Behind-the-scenes view of apple stop-motion animation with crew adjusting props and lighting.

Apple’s New Ad Blends Stop-Motion Animation with Impressive Practical Effects

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Written by Seth Sebastian

2026-09-25

Apple has recently showcased a captivating advancement in advertising with its latest Apple Games commercial, which prominently features stop-motion animation. The ad features an innovative blend of stop-motion animation and CGI, crafted with such skill that it could rival works from renowned studios like Laika. A newly released behind-the-scenes video reveals the meticulous process, emphasizing that human artistry was at the core of the production.

The Art of Stop-Motion

In the current era dominated by AI-generated content, these behind-the-scenes glimpses are becoming invaluable. Brands invest heavily in traditional art forms and want audiences to appreciate the authentic craftsmanship involved. The video for the Apple Games ad offers an insightful look into this labor-intensive process. It includes sequences showing teams sculpting, painting, and arranging physical props, along with creating detailed game characters and sets. Each element was moved incrementally, showcasing the painstaking nature of this animation technique without reliance on AI.

For more inspiration on merging modern tech with traditional artistry, explore digital artist Leonardo Borazio’s work in transforming traditional techniques into futuristic worlds.

The precision and creativity involved stand in sharp contrast to attempts like Coca-Cola’s AI-narrated behind-the-scenes video for its Christmas advert. The hands-on approach in Apple’s project highlights a dedication to quality and authenticity in visual storytelling, reinforcing the company’s commitment to exquisite craftsmanship. The meticulous stop-motion work combined with elements of cgi animation sets a new standard in the industry for merging traditional techniques with modern technology.

Source: creativebloq.com

Frequently asked questions

What technique was featured in Apple’s new ad?

The ad features a blend of stop-motion animation and CGI.

What does the behind-the-scenes video of Apple Games ad show?

The video shows the meticulous process involved, including teams sculpting, painting, and arranging props, as well as creating detailed game characters and sets.

How does Apple’s approach differ from Coca-Cola’s holiday ad?

Apple’s project takes a hands-on approach focused on quality and authenticity, contrasting with Coca-Cola’s AI-narrated behind-the-scenes video for its Christmas advert.