Apple’s New Holiday Ad Features Puppets, Flight of the Conchords, and the iPhone 17 Pro
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Apple is set to release a new holiday commercial on Thanksgiving (November 27th) showcasing the capabilities of the iPhone, specifically hinting at features expected in the upcoming iPhone 17 Pro. The ad, part of the long-running “Shot on iPhone” campaign, features a whimsical story of puppet critters discovering a lost iPhone and creating their own music video. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the “Shot on iPhone” campaign,which recently won a Cannes Lions Grand Prix for Creative Effectiveness.
A Forest Full of Friends and an iPhone 17 Pro
The commercial unfolds in a snowy forest where a group of puppet animals – a raccoon, bear, rat, owl, deer, and squirrel – stumble upon an iPhone left behind by a hiker. Inspired, they decide to produce a music video performing a rendition of “Friends” by the New Zealand musical comedy duo, Flight of the Conchords.
The lyrics are tailored to the animal kingdom, playfully highlighting the unique promises of friendship, such as “eating trash together” and “avenging your death.” The ad cleverly integrates demonstrations of iPhone camera features like Center stage and Dual Capture.
Handcrafted Charm and a Return to Stop-Motion
Notably, much of the ad isn’t purely digital. Apple is leaning into a handcrafted aesthetic, with the puppets created by Puppets Magic Studio and typography designed manually. This approach echoes Apple’s 2023 holiday ad, a stop-motion story about an office worker and her boss, demonstrating a continued preference for tactile and visually rich storytelling. You can view the 2023 ad here.
“Shot on iPhone” – A Decade of Creativity
The “Shot on iPhone” campaign has consistently highlighted the photographic and videographic capabilities of Apple’s iPhones, empowering users to create professional-quality content. The campaign’s success is evidenced by its longevity and recent industry recognition. The new ad builds on this legacy,showcasing not only the technology but also the creative potential unlocked by the iPhone 17 Pro.
Key Takeaways:
* iPhone 17 Pro Focus: The ad subtly showcases features expected in the iPhone 17 Pro, such as improved camera capabilities.
* Handcrafted Aesthetic: Apple is embracing a handmade quality, using puppets and manual typography.
* Flight of the Conchords: The ad features a cover of the duo’s song “Friends,” with lyrics adapted for an animal audience.
* Campaign Milestone: This year marks the 10th anniversary of the “Shot on iPhone” campaign.
The new commercial is expected to resonate with audiences due to its charming story, creative execution, and subtle presentation of the iPhone 17 Pro’s capabilities. As Apple continues to innovate in mobile technology, the “Shot on iPhone” campaign remains a powerful tool for showcasing the creative possibilities within reach of every user.
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