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UK Advertising Agency Orders Takedown of Apple iPhone 3G Ads
(3 votes, average: 3.67 out of 5)
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These days, things simply refuse to go Apple’s way. Ever since the July 11th launch for the iPhone 3G and other products like MobileMe, Apple has been sailing a rocky boat ride. There have been tons of problems that have emerged since the announcements, along with widespread public disappointments. But apparently, Apple has been let off each and every time.
Even as reports keep coming up regarding the issues that have plagued the iPhone 3G ever since its launch, a British Advertising Agency has ruled that iPhone’s advertisements are misleading the users and they should be immediately taken off air. The Advertising Standards Agency in the UK has ruled that the iPhone 3G does not deliver what is being conveyed in the ad. Interestingly, the ad has nothing to do with the features of the iPhone (or the lack of them). In fact, the ad does not feature any particular feature of the iPhone, but instead, talks about how the iPhone 3G gives access to ‘all parts of the internet‘.
Well, doesn’t the iPhone 3G really do so? Not really, if you consider the websites that solely rely on Flash and Java technologies. That’s because both these technologies, to this day, remain absent on the iPhone. This, according to ASA, effectively means that iPhone 3G doesn’t provide access to all parts of the internet. Cheesy, ain’t it?
Now that the ad is off air, the folks at the agency can breathe a sigh of relief. At least, they saved millions of people falling prey to a single ad from a bunch of other ads. Not just that, this will, maybe, just maybe, convince Apple to add Java support to the iPhone. That’s sure to make the thousands of users happy, who are all set and waiting with their J2ME apps. Who doesn’t want to play the java version of Tetris on the iPhone, now that the native app has been pulled from the store.
On a serious note, when was the last time advertisements really spoke truth about the product? We don’t see Microsoft talking about viruses on their OS. We don’t have car manufacturers telling us that the car will empty your pocket, thanks to the rising petrol prices.
Okay, the ads were maybe a little contentious but was this particular ad really that misleading?
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Are you being serious? How and when has MS budled viruses with their OS. Exploiting a software and finding a underlying vulnerability does not mean MS is knowingly bundling viruses. And i am yet to see a ad that makes the claim of 100% hacker(or bug safe) safe Windows.
Again about your car example, car manufacturers tell us whats in their car and do mention the km/l if its worth mentioning. They however don’t make a claim that it will run free or cheap if it doesn’t.
So as you can see there is a difference between what Apple did and your examples.
Well Preshit…..your analysis does reflect in ur name….Pre-SHIT….
Apple is wrong in their advertising. There will be many iPhone buyers who will realize after they purchase the device that they cannot access lot of popular internet sites. Will Apple be refunding their money then?
@Preshit
Well, I would say the UK agency took it a bit too far. As you hinted, there is an element of lie involved in every ad. However, the agency seems to have public’s best interest at heart. Agencies like these are necessary, for the smooth functioning the business-consumer relationship. Well, whatever the agency said, was true , indeed.
I would however, agree with Ajay, here. The examples of Microsoft and car makers were inappropriate here.
I’m sure we will be seeing some more compelling posts, with good examples in future. Overall, a good post.
@Fred
I’m not sure what pissed you off. Apple was a little off the mark, that is true, and Preshit has pointed to the same, in his post. In any case, I do not see the reason to abuse the author.
Anyways, it was good to see you here. Please keep coming back.