Apple Steps Into AT&T-Verizon Ad WarApple Steps Into AT&T-Verizon Ad War

AT&T just got a partner it its fight with Verizon Wireless. Apple is stepping into the advertising fray with two new commercials that point out features that the iPhone has that Verizon's phones iDon't.Verizon started the whole thing with its "Map for That" ad campaign. Those ads -- which have become a legal issue between AT&T and Verizon Wireless -- compares AT&T's and Verizon's respective 3G networks side by side. Verizon's is visibly bigger (providing more 3G coverage), making a clear point about how poor AT&T's 3G footprint is -- at least geographically speaking.

Then came the Motorola Droid commercials, which aimed specifically at the iPhone. They compared a lot of features that the Droid has to those lacking on the iPhone.

Then came a series of commercials from Verizon depicting the iPhone as a "misfit", among other things.

AT&T shot back with a weak commercial starring Luke Wilson, followed by another weak commercial.

Now it's Apple's turn. It is airing two new iPhone commercials for the first time tonight that tour some of the iPhone's abilities that aren't shared by those of its Droid competitor.

Whether or not Apple called AT&T and said, "Hey, need some better anti-Verizon commercials? We have an app for that," is anyone's guess, but right now AT&T can use all the help it can get.

Here are all of the ad spots in question:

Apple iPhone Ad - What Time's The Movie? from Arik Hesseldahl on Vimeo.

Apple iPhone Ad - Did You See My Email? from Arik Hesseldahl on Vimeo.