Red Bull’s 2026 Formula 1 launch did more than unveil new cars. It also placed Apple hardware directly at the heart of a major motorsport event. From iPhone-shot video to live demonstrations with Apple Vision Pro, the launch made Apple’s growing role in Formula 1 hard to miss.
The joint event introduced the 2026 cars from Oracle Red Bull Racing and Visa Cash App Racing Bulls. It marked the beginning of the Red Bull Ford Powertrains era and streamed live on Red Bull’s own platforms to a global audience.
“Shot on iPhone” Enters the Live Broadcast
During the presentation, viewers saw a familiar phrase appear on screen: “Shot on iPhone.” Unlike traditional Apple ads, this label appeared inside the official event stream. It blended seamlessly into the broadcast instead of standing apart as a promo.
This moment signaled a shift. Apple has long separated marketing campaigns from live sports coverage. Here, however, its branding became part of Red Bull’s Formula 1 storytelling. As a result, Apple hardware felt embedded in the production rather than added afterward.
Apple Vision Pro Steps Onto the Stage
Apple Vision Pro also played a visible role. Presenters wore the headset on stage while discussing Red Bull Ford Powertrains technology. Instead of acting as a side demo, the device supported technical explanations and visualizations.
This approach aligns with Apple’s effort to position Vision Pro as a serious tool for engineering and design. By using it in a live Formula 1 setting, Apple reinforced that message for a global audience.
A Strategic Shift in F1 Media
Red Bull carefully controls what appears during its launches. Therefore, Apple’s presence looked intentional and strategic. Rather than limiting its involvement to ads or future broadcast deals, Apple hardware now appears inside team-run productions.
This shift brings Apple closer to Formula 1’s production and engineering ecosystem. It also suggests deeper collaboration ahead, as teams explore new ways to present complex technology.
Why It Matters
For fans, the launch delivered a polished media experience. For Apple, it showed how its devices fit into elite sports storytelling. Together, the event hinted at a future where technology brands play a larger role behind the scenes of Formula 1, not just on the sidelines.
