Apple recently pulled a new ad just one day after it launched. This makes it the fourth advertisement the tech giant has taken down in a little over a year. The ad, called “The Parent Presentation,” featured comedian Martin Herlihy sharing tips for students on how to persuade their parents to buy them a Mac.
Apple posted the video on a Friday, but by Saturday, it vanished from both YouTube and Apple’s education page for college students. Interestingly, the company released an 81-slide presentation template along with the ad. This template is meant to provide parents with "45 undeniable reasons why a Mac is essential to college." Unlike the ad, this template is still available for download on Apple’s site.
This isn’t the first time Apple has faced backlash over its advertisements. Last year, the company apologized for its “Crush!” commercial, which showed a hydraulic press crushing various creative tools, only to reveal the iPad Pro at the end. The ad was intended to highlight how versatile the device is but ended up offending many, leading to its removal from TV and YouTube.
In another instance, Apple pulled a 10-minute ad called “Out of Office OOO” after criticism from Thai citizens for portraying the country in a stereotypical way. Earlier this year, an ad featuring Bella Ramsey from The Last of Us was also taken down. This ad showcased an AI-enhanced Siri with features that weren’t available yet.
Surprisingly, the reasons for removing “The Parent Presentation” aren’t clear. Some users on social media called it “cringe” and questioned who the target audience was. Discussions around the ad highlight a growing trend: people are more vocal than ever when they don’t connect with a brand’s message or tone.
An expert in advertising, Dr. Lisa Smith, believes that consumer feedback plays a crucial role in modern marketing. “Brands must be in tune with their audience,” she explains. “One misstep can lead to quick backlash.”
Looking back, the rise of social media has made it easier for people to share their opinions and influence brand perception. A recent survey showed that nearly 75% of consumers consider social media reactions before purchasing decisions.
Apple, a brand known for its innovation and marketing prowess, continues to navigate these challenges, balancing creative expression with consumer expectations. As ads become shorter and more targeted, understanding the audience remains key.
In this age of instant reactions, brands need to craft messages that resonate or risk facing swift consequences.
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