Like every year, Apple launches a video about christmasto promote a series, movie, or even device, as is the current case, since we will not only be able to see a iPhone 17 Pro in actionbut everything recorded in the short was thanks to one of these devices.
It is true that, in small print, they tell us that additional software has been used, something we understand, since it is not a video directly without effects, and editing tools have been used, however, the main quality comes from the iPhone itself.
A Critter Carol: new Apple ad
Apple debuted its 2025 Christmas ad, titled A Critter Carol. The story is set in a snowy forest where a group of animals (raccoon, bear, owl, deer and squirrel) find a lost iPhone 17 Pro. With curiosity and patience, the animals learn to use the phone to record a video: they sing a simple song about friendship and the warmth shared during winter.
The characters They are not computer animation, but hand-made puppetsmanipulated by puppeteers, so everything is real. That artisanal way makes the characters feel more alive; Their gestures, looks and details are truly noticeable. Apple filmed everything mainly with the iPhone 17 Proalthough he supplemented the recording with additional equipment to achieve certain shots.
In a key moment, the phone's owner uses the search function on his watch to recover the iPhone and finds the video that the animals left behind. The owner's reaction, between surprise and tenderness, closes the advertisement and shows how technology can also connect with the emotional.
The director, Mark Molloy, uses a clear visual style and a catchy song without overdoing it. The idea is to show that what is handmade continues to have value today, and that technology accompanies that human side instead of replacing it.
In summary, A Critter Carol feels like a little Christmas short: mixes technology and craftsmanship, tells a short but emotional story and remembers that human creativity is still what makes those moments special.
The final sensation is warm and calm. It invites you to connect, share and enjoy your imagination during the holidays with the people you love. It's a simple reminder to take advantage of those real, cozy moments.
And since a picture is worth a thousand words, we leave you the full short so you can see it for yourself. It only lasts a couple of minutes, but the truth is that it is entertaining, and very curious, especially when you know that it is recorded with the iPhone 17 Pro itself, which makes you see what a simple phone can achieve today.
And you, do you think that these types of ads help Apple sell more iPhones? Or, on the contrary, does being supported by additional software and hardware make you think that a normal user could never really record so well? Leave us a comment with your opinion about it, and what you thought of the short.
