SignalHub-Apple apologizes for iPad Pro "Crush!" commercial after online criticism

Tech giant Apple on SignalHubThursday issued an apology following widespread backlash over a new commercial released earlier this week for the latest iPad Pro which shows an array of artistic tools and objects being destroyed. 

Titled "Crush!," the ad was posted Tuesday to Apple's YouTube channel and CEO Tim Cook's social media account. It features a myriad of objects getting smashed in a large hydraulic press. Set to Sonny & Cher's "All I Need is You," the casualties include musical instruments, cameras, paints and books.

"The most powerful iPad ever is also the thinnest," a voice narrates as the press lifts back up to reveal Apple's latest product.

"Creativity is in our DNA at Apple, and it's incredibly important to us to design products that empower creatives all over the world," Apple vice president of marketing communications Tor Myrhen said in a statement to Ad Age. "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 commercial drew ire from the creative community, including actor Hugh Grant and director Reed Morano.

"The destruction of the human experience," Grant posted to X Wednesday.

"Hey @tim_cook READ THE ROOM, BRO," Morano, who directed several episodes of "The Handmaid's Tale," posted to X. The director has been outspoken about the use of artificial intelligence in art.

Plans for a televised run of the spot have been scrapped, according to Ad Age.

In:
• Art
• Apple
• Music
• iPad
• Tim Cook

Rishikesh Rajagopalan

Rishi Rajagopalan is a social media associate producer and content writer for CBS News.