classical song is used in the Apple MacBook Air commercial

Apple has always understood something fundamental about great advertising: the music is half the story. From the iconic iPod silhouettes dancing to Feist to the emotional piano of the "Dear Apple" holiday campaigns, the company has a legendary ability to pair visuals with sound in a way that creates lasting cultural moments.

For their 2025 and 2026 MacBook Air campaigns, Apple has turned to music that is both timeless and modern, blending neoclassical compositions, dramatic orchestral arrangements, and even a groundbreaking collaboration with a global pop star and a symphony orchestra. The result is a series of commercials that don't just sell a laptop; they sell the very feeling of creativity itself.

This guide explores the music behind Apple's latest MacBook Air commercials, revealing the artists and the intentions behind each beautiful track.

The Voice of Wisdom: "Great ideas start on Mac"

Music: "Breathe" — Emile Mosseri
Watch the ad here:

Watch YouTube video

There are commercials that shout for your attention, and then there are commercials that quietly command it. Apple's "Great ideas start on Mac" falls firmly into the latter category. This spot, part of their ongoing 2025/2026 campaign, is a masterclass in understated elegance.

The music chosen for this ad is "Breathe" by the acclaimed composer Emile Mosseri. Mosseri is known for his deeply emotional, cinematic scores for films like Minari and The Last Black Man in San Francisco. His work is characterized by a warmth and humanity that feels instantly accessible yet profoundly moving.

"Breathe" is a neoclassical and orchestral piece that does exactly what its title suggests: it gives the viewer room to breathe. The piano is gentle, the strings are warm and enveloping, and the overall arrangement creates a space of calm reflection. This musical choice is deliberate and perfect because the commercial is narrated by the legendary primatologist and conservationist Dr. Jane Goodall.

As Dr. Goodall speaks about the power of great ideas and how tools like the Mac help bring them to life, Mosseri's composition provides the perfect emotional foundation. It's music that feels wise, patient, and hopeful—qualities that mirror Dr. Goodall herself. The track doesn't compete with her words; it lifts them, giving them an added layer of gravitas and beauty. It's a reminder that Apple products are not just devices; they are tools for dreamers, for thinkers, for people like Jane Goodall who change the world.

The Power Within: "MacBook Air: Lean. Mean. M3 Machine."

Music: "Dream Big" — Rüü & Oliwa
Watch the ad here:

Watch YouTube video

If "Great ideas start on Mac" is about quiet inspiration, the "MacBook Air: Lean. Mean. M3 Machine" commercial is about celebrating the engine that makes those ideas possible. This spot focuses on the power and performance of the M3 chip, and the music needs to reflect that energy.

The track is "Dream Big" by Rüü & Oliwa. While this song has a modern, contemporary production at its core, what makes it stand out for this commercial is its use of dramatic string and piano arrangements. The music builds and swells, creating a sense of momentum and power that perfectly syncs with the visuals of the slim, silent MacBook Air handling demanding creative tasks.

This is a clever fusion of old and new. The modern beat and production values speak to the cutting-edge technology of the M3 chip. But the orchestral elements—the soaring strings, the powerful piano chords—add a sense of drama and importance. They tell us that this small, quiet machine is capable of big, important things. "Dream Big" is an anthem of possibility, urging creators to push further, work faster, and dream without limits.

The Avant-Garde Collaboration: "Creativity Unbound" (2026 Launch)

Music: "Berghain" — Rosalía (with the London Symphony Orchestra)
Watch the ad here:

Watch YouTube video

Perhaps the most ambitious and surprising musical choice in Apple's 2026 lineup is the track used for the "Creativity Unbound" launch commercial. The song is "Berghain" by the global phenomenon Rosalía, but this is not the version you'll find on her albums. For this commercial, Apple commissioned a special recording featuring Rosalía alongside the legendary London Symphony Orchestra.

This collaboration is a stunning fusion of worlds. Rosalía is known for pushing boundaries, blending flamenco roots with modern pop, hip-hop, and electronic music. The London Symphony Orchestra represents the pinnacle of classical tradition. Together, they create something entirely new: a track that mixes avant-garde classical arrangements with Rosalía's unmistakable vocal style and contemporary production.

The result is music that feels both ancient and futuristic, structured and free. It's the perfect metaphor for what Apple is trying to say with the MacBook Air: that creativity is not bound by rules or genres. Whether you're a composer writing a symphony or a producer crafting the next global hit, the MacBook Air is the tool that can keep up with your vision.

The choice of Rosalía is also significant. She represents a new generation of artists who refuse to be categorized. She is a global star who brings her culture, her heritage, and her innovations to everything she does. By pairing her with the London Symphony Orchestra, Apple visually and sonically demonstrates that the MacBook Air is for everyone, from the avant-garde experimenter to the classical traditionalist, and everyone in between.

The Thread That Connects Them

While these three commercials use different music for different purposes, they are united by a common thread: a deep appreciation for the power of music to tell a story and evoke an emotion.

Emile Mosseri's "Breathe" connects us to wisdom, patience, and the quiet birth of a great idea.
Rüü & Oliwa's "Dream Big" connects us to power, momentum, and the thrill of creative possibility.
Rosalía's "Berghain" with the London Symphony Orchestra connects us to innovation, boundary-breaking, and the beautiful fusion of tradition and future.

Why Classical Music (and Its Modern Variations) Works for Apple

Apple's turn toward neoclassical, orchestral, and classically-influenced music in these campaigns is a strategic choice with deep roots in the brand's identity.

Timelessness: Classical and orchestral music feels enduring. It doesn't tie the commercial to a specific trend or moment. It suggests that Apple products, like great music, are built to last.

Emotional Depth: Orchestral arrangements have a richness and complexity that can convey a wide range of emotions—from the quiet reflection of "Breathe" to the dramatic power of "Dream Big" to the avant-garde experimentation of "Berghain."

Universality: Great music transcends language and culture. It speaks directly to the heart. By using these powerful compositions, Apple creates commercials that can resonate with viewers around the world, regardless of what language they speak.

Elevation: There's a reason we associate orchestral music with important moments—films, ceremonies, award shows. By scoring their commercials with this level of musical sophistication, Apple elevates their products from mere consumer electronics to something more significant: tools for human expression.

The Bottom Line

The music in Apple's 2025 and 2026 MacBook Air commercials is not an afterthought; it is an integral part of the message. Whether it's the gentle wisdom of Emile Mosseri accompanying Jane Goodall, the dramatic swell of Rüü & Oliwa celebrating the M3 chip, or the genre-defying brilliance of Rosalía with the London Symphony Orchestra, each track is carefully chosen to make us feel something.

The next time you see one of these beautiful ads, close your eyes for a moment and just listen. You'll hear not just music, but the sound of inspiration itself. You'll hear the soundtrack of great ideas being born, of creative boundaries being shattered, of human potential being unlocked. And you'll understand why Apple's relationship with music remains one of the most powerful tools in their marketing arsenal.

From the neoclassical piano of Emile Mosseri to the avant-garde pop of Rosalía, the sound of Mac is the sound of creativity, unbound.

What classical song is used in the Apple MacBook Air commercial?

The Voice of Wisdom: "Great ideas start on Mac"

The Power Within: "MacBook Air: Lean. Mean. M3 Machine."

The Avant-Garde Collaboration: "Creativity Unbound" (2026 Launch)

The Thread That Connects Them

Why Classical Music (and Its Modern Variations) Works for Apple

The Bottom Line