The Most Iconic Songs from Apple Adverts and Commercials
Apple has long understood the cultural power of music. From the early days of the iPod to recent iPhone campaigns, the brand’s adverts have paired striking visuals with carefully chosen soundtracks that often become just as memorable as the products themselves. It’s no wonder they had the initiative to develop their own music platform and more recently motion formats of this to transfer it over into segments and shows on Apple TV.
Over the years, Apple commercials have helped propel songs into the mainstream, introducing new artists to global audiences and giving fresh life to older tracks. As a brand Apple campaigns demonstrate how powerful the connection between music, style and storytelling can be.
Apple Advert Songs Over the Years
Are You Gonna Be My Girl – Jet – Apple iPod advert soundtrack (2003)
Jet’s explosive garage-rock anthem powered one of Apple’s most recognisable iPod silhouette campaigns.
1234 – Feist – Apple iPod Nano advert soundtrack (2007)
Feist’s playful indie-pop track became instantly associated with Apple’s colourful iPod Nano campaign.
New Soul – Yael Naim – Apple MacBook Air advert soundtrack (2008)
This gentle acoustic song perfectly matched the minimalist launch of Apple’s ultra-thin laptop and perhaps personified it with a narrative voice.
Bruises – Chairlift – Apple iPod Nano advert soundtrack (2008)
The dreamy synth-pop track introduced the band to a global audience through Apple’s vibrant campaign.
Rill Rill – Sleigh Bells – Apple iPhone advert soundtrack (2010)
A hazy indie-pop track that reflected the playful and youthful feel of early iPhone advertising.
Down – Marian Hill – Apple AirPods advert soundtrack (2016)
The minimalist electronic groove became a viral hit after appearing in Apple’s stylish AirPods dancing silhouette advert.
Come Together – Gary Clark Jr. – Apple advert soundtrack (2016)
Gary Clark Jr.’s electrified version of the Beatles classic added gritty blues-rock energy to Apple’s visuals.
Home – Anderson .Paak – Apple HomePod advert soundtrack (2018)
Anderson .Paak’s soulful groove brought warmth and rhythm to Apple’s music-focused campaign.
A Moment Apart – ODESZA – Apple advert soundtrack (2019)
Cinematic electronic music helped create a sense of scale and innovation in Apple’s storytelling.
Makeba – Jain – Apple advert soundtrack (2023)
Jain’s infectious electro-pop hit gained renewed global attention after appearing in Apple promotional campaigns.
Hello Hello Hello – Remi Wolf – Apple advert soundtrack (2023)
A playful indie-pop track that matched Apple’s colourful and energetic brand identity.
Songs That Became Hits After Appearing in Apple Adverts
We have also wondered if they recognised this opportunity to create and develop the app Shazam. Back in the day the forum was where you found out what was playing the adverts but Shazam changed the entire playbook.
Some tracks experienced huge success after being featured in Apple commercials, showing just how influential the brand’s campaigns can be.
1234 – Feist (2007)
After appearing in Apple’s iPod Nano advert, the song became a worldwide hit and one of the most recognisable indie-pop tracks of the decade.
New Soul – Yael Naim (2008)
The MacBook Air commercial propelled this gentle acoustic song into international charts almost overnight.
Bruises – Chairlift (2008)
Apple’s campaign turned the relatively unknown band into indie favourites.
Down – Marian Hill (2016)
The AirPods dancing silhouette advert helped the track go viral globally.
The blend of Music, culture and technology
From indie pop and electronic music to classic rock and soul, Apple adverts have consistently shown how powerful the right soundtrack can be. The brand’s campaigns often blur the line between technology, design and music culture, helping songs reach new audiences and become part of the wider cultural conversation.
