Apple Announces Executive Changes, Dan Riccio and Design, A New Apple Succession Trend

Today's Above Avalon daily update includes the following stories:

  • Apple Announces Executive Changes

  • Dan Riccio and Design

  • A New Apple Succession Trend

Today’s update will be dedicated to going over the latest Apple leadership changes. We go over my thoughts on John Ternus replacing Dan Riccio as SVP hardware engineering. According to Apple, Riccio will transition to a new role focus on a new project. We go over what I think that new project is and why Riccio’s contributions may now be needed in that new role. The update concludes with what appears to be a new trend with Apple SVP succession.

The update includes access to my updated Apple earnings model ahead of Apple’s 1Q21 earnings. Access to my Apple earnings model is a benefit associated with Above Avalon membership at no additional cost.

Above Avalon membership is required to read this daily update. Members can read the update here.


Above Avalon Membership

Above Avalon members receive the full Above Avalon experience throughout the week.

The cornerstone of Above Avalon membership is access to Neil’s exclusive daily updates about Apple. Daily updates are 2,000 words and sent via email Monday through Thursday. Updates revolve around the following topics:

  • Apple business and strategy analysis.

  • Neil’s perspective and observations on current news and Apple competitors.

  • Neil’s Apple financial estimates.

  • Full coverage of Apple earnings, product events, and keynotes.

If it is of interest to Apple, it is something I pay attention to.

Member Privileges and Benefits

  • Receive Exclusive Daily Updates. The cornerstone of Above Avalon membership is access to Neil’s exclusive daily updates about Apple. Each email is 2,000 words and includes Neil’s analysis and perspective on the most important stories and news impacting Apple. Unlike other paid emails that may sporadically talk about Apple, every Above Avalon daily update is focused on Apple. New updates are sent Monday through Thursday. Approximately 200 daily updates published throughout the year. Sample daily updates can be viewed here, here, and here. Members have the option of receiving a consolidated weekly version of the daily updates. In addition, an RSS feed is available for members. The daily updates can also be consumed in audio via the Above Avalon Daily podcast (available to members as an add-on feature).

  • Access Reports and Neil’s Earnings Model. Members have access to Above Avalon reports, which are in-depth examinations of Apple's business and financial strategy. Each report is 4,000 to 5,000 words and covers one Apple topic. Members also have access to Neil’s working Apple earnings model (an Excel file that also works in Numbers). The model is fully functional and adjustable with the ability to alter earnings drivers. Reports and Neil’s earnings model are available to members at no additional cost.

  • Email Priority. Receive priority when it comes to having email questions and inquiries answered. Neil personally answers all inquiries, including any customer service matters related to your membership.

  • Archive Access. Read more than 1,000 daily updates and five reports that have been previously sent to members. The Above Avalon member archive is unmatched in the marketplace in terms of the sheer amount of Apple analysis found in one location. The daily updates archive can be viewed here while the reports archive is available here.

  • Member Forum Access. Join other Above Avalon members in an active forum containing in-depth discussion and debate. While most private member forums have limited participation, the Above Avalon member forum has become known as one of the more vibrant private communities dedicated to Apple. Members live in 55 countries and hold a diverse range of backgrounds and occupations. There is a specific forum channel for members to share AAPL stock and options trading strategies. Neil moderates and participates in the forum. The forum is run through Slack and can be accessed here.

  • Receive Above Avalon Weekly Articles via Email. Receive the weekly Above Avalon articles via email. This feature is only available to members.

  • Member Meet-ups. Meet Neil and other Above Avalon members to discuss Apple and other related news items. Prior meet-ups have taken place in San Francisco, Cupertino, and San Jose. Future meet-ups are possible in other cities.

  • Above Avalon Support. Play an active role in supporting Above Avalon as an independent source of Apple analysis. Above Avalon is fully sustained by its members.

Project Titan’s Leadership Change, Apple Car Rumors Persist, Thursday Q&A

Today's Above Avalon daily update includes the following stories:

  • Project Titan’s Leadership Change

  • Apple Car Rumors Persist

  • Thursday Q&A

We begin today’s update with a discussion of Project Titan, Apple’s R&D group focused on the transportation industry. After going over Project Titan’s change in leadership, we discuss where Apple’s transportation efforts currently stand and why I think Apple continues to move forward with developing its own autonomous car. The email concludes with a new installment of Thursday Q&A. I answer the following questions from Above Avalon members:

  • Do ongoing supply constraints found with high-end iPhones point to demand coming in better than Apple’s expectations?

  • What do gross margins look like for the iPhone business by model? If high-end iPhones face supply constraints, will Apple’s gross margins take a hit?

  • What are your thoughts on key features for an Apple Glasses Version 1.0?

  • Do you see Apple eventually including 5G / LTE in AirPods Max so that they can be taken on a run and work without an iPhone and Apple Watch?

  • With Apple embracing color for the AirPods Max, what is the rationale in Apple continuing to avoid offering different color options for AirPods and AirPods Pro?

  • Why is Apple Fitness+ rollout limited to so few countries at launch?

Above Avalon membership is required to read this daily update. Members can read the update here.


Above Avalon Membership

Above Avalon members receive the full Above Avalon experience throughout the week.

The cornerstone of Above Avalon membership is access to Neil’s exclusive daily updates about Apple. Daily updates are 2,000 words and sent via email Monday through Thursday. Updates revolve around the following topics:

  • Apple business and strategy analysis.

  • Neil’s perspective and observations on current news and Apple competitors.

  • Neil’s Apple financial estimates.

  • Full coverage of Apple earnings, product events, and keynotes.

If it is of interest to Apple, it is something I pay attention to.

Member Privileges and Benefits

  • Receive Exclusive Daily Updates. The cornerstone of Above Avalon membership is access to Neil’s exclusive daily updates about Apple. Each email is 2,000 words and includes Neil’s analysis and perspective on the most important stories and news impacting Apple. Unlike other paid emails that may sporadically talk about Apple, every Above Avalon daily update is focused on Apple. New updates are sent Monday through Thursday. Approximately 200 daily updates published throughout the year. Sample daily updates can be viewed here, here, and here. Members have the option of receiving a consolidated weekly version of the daily updates. In addition, an RSS feed is available for members. The daily updates can also be consumed in audio via the Above Avalon Daily podcast (available to members as an add-on feature).

  • Access Reports and Neil’s Earnings Model. Members have access to Above Avalon reports, which are in-depth examinations of Apple's business and financial strategy. Each report is 4,000 to 5,000 words and covers one Apple topic. Members also have access to Neil’s working Apple earnings model (an Excel file that also works in Numbers). The model is fully functional and adjustable with the ability to alter earnings drivers. Reports and Neil’s earnings model are available to members at no additional cost.

  • Email Priority. Receive priority when it comes to having email questions and inquiries answered. Neil personally answers all inquiries, including any customer service matters related to your membership.

  • Archive Access. Read more than 1,000 daily updates and five reports that have been previously sent to members. The Above Avalon member archive is unmatched in the marketplace in terms of the sheer amount of Apple analysis found in one location. The daily updates archive can be viewed here while the reports archive is available here.

  • Member Forum Access. Join other Above Avalon members in an active forum containing in-depth discussion and debate. While most private member forums have limited participation, the Above Avalon member forum has become known as one of the more vibrant private communities dedicated to Apple. Members live in 55 countries and hold a diverse range of backgrounds and occupations. There is a specific forum channel for members to share AAPL stock and options trading strategies. Neil moderates and participates in the forum. The forum is run through Slack and can be accessed here.

  • Receive Above Avalon Weekly Articles via Email. Receive the weekly Above Avalon articles via email. This feature is only available to members.

  • Member Meet-ups. Meet Neil and other Above Avalon members to discuss Apple and other related news items. Prior meet-ups have taken place in San Francisco, Cupertino, and San Jose. Future meet-ups are possible in other cities.

  • Above Avalon Support. Play an active role in supporting Above Avalon as an independent source of Apple analysis. Above Avalon is fully sustained by its members.

Bob Mansfield to Lead Project Titan, Project Titan Implications, Apple Talent Questions

Today's Above Avalon stories: 

  • Bob Mansfield to Lead Project Titan
  • Project Titan Implications
  • Apple Talent Questions

Today's email is dedicated to discussing the WSJ's big scoop concerning Project Titan. Former Apple executive Bob Mansfield has come out retirement for the second time to lead Project Titan. The email begins with a closer look at Bob Mansfield, including his previous job roles and experiences at Apple. We then go over some of the major implications this move suggests when looking at Apple's electric car plans and the progress being made with Project Titan. We conclude with a look at how this news relates to the long-standing narrative that Apple is having trouble bringing in outside talent. 

These stories are available for Above Avalon members. To continue reading, click here.


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