Today during Apple’s “Hi, Speed” event, the brand showcased its lineup of four iPhone 12 devices, whose most important new feature, arguably, is the incorporation of 5G technology. The new phones drop just as Verizon has launched its nationwide 5G network, and both developments are being showcased in a co-branded spot starring comedian and actor Chris Rock. 

In the new ad, created with TBWA/Media Arts Lab and directed by Hungry Man’s Wayne McClammy, Rock reminisces fondly about life before the iPhone 12 Pro and Verizon 5G with ultra wideband.

This was when “the song of the summer took the whole summer to download,” Rock quips. "One time I waited 51 minutes for Janelle Monáe's 'Dirty Computer' to download. That's longer than the whole album!"

Then he reminds viewers of the time they tried to watch his 1999 comedy special, “Bigger and Blacker,” but by the time they downloaded it, he was “older and thinner.” 

He goes on to recall when the NFL only appeared on TV and you could not view it through five different camera angles. “Football just got 5G real!” he cheers while enjoying all five angles on his iPhone 12 Pro. He then touts high-speed gaming (with the help of his sneering daughter) before the spot takes a blockbuster turn and Rock appears in a tux at a splashy, fireworks-adorned fete.

“5G just got real,” the endline reads.