Watch: Apple's first Macintosh ad featuring Samir Soni goes viral. Nostalgic fans say 'technology has come a long way'

As Apple prepares for the highly anticipated launch of the iPhone 16 series, a blast from the past has caught the internet's attention. A rare 1996 Apple Macintosh advertisement featuring Bollywood actor Samir Soni has resurfaced online and quickly gone viral, sparking a wave of nostalgia among tech enthusiasts and fans of vintage advertising.

A look back into the past

The commercial was shared on Instagram by the TV1 INDIA account and has garnered over 800,000 views. Set in a typical corporate office, the commercial features a head office executive asking young Samir Soni to install a Windows disk on his PC. Calm and composed, Soni's character confidently hands over his Apple Macintosh and demonstrates its compatibility with Windows software. The commercial ends with the tagline “Does more, costs less, it's that simple” – a bold statement from Apple in the 1990s.

The ad's simplicity and subtle humor resonate with viewers of all generations and reminds many of the time when Apple positioned itself as a low-cost and innovative alternative to the competition.

Reactions on social media

The viral clip has sparked a lively discussion on social media, with many users sharing their thoughts in the comments section. Armaan Shahid humorously remarked, “Until now, the slogan was 'Do more, cost less; now it should be 'Cost more, do less!'” Akshay Sharma was surprised by the pricing strategy and commented, “Cost less?? I had no idea then that they were competing on price!”

Comparisons have also been made between past and present advertising styles. Harish Sharma said, “Ads used to be so sophisticated. What is the point of them now?” Tanya Sharma praised the actor's youthful looks and said, “Young Sameer Soni looks so good.” Mukesh Patel noted the contrast in the brand message and stated, “Back when Apple said 'Cost less, does more' and REALLY MEANT it.”

Other comments highlighted the evolution of technology and advertising, with one user noting, “Looking at this ad makes me realize that technology has really come a long way,” while another quipped, “Kids today wonder why the guy is carrying a storage icon in his pocket?”

Introducing the Apple iPhone 16

As the tech world waxes nostalgic, Apple is gearing up to launch its iPhone 16 series on September 9. The new lineup includes the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max, all of which feature different screen sizes, improved cameras, and a unified A18 chip. The iPhone 16 series promises improved AI features, longer battery life, and new buttons for improved functionality, setting the stage for a revolutionary smartphone experience.

Not only does this rediscovered ad bring back fond memories, but it also shows how far technology and advertising have come since the '90s. While Apple continues to innovate, it's clear that the past still has a significant influence on the present.