Apple and Samsung Push Back Against Xiaomi's Bold India Ads

Apple and Samsung have reportedly issued cease-and-desist notices to Xiaomi in India for an ad campaign that directly compares the rivals' devices to Xiaomi's products. The two companies have threatened the Chinese vendor with legal action, calling the ads "disparaging."

xiaomi apple ad india
Ads have appeared in local print media and on social media that take pot shots at the competitors' premium offerings. One full-page print ad published in April wished readers a "Happy April Fools' Day" if they believed the iPhone 16 Pro Max's cameras could match those on Xiaomi's recently launched 15 Ultra.

In March, another print ad described the triple lens array on the iPhone 16 Pro Max as "cute" and questioned whether it was "really the best," while touting the Ultra's higher camera specifications and more affordable price. Xiaomi has launched similar ad campaigns against Samsung.

Apple and Samsung contend that the tone of Xiaomi's promotions went beyond fair competition, and portrayed the global market leaders in a negative light. Comparative advertising in India is not prohibited provided they are fact-based and fair, but lawyers can legitimately get involved if the tone and language is perceived as mocking.

xiaomi ipad pro ad india
Samsung's promotional jabs at Apple have recently taken a more understated approach. Its ads typically don't call out iPhones outright, and instead spotlight features where Samsung believes it has the edge.

The tech giants' responses to this particular ad campaign indicate just how fiercely contested India's smartphone sector has become. As the country's two leading high-end vendors, both brands obviously see their reputation and market share as vital in one of the world's fastest-growing and most lucrative markets, and intend to defend them using all the legal tools at their disposal.

Tags: India, Xiaomi

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Top Rated Comments

Mac Fly (film) Avatar
7 weeks ago
Apple would never mock a competitor. In fact, they would never run a series of ads for several years doing so.
Score: 77 Votes (Like | Disagree)
repoman016 Avatar
7 weeks ago
4 years 12 months. isn't that just 5 years? ?
Score: 65 Votes (Like | Disagree)
RootFayel Avatar
7 weeks ago
Can't handle the heat?
Score: 62 Votes (Like | Disagree)
SnowPenguin Avatar
7 weeks ago
I don't see an issue with the ads. In fact, they seem smart to me.

Cute~
Score: 56 Votes (Like | Disagree)
infinitedreams Avatar
7 weeks ago
This Samsung?



Attachment Image
Score: 52 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Jason2000 Avatar
7 weeks ago
Maybe time for both Apple and Samsung to step it up.
Score: 30 Votes (Like | Disagree)