Campus Life Meets Cutting-Edge Tech in Olivia Wilde’s Debut Apple Spots

Apple has tapped acclaimed actress and filmmaker Olivia Wilde — known for Don’t Worry Darling and Booksmart — to direct her first campaign for the brand, alongside Oscar-winning cinematographer Erik Messerschmidt (Mank). The result is a trio of playful, sharply crafted spots that follow college students who think they’ve seen it all — until the Mac proves otherwise. From AI-powered Summarize tools in Writing apps to seamless Continuity features like iPhone Mirroring and AirDrop, each film spotlights how MacBook Air can turn everyday campus moments into effortlessly smart experiences.

The spots, each set in familiar university environments, introduce us to students who think they’ve got the college routine down — until they experience just how smart and seamless a MacBook Air can be. It's part of a broader narrative from Apple that leans into personality, relatability, and wit — all delivered with Olivia's now-signature directorial charm. 

"Pointed"

In a nod to the chaos of cramming and lecture overload, Pointed features a student trying to make sense of overwhelming class notes. Enter the Mac’s new Summarize feature in Writing Tools, powered by Apple Intelligence. With just a click, pages of notes are distilled into crisp bullet points — leaving a fellow student genuinely impressed, and perhaps a little envious. The spot turns a mundane task into a moment of low-key magic, showcasing how AI can enhance the everyday without overwhelming it.

"Dropped In"

Set just before class, Dropped In captures the stress of last-minute file sharing — and how Apple’s Continuity features make it a non-issue. With AirDrop, students quickly transfer large files between iPhone and MacBook Air, impressing a sceptical professor who’s clearly seen a few tech fails in his time. It’s a fun, quick-paced demonstration of how Apple’s ecosystem eliminates friction where it counts.

"Mirrored"

In Mirrored, a student deep in study at the library receives a call — her food delivery is outside. Problem is, her iPhone is out of reach. When a smug librarian leans in to enforce the rules, the student casually uses iPhone Mirroring on her MacBook Air to accept the call, without breaking focus. The moment is cool, composed, and a reminder that staying connected doesn’t need to break concentration.