Apple Releases 'The Surprise' Holiday Ad

Apple has an annual tradition of sharing a heartwarming holiday-themed video ahead of Thanksgiving in the United States, and this morning, Apple released its newest holiday video on YouTube.

The video starts out with a family that has two complaining kids going on a holiday trip, with the kids fighting until the iPads come out. The family arrives at their grandfather's house, who is still mourning the loss of his wife. The girls spend time with their grandfather and find old family photos, eventually putting together a slideshow of family memories and presenting it as a holiday gift to their grandfather.

The ad is designed to show off some of the capabilities of the iPad, such as creating and displaying a photo slideshow.It features the song "Married Life" by Michael Giacchino, which was used in well-known Disney Pixar film "Up."

"Sometimes, the best gifts can come from the most unexpected places," reads the tagline, with Apple linking to the iPad section of its website.

Many of Apple's holiday ads have won awards and accolades in the past. Last year's video was an animated spot featuring music from 16-year-old songwriter Billie Eilish, while in 2017, Apple did an ad featuring a woman dancing through a snowy city.

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Top Rated Comments

aaronhead14 Avatar
70 months ago
I understand the whole “happy holidays” thing when the goal is to cover all your bases and be considerate of all the holidays that different people/cultures are celebrating.

What I don’t understand is when people (and marketing campaigns) say “holiday” in place of “Christmas” when the only holiday being referenced is Christmas. It’s not considerate or inclusive, it’s just stupid. The “holiday” in this commercial is so obviously Christmas, and doesn’t resemble any other holiday. So why on earth don’t they just say “Christmas”? It’s irksome. Just say it! Geez.
Score: 37 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Unity451 Avatar
70 months ago
They should title the ad... How to create Zombies.


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Score: 27 Votes (Like | Disagree)
zinacef Avatar
70 months ago
This brought tears to my eyes. Life is so short which is why we should cherish every single moment we have with our loved ones. Apple nailed it yet again for the holidays.
Happy Holidays Everyone!
Score: 19 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Hym tix Avatar
70 months ago
Meanwhile, poor gramps has no memories of his grandkids this Christmas because they were busy staring at the glowing screen. Worth it!
Score: 18 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ceriess Avatar
70 months ago
Wouldn't be the holidays without being reminded of death.
Score: 17 Votes (Like | Disagree)
jweinraub Avatar
70 months ago

I understand the whole “happy holidays” thing when the goal is to cover all your bases and be considerate of all the holidays that different people/cultures are celebrating.

What I don’t understand is when people (and marketing campaigns) say “holiday” in place of “Christmas” when the only holiday being referenced is Christmas. It’s not considerate or inclusive, it’s just stupid. The “holiday” in this commercial is so obviously Christmas, and doesn’t resemble any other holiday. So why on earth don’t they just say “Christmas”? It’s irksome. Just say it! Geez.
I was wondering the same thing. Especially when it is the family saying to other family members. Who the heck says "Happy holidays Grandpa!" when there is a "holiday" tree and such all around the living room!
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)