Every year, as the holiday season approaches, Apple releases a commercial that is less about selling products and more about capturing a feeling. These short films have become an annual tradition, anticipated and analyzed almost as much as the holidays themselves. In 2025, Apple has done it again, releasing a commercial that has immediately captured hearts with its charm, its technical brilliance, and above all, its unforgettable music.
If you've seen the ad—the one with the adorable forest animals and a lost iPhone—you've likely found yourself humming along and asking the same question: "What is that song?"
Let's dive into the heartwarming world of Apple's 2025 holiday commercial and explore the music that makes it so special.
The Story: A Forest Tale
The 2025 Apple holiday commercial is a short film of remarkable charm. It tells the story of a group of forest animals—think squirrels, rabbits, and birds—who discover a lost iPhone in the woods. The device, presumably dropped by a hiker, becomes a source of wonder and connection for these unlikely characters.
Watch the full commercial here:
The visual brilliance of the ad is that it was shot entirely on an iPhone 17 Pro. This is a classic Apple move—using their own product to create something beautiful, thereby demonstrating its capabilities. But the visuals, stunning as they are, are only half the story. The emotional core of the film is carried by its soundtrack.
The animals aren't just discovering a piece of technology; they're discovering a way to connect with each other, to capture moments, and to share joy. The music underscores every beat of this discovery, from tentative curiosity to pure, unadulterated delight.
A shorter 15-second version for social media is available here:
Even in this condensed format, the emotional power of the music remains intact.
The Song: "Friends" by Flight of the Conchords
So, what is that irresistibly charming song? The track is "Friends," by the beloved New Zealand comedic musical duo Flight of the Conchords.
Listen to the song as featured in the ad here:
Flight of the Conchords, comprised of Jemaine Clement and Bret McKenzie, are known for their witty, heartfelt, and often hilarious songs that blend deadpan comedy with genuinely good musicianship. "Friends" is a perfect example of their style.
The song is a simple, acoustic ode to the value of friendship. Its lyrics are straightforward and sweet, delivered with the duo's signature blend of sincerity and subtle humor. Lines like "Friends, friends, friends, what would we do without friends?" are simple, but in the context of the commercial, they take on a deeper meaning.
Why This Song Works Perfectly
The choice of "Friends" for this commercial is a masterstroke of musical supervision. Here's why it works so beautifully:
Universal Theme: The song's theme is friendship. The commercial is about connection—between animals, between a person and their device, and between the viewer and the story. It's a perfect match.
Gentle, Acoustic Sound: The acoustic guitar and gentle vocals create a warm, intimate atmosphere that feels perfectly suited to a snowy forest and its furry inhabitants.
Subtle Humor: Flight of the Conchords bring an undercurrent of gentle humor that prevents the ad from becoming overly sentimental. It's sweet without being saccharine.
Recognizable Yet Fresh: For those who know Flight of the Conchords, the song brings a smile of recognition. For those who don't, it feels like a beautiful, undiscovered folk song.
The Magic Behind the Scenes: The Making of a Miniature World
Part of what makes the commercial so captivating is the sheer artistry of its creation. Apple, ever the storyteller, released a behind-the-scenes video that reveals the painstaking work that went into bringing this forest world to life.
Watch the "Making Of" video here:
This behind-the-scenes footage is a fascinating watch for anyone interested in filmmaking, puppetry, or just the magic of how things are made. It reveals that the animals aren't CGI; they're intricate, handcrafted puppets. The forest isn't a real location; it's a miniature set, built with incredible detail.
The video shows the artists and puppeteers at work, manipulating the animals, creating the snow, and lighting the miniature forest. It's a testament to the power of practical effects in an increasingly digital world. And throughout this making-of documentary, the song "Friends" is likely featured, tying the creation process back to the warmth of the final product.
This behind-the-scenes content serves a dual purpose:
It satisfies our curiosity about how the magic was made.
It reinforces the idea that Apple products (in this case, the iPhone 17 Pro) are tools for creators, for artists who build worlds.
The Deeper Meaning: Technology as a Connector
Beyond the cute animals and catchy song, the commercial carries a deeper message that is classic Apple. The iPhone in the story isn't just a gadget; it's a catalyst for connection.
The animals don't use the phone to shop or scroll through social media. They use it to take photos of each other, to play music, and to share moments. The phone becomes a tool for strengthening their community.
This is Apple's subtle and effective thesis: technology, at its best, isn't about isolation; it's about bringing us closer together. The song "Friends" underscores this message perfectly. It's not just background music; it's the thesis statement.
Why This Commercial is a Holiday Classic
The Apple Holiday 2025 commercial has all the ingredients of an instant classic:
| Story | Simple, universal, and heartwarming. |
| Visuals | Stunningly beautiful, showcasing the iPhone 17 Pro's camera. |
| Characters | Adorable, expressive puppets that instantly win you over. |
| Music | "Friends" by Flight of the Conchords is perfectly matched in tone and theme. |
| Behind-the-Scenes | The making-of video adds another layer of appreciation for the artistry. |
Together, these elements create a piece of advertising that feels less like a commercial and more like a gift—a small, beautiful story to warm your heart during the coldest time of the year.
Conclusion: The Sound of Connection
So, the next time you see those adorable forest animals discovering an iPhone in the snow, you'll know exactly what song is playing. It's "Friends," the charming and heartfelt track by the incomparable Flight of the Conchords.
The song is more than just a soundtrack; it's the emotional anchor of the entire film. It tells us that this story is about connection, about the joy of sharing moments, and about the friends—old and new—who make the holidays special.
Click the links above to watch the full commercial, listen to the song, and explore the incredible artistry behind the scenes. It's the perfect way to warm up your holiday season.
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