Apple’s Crushing iPad Ad Trashed By Hugh Grant, Justine Bateman & Almost Everyone Else
(Updated with more reactions) Apple’s new iPad Pro isn’t hitting the shelves for another week, but the self-described “thinnest Apple product yet” is already being crushed because of a new ad.
Released yesterday at a virtual launch by the tech giant ahead of the new iPad’s May 15 drop, the minute-long ad is called Crush. Created by Apple’s in-house team, the promo with a soundtrack of the Sonny and Cher 1971 tune “All I Ever Need Is You” literally crushes most of the physical history of creativity in a heavy-handed manner that makes the New Coke fiasco of the Reagan Era look like a near win.
More from Deadline
'Lady In The Lake' Sets Apple TV+ Premiere; Reveals First-Look Image
Amazon Debuts New Streaming Video Ad Formats Ahead Of Upfront Event
As Apple tries to reinvigorate slumping iPad sales, CEO Tim Cook praised the ad and the forthcoming tablet online on May 7 with a “Just imagine all the things it’ll be used to create” call-out. That’s Cook’s job, but the exec seems to be nearly alone in his POV as the ad has generated a scathing backlash from almost everyone else.
Among those taking the tech giant, who is facing a Department of Justice suit over an alleged illegal monopoly over the smartphone market, to task for its sheer insensitivity and misstep are Hugh Grant and Justine Bateman.
The often acerbic Wonka star took a bite out of Apple earlier Wednesday:
The destruction of the human experience. Courtesy of Silicon Valley. https://t.co/273XB3CfnF
— Hugh Grant (@HackedOffHugh) May 8, 2024
Creed II scribe and Luke Cage creator Cheo Hodari Coker said the ad was problematic, really:
That Apple ad….is a problem. Not in hip-hop "bad meaning good" problem. But a problem problem.
— Cheo Hodari Coker (@cheo_coker) May 8, 2024
Bill & Ted franchise and Men in Black screenwriter Ed Solomon tried to see the demolition from Apple’s perspective:
“Who needs human life and everything that makes it worth living? Dive into this digital simulacrum and give us your soul. Sincerely, Apple.” https://t.co/FtWmp098sQ
— Ed Solomon (@ed_solomon) May 8, 2024
Emmy-winning and Directors Guild Award winning Handmaid’s Tale director Reed Morano was pretty blunt:
Hey @tim_cook READ THE ROOM, BRO. CUZ THIS SHIT IS ACTUALLY PSYCHOTIC https://t.co/emRqOcXDoP
— Reed Morano, A.S.C. (@reedmorano) May 8, 2024
Well versed anti-AI activist, former Family Ties star and filmmaker Bateman was even more blunt in her reaction:
Truly, what is wrong with you? https://t.co/UBGszYv4CH
— Justine Bateman (@JustineBateman) May 8, 2024
In fact, Bateman ever offered up an example of how Apple could fix their self-inflicted wound of destruction:
.@tim_cook, someone corrected your “ad.” https://t.co/x7fWo1pwko
— Justine Bateman (@JustineBateman) May 8, 2024
Still, a far, far cry from Apple’s breakthrough anti-authoritarianism 1984 ad of 40 years ago, the original Crush ad has been watched almost 400,000 times on YouTube since its release on Tuesday. As is standard with most videos Apple puts up on the platform, the comments have disabled.
Might have been the best decision Apple made in this whole situation.
On the other hand, Cook’s tweet of yesterday has been seen 28 million times, with 7.8 million comments — and the positive ones are like a needle in a haystack to find.
Apple, who are usually flawless in their marketing and communication, did not respond to request for comment on the Crush ad and the reaction it has seen. If and when they do or if Tim Cook himself reacts, we will update this post.
Best of Deadline
Hollywood & Media Deaths In 2024: Photo Gallery & Obituaries
Step & Repeat Gallery: The Best Red Carpet & Party Photos Of 2024
2024-25 Awards Season Calendar - Dates For Oscars, Tonys, Guilds, BAFTAs, Spirits & More
Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.