Apple CEO Tim Cook issued a public apology today for a controversial ad promoting the new iPad Pro tablet, admitting that the company “missed the mark” with the video. The ad, which features a young girl using the iPad Pro to create a presentation for her class, has faced backlash on social media for being out of touch and offensive.
After receiving a wave of criticism from viewers, Apple’s marketing VP announced that the ad will no longer be shown on TV. Many viewers have expressed disappointment in Apple’s apparent lack of understanding of their customers’ preferences and sensibilities, with some going as far as to say that the negative reaction signals a loss of goodwill towards the tech giant.
This is not the first time that Apple has faced backlash for a promotional video. In 2018, a similar ad for the iPad also drew criticism from customers. The company has historically worked closely with advertising agency TBWA\Media Arts Lab, but recent missteps have raised questions about their partnership.
As Apple works to address the fallout from this latest ad controversy, they will need to carefully consider how to regain the trust of their customer base. The tech giant’s reputation for innovative products and memorable advertising campaigns may be at stake if they cannot better connect with their audience in the future. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
“Zombie enthusiast. Subtly charming travel practitioner. Webaholic. Internet expert.”