What you need to know

  • A new series of ads from Intel attacks Apple's MacBooks with M1 chips.
  • The ads feature Justin Long, who starred in Apple's old "I'm a Mac, and I'm a PC."
  • Some Apple devices still use Intel chips, but the company is moving to its own silicon.

Intel continues to campaign against Apple's MacBooks. In February, we saw a series of Twitter ads advocating Intel PCs over MacBooks. Now, a series of video ads featuring Justin Long compares Intel PCs to Macbooks in several areas (via iMore). Long famously starred in Apple's old "I'm a Mac, and I'm a PC" ads.

Intel's ads specifically go after Apple's new MacBooks with M1 chips inside. Even though many Apple devices run on Intel chips, including some devices still being made today, Apple is moving over to its new silicon. Intel seems to be taking the approach that since the bridge is already burning, it might as well torch it to the ground.

The ads start out with Long saying, "Hello, I'm a ... Justin," which is a nod to the old Apple ads. One ad highlights face unlock on an ASUS laptop powered by an Intel chip. Long then moves over to the MacBooks and is disappointed by their color options.

Another ad points to a more notable difference. Intel-powered Windows 10 PCs can connect to multiple monitors. Apple's M1 MacBooks only support one external monitor. Long, again, is disappointed by Apple's offering.

A third ad shows the flexibility of Windows 10 2-in-1s, flipping a device between a laptop and a tablet. Long then moves over to the MacBooks and is handed an iPad and other devices.

A final ads has Long use the touch screen on a Windows laptop and then Apple's Touch Bar, much to Long's disappointment.

Ads like this aren't rare. Paul Marcarelli, known for his "Can you hear me now" ads for Verizon, later featured in ads for Sprint. Comedian Dave Chappelle has joked about how he's done ads for both Coca-Cola and Pepsi.