“Crushed Dreams: Apple’s Controversial iPad Pro Ad Sparks Outrage”

Michael Mphatso
3 min readMay 12, 2024

Ah, the wonders of modern advertising. Picture this: an Apple commercial showcasing the latest iPad Pro, but instead of the usual techy stuff, they decide to go all out and show an industrial press mercilessly crushing everything in its path — from old TV sets to musical instruments and even beloved books. Because apparently, that’s the best way to sell a sleek new tablet. Oh, and did we mention it’s soundtracked to Sonny and Cher’s “All I Ever Need Is You”? Yeah, we’re just as confused as you are.

Now, before you start scratching your head in disbelief, let’s break it down. Apple CEO Tim Cook, in his infinite wisdom, took to X (whatever that is) to proclaim, “Just imagine all the things it’ll be used to create.” Ah yes, because nothing screams creativity like watching your favorite childhood memories being squished into a shiny new gadget.

But hold your horses, folks, because Hollywood isn’t having any of it. Actor Hugh Grant took to the interwebs to express his dismay, labeling the ad as nothing short of “the destruction of the human experience. Courtesy of Silicon Valley.” Ouch, tell us how you really feel, Hugh.

And it doesn’t stop there. Justine Bateman, filmmaker and AI aficionado, couldn’t contain her incredulity, asking the million-dollar question: “Truly, what is wrong with you?” A sentiment echoed by many in the creative community who see this ad as a not-so-subtle metaphor for the tech industry’s iron grip on culture.

But hey, if you thought this iPad ad was weird, you haven’t seen anything yet. According to actor, writer, and producer Luke Barnett, the first cut involved lining up all your favorite characters and… well, let’s just say it wasn’t pretty.

Now, before you start drafting that angry tweet to Apple, remember one thing — they’ve never been ones to play it safe. I mean, who could forget their iconic “1984” commercial that urged us to rebel against the PC hegemony? Or the time they encouraged us to “Rip. Mix. Burn” our own playlists, much to the dismay of the music industry? Ah, the good old days of iPods and questionable marketing slogans.

But let’s not get too carried away with nostalgia. James Clark, marketing director extraordinaire, summed it up best: “1984: Monochrome, conformist, industrial world exploded by colorful, vibrant human. 2024: Colorful, vibrant humanity is crushed by monochrome, conformist industrial press.” A stark reminder that times have indeed changed, for better or for worse.

So, what’s the verdict on the new iPad Pro? Well, it’s stunningly thin, light, and available in 13- and 11-inch models with silver or “space black” finishes. Oh, and it starts at a cool $999. But hey, at least you’ll have a front-row seat to the destruction of humanity, courtesy of Silicon Valley.

In conclusion, while Apple may have missed the mark with their latest ad, one thing’s for sure — they’ve certainly got people talking. And isn’t that what advertising is all about?

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