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Asif Mohammad Sovon
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Asif Mohammad Sovon @asif_mohammad_sovon

Meet Asif Mohammad Sovon, an IT Assistant in the Bangladesh Air Force and a tech writer for Fileion....

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Jun 22, 2025

Apple Pulls “Convince Your Parents” Mac Ad Amid New Student Campaign

Apple Pulls “Convince Your Parents” Mac Ad Amid New Student Campaign Fileion.Com
On June 21, 2025, Apple quietly removed its “The Parent Presentation” ad from YouTube after 24 hours online, sparking debate over its tone. At the same time, the tech giant launched a fresh ad campaign aimed directly at college students, encouraging them to persuade their parents to switch from Windows PCs to Macs.

What Happened with the YouTube Ad

Apple uploaded a video featuring comedian Martin Herlihy guiding students on using “The Parent Presentation” slideshow, a customizable pitch to parents on why a Mac is worth it. However, within a day, Apple set the video to private and concealed the link on its College Students page.
Some viewers praised its humor, while others called it “cringe,” hinting at mixed reactions. Apple has not commented on why it shelved the video.

The Parent Presentation Explained

Apple offers the downloadable slideshow in Keynote, PowerPoint, and Google Slides formats. It includes 81 slides filled with reasons—humorous and practical—for parents to consider buying their student a Mac.
Herlihy’s demo video, now private, walked a group of high schoolers through personalizing slides—a process Apple positioned as a fun family negotiation tool ahead of back-to-school season.

Why Students Are the Target

Apple’s campaign coincides with its annual Back to School promotion, which runs from June 17 to September 30. US and Canadian college students, educators, and parents who buy a Mac or iPad are eligible for free accessories—including AirPods, Magic Keyboard, Mouse, or Apple Pencil—plus education discounts.
By encouraging students to lead the pitch, Apple taps into peer influence and provides tangible support with resources and incentives.

Microsoft vs Apple: A Renewed Battle

This move revives Apple’s classic strategy of positioning Macs as more appealing than Windows PCs. Though not as overt as the iconic “Get a Mac” campaign from 2006–2009, this student-focused tactic echoes similar messaging that Macs offer reliability, ease of use, and creativity benefits.
A parallel ad series called “Lessons” already highlights features like Apple Intelligence tools, long battery life, and student discounts.

Reactions from the Public

The reception to “The Parent Presentation” was divisive. Some users mocked the idea of pitching a tech purchase as overly staged. Others appreciated the comedic tone and found it relatable.
One online user wrote: “It’s helpful but a bit awkward to pitch like that,” summarizing the mixed sentiments.

What’s Next for Apple’s Campaign

  1. Ad Adjustments: Apple may rethink public-facing content while keeping downloads and campaign materials active.
  2. Media Strategy: New video formats could emphasize authentic student testimonials over scripted humor.
  3. Regional Roll-Out: Expect similar campaigns in the UK, Europe, and Australia later this summer, aligning with Back to School periods.

Final Take

Apple’s pivot from a parent-focused ad to a direct appeal to students shows its keen awareness of messaging tone and audience reception. By equipping students with slide decks and pairing them with promotions, the company aims to drive Mac adoption in higher education.
But was “The Parent Presentation” too forced? Or is this a clever, new way to engage families in the Mac purchasing process?
 
What do you think? Is Apple’s student-led pitch a hit or a miss? Let us know in the comments!
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