Apple Releases 2025 Holiday Season TV Ad: 'A Critter Carol'

[MacRumors]

Apple today shared its annual holiday season ad, titled A Critter Carol, as well as a behind-the-scenes video showing how it was made.

In the short film, set in a snowy forest, a group of woodland creatures use a lost iPhone 17 Pro to film themselves singing about the gift of friendship. Later, the owner of the iPhone finds the device with help from the Find My app on his Apple Watch, and he then discovers the critters' heartwarming recording.

In an AI world, Apple's ad emphasizes the use of practical effects. The critters — a raccoon, bear, owl, deer, squirrel, and others — are handcrafted puppets.

The short film was shot entirely on the iPhone 17 Pro, according to Apple, although the fine print says that additional hardware and software was used. The behind-the-scenes video shows how the ad was made by puppeteers, and how the typography used throughout the campaign was meticulously handprinted from wood blocks.

Apple says the short film, directed by award-winning Australian filmmaker Mark Molloy, underscores the irreplaceable value of human creativity.

The ad showcases the iPhone 17 Pro's advanced camera capabilities, such as 8× zoom, Center Stage selfies, and Dual Capture with the front and rear cameras.

"I was surprised by the power of the iPhone 17 Pro because it allowed me to capture the story in a truly immersive way," said Molloy.

The ad was released just in time for U.S. Thanksgiving.

Article Link: Apple Releases 2025 Holiday Season TV Ad: 'A Critter Carol'

 

[Kylo83]

Really cute. I like it

 

[woolypants]

Somebody at Apple really likes Muppets-style puppets, given this and their investment in Fraggle Rock.

I'm not complaining. I wish somebody would do something as irreverent and anarchic as The Muppets back in the day. Nowadays it's too saccharine and safe.

 

[Ctrlos]

What a lovely advert! The commitment to puppets and practical effects is most commendable.

 

[nin4nin]

That’s a sweet memory from Flight of the Conchords. I’m glad the chose to change the line about breaking your balls 😆

 

[djinn]

Well done.

 

[SidricTheViking]

The Muppets take Cupertino!

 

[citysnaps]

Very cute and very creative.

 

[aParkerMusic]

Very cool that they are real puppets, I appreciate keeping that art alive. Practical effects are awesome.

As far as the story…it feels scattered and manic, to me. I’m sure many people will like it, but it didn’t really click for me. That’s alright.

Happy Thanksgiving to my American peers, and well-wishes to everyone across the MacRumors community!

 

[Macbookey]

Very cute and very creative.

Absolutely. Love it, and Apple has really created some gems this time of year on a number of occasions.

 

[orbital~debris]

Lovely ad! ❄️ With a wonderful snowy environment.

And the Ping reference at the start/end is a deep cut from Apple lore 😬😉

 

[teaneedz]

gotta respect the non-ai slop approach.

 

[Apple_Robert]

Reminds me of Jim Henson.

 

[lazyrighteye]

Somebody at Apple really likes Muppets-style puppets, given this and their investment in Fraggle Rock.

I'm not complaining. I wish somebody would do something as irreverent and anarchic as The Muppets back in the day. Nowadays it's too saccharine and safe.

Wait… They’re brining back Fraggle Rock?!?

 

[Zc456]

Kudos to Apple for making something adorable and funny.

 

[velemar1]

I recognized the song from the first note. So Apple wants us to forgive them for their lack of innovation by serving us some Flight of the Conchords nostalgia. Not biting.

 

[velemar1]

"Inspired by “Friends”, original recording by Flight of The Conchords - https://apple.co/Friends-Flight-of-th..."

Umm it's not "inspired by," it is the song -

 

[SanderEvers]

In the year of the the Coca-Cola AI Christmas ad/slop, we get Apple muppets. Cute little ad.

 

[JaydenA]

Cute and wholesome ad.

Well done Mr Malloy and thank you Apple.

 

[Chomp81]

It's a cute ad, but the phone could've been ANY smartphone.
The objective of an ad is to show what makes you different (brand, product) and to grow brand awareness or any part of the funnel.

 

[Johnny907]

If they want to do the muppets, just hire the Jim Henson company.

 

[alchemistmuffin]

In the short film, set in a snowy forest, a group of woodland creatures use a lost iPhone 17 Pro to film themselves singing about the gift of friendship.

The short film was shot entirely on the iPhone 17 Pro, according to Apple

🤦‍♀️

HUGE MISSED OPPORTUNITY BY APPLE……..

They should’ve filmed it with iPhone Air, and featured the iPhone Air as well. that phone’s camera is capable of filming the same thing.

Apple has given up on the Air from looks of it at this point.

 

[Alex.ne]

Hello Carol

 

[coolfactor]

I recognized the song from the first note. So Apple wants us to forgive them for their lack of innovation by serving us some Flight of the Conchords nostalgia. Not biting.

This "lack of innovation" line is tiring, and only self-serving. It's not anywhere near the truth.

Tell us 3 things that Apple could do to qualify as innovating.

The ad was cute, creative, and wasn't a boring tech ad filled with specs. A real gem.

 

[jayducharme]

The "Making" clip immediately made me think of those bogus FX videos on YouTube that purport to show how big budget special effects films are made with people in blue or green leotards. I can't understand how those puppeteers in blue spandex can be easily removed from the clips and be replaced with a convincing background. I guess FCPX is just that good.