Apple faces backlash after pulling new ad just hours after launch

In June 2025, Apple faced significant backlash after launching a new advertisement campaign, which was pulled less than a day later due to widespread criticism. The campaign had garnered unfavorable reactions when it debuted on June 20, prompting discussions among viewers about its quality and effectiveness. In fact, one user on Reddit labeled it as one of the worst advertisements they had ever seen. This incident marked the fourth advertisement that Apple has had to retract in just over a year, highlighting ongoing concerns about the company’s marketing and innovation strategies. The decision to halt this recent campaign reflects a broader issue for Apple as it struggles to maintain its reputation in the face of rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) by its competitors, notably Google and OpenAI. Notably, Apple has faced delays in releasing its own AI features, which has contributed to rising investor concerns and a decline of approximately 17% in its stock value year-to-date. Despite this concerning trend, there are glimmers of hope for Apple, as historically, the company has often rebounded stronger after setbacks. Some viewers did find the content of “The Parent Presentation” ad relatable and amusing, indicating that while it may not have appealed to the wider public, there is still a segment of consumers who appreciate Apple's humor. Even though the ad is no longer available for viewing, the full presentation remains accessible for download on Apple's College Students page, albeit in a buried position at the bottom of the site. This suggests that, while the ad itself was poorly received, the underlying content may still have value for certain audiences. In summary, while Apple continues to navigate criticism and setbacks in its marketing efforts, the company's past performance illustrates that it is capable of overcoming challenges and evolving. However, the urgency for Apple to innovate and deliver compelling content has never been higher, particularly as it operates in a fiercely competitive environment dominated by advancements in AI.