Above Avalon

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The Battle Lines in Tech are Being Redrawn (weekly article)

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Above Avalon Episode 99: HomePod Jun 17, 2017

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Above Avalon Episode 99: HomePod Neil Cybart Download

I am back from San Jose and WWDC. Episode 99 is focused on the most intriguing new product at this year's WWDC: HomePod. The discussion begins with an overview of the expectations heading into last week's HomePod unveiling. Apple's sales pitch for HomePod caught quite a few people by surprise. We then go over my impressions from listening to HomePod play various music genres. The episode then turns to HomePod's value around augmented hearing in the home and the broader strategy behind the product. After discussing HomePod pricing and a few challenges Apple faces with the product, we conclude by going over Apple's overall goal for the device. Receive my analysis and perspective on Apple throughout the week via exclusive daily emails. To sign up, visit AboveAvalon.com/membership.

Show Notes:

HomePod (weekly article)

Above Avalon Episode 87: Change Is in the Air (podcast)

WWDC 2017 Review (member email)

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iPhone Evolution (weekly article)

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Above Avalon Episode 98: iPhone Evolution May 27, 2017

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Above Avalon Episode 98: iPhone Evolution Neil Cybart Download

The iPhone's role in our life doesn't remain static, but rather it evolves. Episode 98 is focused on how the iPhone has evolved over the past 10 years. We cover the major implications this ongoing evolution will have on iPhone pricing, screen size preference, upgrade trends, and demand for other Apple products. The episode concludes with a discussion on the item responsible for breeding the evolutionary process found with iPhone. Receive my analysis and perspective on Apple throughout the week via exclusive daily emails. To sign up, visit AboveAvalon.com/membership.

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Video of Steve Jobs Introducing Original iPhone in 2007 (YouTube)

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Apple Wearables Sales Outpacing iPhone out of the Gate (weekly article)

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Above Avalon Episode 97: Apple Wearables Are a Thing May 13, 2017

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Above Avalon Episode 97: Apple Wearables Are a Thing Neil Cybart Download

In episode 97, we discuss one of the major themes from Apple's 2Q17 earnings report. There were a number of interesting observations found in the "Other Products" line item. In particular, Apple wearables (Apple Watch, AirPods, Beats headphones) sold quite well. After going over the methodology I used to derive 2Q17 Apple Watch and AirPods unit sales, we discuss the best way to put Apple wearables sales into context. It turns out Apple wearables outsold iPhone over the first two years on the market. We also discuss why the wearables discussion should be about more than just Apple Watch and the impact a wearables platform will have on adoption trends. The episode concludes with some thoughts on Apple wearables sales over the upcoming year. Receive my analysis and perspective on Apple throughout the week via exclusive daily emails. To sign up, visit AboveAvalon.com/membership.

Show Notes:

Apple 2Q17 Earnings Review: Major Themes (for Above Avalon members)

The Curious State of Apple Product Pricing (weekly article)

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Apple Isn't a Tech Company (weekly article)

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Above Avalon Episode 96: Defining Apple Apr 29, 2017

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Above Avalon Episode 96: Defining Apple Neil Cybart Download

Apple continues to be misunderstood. Episode 96 is focused on how best to define Apple. The discussion begins with all of the labels used to describe Apple over the years. We then go over the major clues that help us define Apple, and this takes us to my thesis that Apple is a design company. We go over what design means and the difference between a design and tech company. The discussion concludes with a few examples of how Apple, as a design company, approaches core technologies. We use these examples to map where Apple is headed in the future. Receive my analysis and perspective on Apple throughout the week via exclusive daily emails. To sign up, visit AboveAvalon.com/membership.

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Above Avalon Episode 88: Grading Tim Cook (podcast)

The Shape of Things to Come - Jony Ive Profile (The New Yorker)

Inside Apple (60 Minutes)

Charlie Rose Interviews Jony Ive (Charlie Rose Show)

Apple 2Q17 Earnings Preview (for Above Avalon members)

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The Mac Is Turning into Apple's Achilles' Heel (weekly article)

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Above Avalon Episode 95: A Mac Headache Apr 15, 2017

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Above Avalon Episode 95: A Mac Headache Neil Cybart Download

In episode 95, we discuss how the Mac business has become a headache for Apple management. We begin by going over Apple's recent private meeting with outside journalists to talk about the Mac product pipeline. We then assess Apple's success with Mac by comparing it to the rest of Apple's business. The discussion turns to Apple's Achilles' heel and why the tail end of Apple's product line is beginning to pose a challenge. Apple's decision to come up with a new Mac Pro, while likely the right move, raises a number of red flags. After looking at each red flag, we end with a big picture view of why the Mac will have trouble fitting within Apple's longer-term mission. Receive my analysis and perspective on Apple throughout the week via exclusive daily emails. To sign up, visit AboveAvalon.com/membership.

Show Notes:

Transcript of Apple's private, on-the-record Mac meeting (TechCrunch)

The Grand Unified Theory of Apple Products (weekly article)

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Apple Is Pushing iPad Like Never Before (weekly article)

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Above Avalon Episode 94: Getting Aggressive with iPad Apr 01, 2017

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Above Avalon Episode 94: Getting Aggressive with iPad Neil Cybart Download

In episode 94, we discuss how Apple is pulling out all the stops when it comes to selling iPad. We begin by going over the significant changes to iPad strategy unveiled last week. The discussion then turns to the reasoning behind the changes, which involves taking a closer look at iPad sales according to screen size. This brings us to how Apple's aggressive iPad actions are related to the company solving its Mac dilemma. The episode concludes with how Apple plans to return the iPad business to growth. Receive my analysis and perspective on Apple throughout the week via exclusive daily emails. To sign up, visit AboveAvalon.com/membership.

Show Notes:

Above Avalon Episode 89: The iPad Asterisk (podcast)

Above Avalon Episode 93: Underpricing Luxury (podcast)

Peak iPad Mini (weekly article)

Above Avalon Episode 80: Let's Talk the New MacBook Pro (podcast)

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The Curious State of Apple Product Pricing (weekly article)

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Above Avalon Episode 93: Underpricing Luxury Mar 18, 2017

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Above Avalon Episode 93: Underpricing Luxury Neil Cybart Download

As Apple pushes deeper into luxury brand territory, the company is making its products more accessible through lower pricing. Apple is underpricing AirPods and Apple Watch. In episode 93, we discuss Apple's evolving pricing strategy. We begin by looking at AirPods and Apple Watch pricing and why I think the products are underpriced. The discussion then turns to three possible theories on Apple's wearables pricing strategy. After analyzing each theory, we take a closer look at how Apple is using pricing to grow its user base. The episode concludes with a number of things to look for when it comes to future Apple products and how Apple is using lower pricing to redefine luxury. To receive additional Apple analysis throughout the week, become an Above Avalon member by visiting AboveAvalon.com/membership.

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Above Avalon Episode 92: Wearables as a Platform (podcast)

The Curious State of Apple Profit Margins (daily email for members)

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The New Leader in Wearables (weekly article)

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Above Avalon Episode 92: Wearables as a Platform Mar 04, 2017

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Above Avalon Episode 92: Wearables as a Platform Neil Cybart Download

In episode 92, we discuss the changing wearables market. There has been a sea change involving the top wearables companies. Apple has become the new wearables leader according to unit sales. After discussing the driving force behind Apple's move to the lead, we take a closer look at why it's time to begin thinking about wearables as platforms containing a number of products. The episode concludes with a look at how competition is changing in the wearables space. To become an Above Avalon member and access more Apple analysis, visit AboveAvalon.com/membership.

Show Notes:

Above Avalon Episode 84: The Elephant in the Smartwatch Room (podcast)

Above Avalon Episode 85: AirPods and the Battle for Our Ears (podcast)

Deriving 1Q17 Apple Watch sales (daily member email)

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Above Avalon Episode 79: Apple's Trojan Horse into Hollywood (Podcast)

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Above Avalon Episode 91: Netflix Chatter Feb 25, 2017

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Above Avalon Episode 91: Netflix Chatter Neil Cybart Download

Calls for Apple to buy Netflix are getting louder. In episode 91, we break apart the argument for why Apple should buy Netflix. By observing how Apple thinks about music streaming, we are in a better position to judge the approach Apple will likely take to video streaming. We also go over Apple's M&A philosophy to determine how Apple treats holes in its content strategy. The episode concludes with a big picture view as to why Apple doesn't need to own Netflix in order to accomplish its video content goals. To become an Above Avalon member, visit AboveAvalon.com/membership.

Show Notes:

Apple Doesn't Need to Buy Netflix (Weekly Article)

Apple Considered Buying Imagine Entertainment (Daily Email)

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