The Switch from Cupertino to Seoul on Screen
The French-language police procedural Antigang, produced by Radio-Canada’s ICI Télé, has officially removed all iPhones from its set. According to reporting by La Presse, the production team was compelled to replace every instance of Apple’s smartphone with Android alternatives, specifically citing Samsung’s Galaxy line. This decision marks a significant departure from the show’s previous aesthetic, where modern technology played a subtle but present role in depicting contemporary life.
Apple is well-known for maintaining tight control over how its products are portrayed in entertainment media. The company typically requires that its devices appear pristine, uncracked, and free of visible wear or tear. For a gritty police drama like Antigang, which aims to reflect the raw reality of law enforcement work, these conditions can be difficult to satisfy. Scenes involving damaged phones, cracked screens, or heavy usage often violate Apple’s brand safety standards. Consequently, the producers opted for a safer alternative that does not carry the same level of restrictive oversight.
Corporate Control vs. Narrative Authenticity
This development underscores the increasing power tech companies wield over creative storytelling. When a major broadcaster like Radio-Canada must alter its props to comply with external corporate rules, it raises questions about artistic integrity and the authenticity of on-screen representation. Viewers expect to see realistic portrayals of daily life, including the worn and battered devices that people actually use. By forcing a switch to a competitor’s product, Apple indirectly shapes the visual language of Canadian television.
For consumers, this highlights the hidden costs of brand loyalty in media. While most viewers may not notice the specific model of phone a character holds, the cumulative effect of such decisions influences public perception and product visibility. It also places production budgets under pressure, as sourcing specific props that meet legal and brand guidelines can require additional time and resources. The situation serves as a reminder that even in digital-native storytelling, physical hardware constraints still dictate creative choices.
The Future of Tech in Canadian Productions
As Antigang continues its run with Samsung devices, the industry will likely watch closely to see if other Canadian productions face similar restrictions. The precedent set here could lead to more standardized prop management across the board, potentially reducing the variety of technology seen on screen. Until Apple relaxes its stance on realistic device wear, creators may continue to favor brands with more permissive licensing terms. This shift ultimately benefits competitors while limiting the organic integration of one of the world’s most recognizable products into everyday narrative contexts.
