Verizon Attacks Apple in Sports Illustrated Ad

Verizon has unleashed another Droid, anti-iPhone attack ad in Sports Illustrated. The ad features copy that seems directed towards Verizon's feelings on their negotiations with Apple.

This is a world of “nope,” “nuh-uh,” and “sorry, Charlie.”
A world of smiling denial. Petty tyrannies that have made their way into our cell phones. Into the very way we choose to speak to another human being. There are dozens of doesn’ts. Doesn’t all customization. Doesn’t run multiple apps. Doesn’t allow you to swap out batteries. Doesn’t allow open development. These arrogant little devices are barely worth more than the pocket link they rest upon. Because now there’s a phone so smart, so strong. So subservient to its user, it refuses to include “doesn’t” in its dictionary app.

In a world of doesn’t. Droid Does.


CNET suggests that the ad is referring to the exchange between two people. Perhaps Charlie and Steve Jobs?

Smiling denials. Petty tyrannies. Are they talking about a competing cell phone or perhaps a certain individual at the competing company?

Even if that is not the case, this is quite a hostile ad by Verizon. Apple itself uses these direct tactics against Microsoft but in a more humorous manner.

What do you think? Are these ads effective?