement shared with Ad Age, has officially apologized for the ad. The company stressed its commitment to creativity and acknowledged that the commercial had not achieved its intended aim. In light of the backlash, Apple has announced that the ad will no longer be televised.
New iPad Pro Features
The latest generation of iPad Pro incorporates several new features, including a thinner design, a more powerful M4 processor, enhanced storage, and dual OLED panels for improved display quality.
Apple’s Efforts to Boost iPad Sales
Apple’s unveiling of the new iPad Pro comes as the company aims to rejuvenate demand for its iPads. Sales of the tablets experienced a 17% decline in the first quarter of this year. Despite its initial success in shaping the tablet market, the iPad currently represents only 6% of Apple’s overall sales.
