What Businesses Can Learn From Pedro Pascal New Apple Ad
Key Points
- Emotional Storytelling Sells. Apple doesn’t just showcase a product—it tells a story people can connect with. Someday taps into universal emotions of heartbreak and joy, making it memorable and impactful.
- High-Quality Production Elevates Brand Perception. Apple invests in top-tier talent and production, making their ads feel cinematic. Even small brands can achieve a premium look by prioritizing strong visuals and thoughtful execution.
- Leveraging Trends & Cultural Moments Increases Engagement. By casting Pedro Pascal and collaborating with Spike Jonze, Apple capitalized on their cultural relevance. Smart brands stay ahead by aligning their marketing with trending moments and industry shifts.
I always pay attention to Apple’s new ads—they’re a constant source of inspiration and a boost of creativity.
But this time? Apple really outdid itself.
When I saw Pedro Pascal in The Last of Us, I was already obsessed.
So, seeing him in this visually stunning Apple ad directed by Spike Jonze?
Absolute perfection!
This isn’t just an ad—it’s a masterclass in marketing, storytelling, and emotional engagement.
Apple knows exactly how to craft a narrative that hooks viewers, blends tech seamlessly with emotion, and makes a product feel like an experience.
Pedro Pascal, known for his emotional depth and dynamic presence, stars in Apple’s new cinematic ad, Someday.
The story follows Pascal as he mourns a romantic breakup, transitioning from sorrow to joy with the help of Apple’s AirPods.
The ad unfolds like a short film, combining powerful storytelling, visually engaging elements, and seamless product integration.
It’s a perfect blend of artistry and advertising, making it one of Apple’s most compelling campaigns yet.
Key Elements That Make Apple Ad Successful
1. Emotional Storytelling That Connects with Audiences
Apple taps into universal emotions—love, loss, and rediscovery—to create a story that resonates with people.
The ad starts in a cold, wintry setting that reflects Pascal’s heartbreak, making viewers feel the weight of his emotions.
Then, as he puts on the AirPods, everything shifts—colors brighten, his energy changes, and suddenly, he’s dancing his way through the city.
It’s an emotional journey that keeps viewers engaged and invested in the transformation.
✅Takeaway for businesses: If you want your marketing to be memorable, tap into emotions. Create content that people can relate to and see themselves in.
2. Seamless Product Placement That Feels Natural
Apple never makes their ads feel like traditional product commercials.
Instead of just listing AirPods 4 features, they show how they improve daily life.
The noise-canceling function isn’t just mentioned—it’s demonstrated.
As Pascal escapes into his world of music, the external distractions disappear.
The audience experiences the product’s value firsthand, without it ever feeling forced.
✅Takeaway for businesses: Instead of listing features, show your product in action. Make it part of a story that highlights its real-life benefits.
3. A-List Talent & High-Quality Production
Apple’s marketing campaigns always feel premium because they invest in the best.
Casting Pedro Pascal instantly grabs attention, as he’s one of the most beloved actors of the moment.
His presence alone elevates the campaign.
Pairing him with Spike Jonze, a director known for his visually creative storytelling, ensures that this isn’t just an ad—it’s an experience.
✅Takeaway for businesses: Even if you don’t have a Hollywood budget, prioritize high-quality visuals, strong storytelling, and great production value. Whether it’s lighting, sound, or camera work, small details make a big difference.
Spike Jonze: A Master of Movement-Based Storytelling
Apple’s collaboration with Spike Jonze takes this ad to another level.
Jonze has a signature style—he doesn’t just direct, he creates movement-driven, surreal experiences.
Remember his Welcome Home ad for Apple in 2018? The one where FKA Twigs stretches and bends the walls of her apartment in sync with the music? That’s classic Jonze.
Or his mind-bending Kenzo perfume ad featuring Margaret Qualley? The beautifully chaotic dance sequence became a viral sensation.
In Someday, he brings that same energy, using choreography and visual effects to create an almost dreamlike transformation as Pascal moves from sadness to joy.
Every movement is intentional, every transition seamless.
Jonze knows how to make visuals feel—and that’s exactly why Apple keeps working with him.
✅Takeaway for businesses: Think beyond traditional ads. Can you incorporate unique visual elements, movement, or storytelling techniques that make your content stand out?
The Role of Music & Choreography in Marketing
One of the most impactful elements of this ad is its use of music and movement.
The emotional transition in Someday is driven by:
Guitarricadelafuente’s “Conticinio” – A slow, melancholic track that matches Pascal’s heartbreak.
Sam i’s “Perfect” (feat. Tropkillaz, Bia, and MC Pikachu) – An energetic beat that shifts the mood entirely.
As Pascal’s world transforms, so does his movement.
The choreography by Tanisha Scott, who has worked with icons like Beyoncé, Rihanna, and Drake, adds another layer of storytelling.
Dance becomes an expression of joy, freedom, and renewal.
✅Takeaway for businesses: Music and movement create an emotional impact. Whether through ads, social media content, or branding, choose sound and visuals that enhance the experience.
How Apple’s Marketing Strategy Can Be Applied to Any Business
Apple’s marketing is full of lessons for brands looking to create more impactful, engaging content.
1. Create Emotional Connections
People don’t just buy products—they buy emotions, experiences, and transformations. Apple didn’t just market AirPods in this ad; they sold the feeling of escaping reality and getting lost in music.
✅How to apply it: Tell stories that tap into emotions—whether it’s joy, nostalgia, empowerment, or relief. Your audience should see themselves in your content.
2. Focus on High-Quality Production
Apple never cuts corners when it comes to visuals, sound, or storytelling. Their ads feel like mini-movies, designed to pull you in and make an impact. Someday has blockbuster-level production, from the cinematography to the choreography.
✅How to apply it: Even if you don’t have an Apple-sized budget, prioritize high-quality visuals, strong branding, and thoughtful editing.
Crisp audio, smooth transitions, and attention to detail can make all the difference in making your brand look premium.
3. Leverage Cultural & Industry Trends
Apple is a master at riding cultural waves. They tapped into Pedro Pascal’s skyrocketing popularity, the appeal of dance-driven storytelling, and the emotional resonance of music.
They also released the ad in a cinematic format, which aligns with today’s trend of long-form, immersive content.
✅How to apply it: Stay updated on trends in your industry and pop culture. Collaborate with influencers, use trending storytelling styles, and align your campaigns with what people are already excited about.
4. Use Teasers & a Strong Rollout Strategy
Before launching Someday, Apple released a trailer and social media teasers, creating buzz before the official drop.
This pre-release hype made sure that when the full ad came out, people were already invested.
✅How to apply it: If you’re launching a product, build anticipation with teaser content. Share behind-the-scenes footage, countdowns, or sneak peeks to generate excitement.
Final Thoughts: Why This Campaign Is Genius
Apple has, once again, set the standard. Someday isn’t just an ad—it’s an experience, a mood, a vibe.
It’s proof that marketing isn’t about shouting features; it’s about crafting stories that people want to watch.
From Pedro Pascal’s emotional performance to Spike Jonze’s surreal storytelling, from stunning choreography to seamless product integration, this campaign is a masterclass in branding and creativity.
And if you’re looking for inspiration for your own brand?
Apple just handed you a playbook on how to create marketing that actually matters.
