Skip to main content

Apple apologizes for controversial iPad Pro ad, scraps plans for TV campaign

Alongside the new ultra-thin iPad Pro this week, Apple debuted a new “Crush!” ad to promote the new hardware. The ad has been the subject of much criticism over the last two days, as we reported on Thursday morning.

Apple has now responded to this criticism, issuing a public apology to Ad Age saying it “missed the mark with this video.”

The “Crush” ad depicts the crushing of musical instruments, paints, camera lenses, books, movie characters, sculptures, and more. The idea is that this type of creative work can also be accomplished with an iPad, but the concept didn’t go over well with creators at all.

In a statement to Ad Age on Thursday, Tor Myhren, Apple’s VP of marketing communications, apologized for the spot:

“Creativity is in our DNA at Apple, and it’s incredibly important to us to design products that empower creatives all over the world. Our goal is to always celebrate the myriad of ways users express themselves and bring their ideas to life through iPad. We missed the mark with this video, and we’re sorry.”

The “Crush” ad was posted to Tim Cook’s Twitter account and Apple’s YouTube channel on Tuesday. The ad “had not received any paid media” yet, and Apple now says that its plans to run the ad on TV have been cancelled. As of right now, the video is still live on both platforms.

Ad Age says the ad was created in-house by Apple, rather than by an outside agency.

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

You’re reading 9to5Mac — experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Don’t know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel

Comments

Author

Avatar for Chance Miller Chance Miller

Chance is an editor for the entire 9to5 network and covers the latest Apple news for 9to5Mac.

Tips, questions, typos to chance@9to5mac.com

Manage push notifications

notification icon
We would like to show you notifications for the latest news and updates.
notification icon
Please wait...processing
notification icon
We would like to show you notifications for the latest news and updates.
notification icon
Please wait...processing