iPhone 17 Sales Momentum, A Smartphone Industry Observation, Apple’s 2025 Holiday Ad
Today's Above Avalon Daily update includes the following stories:
iPhone 17 Sales Momentum
A Smartphone Industry Observation
Apple’s 2025 Holiday Ad
We begin with Neil’s thoughts on the latest iPhone estimates from Counterpoint. The discussion then turns to one of Neil’s observations regarding what is unfolding in the broader smartphone industry. We conclude with some comments on Apple’s new 2025 holiday ad featuring puppets.
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Thoughts on iPhone Demand, Apple Is Being Underestimated, What Meta’s Connect Keynote Demo Fails Revealed
Today's Above Avalon Daily update includes the following stories:
Thoughts on iPhone Demand
Apple Is Being Underestimated
What Meta’s Connect Keynote Demo Fails Revealed
The update kicks off with my thoughts on iPhone demand over iPhone launch weekend and heading into Apple’s FY26. We then discuss how the iPhone is the latest example of Apple being underestimated. The update concludes with an observation regarding how Meta’s keynote demo fails at Connect were perceived on social media.
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An audio version of this update is available to members who have the podcast add-on attached to their membership.
Choose either a monthly or annual subscription. Payment is hosted by MoonClerk and secured by Stripe. Apple Pay and other mobile payment options are accepted. After signup, use this link to update your payment information and subscription status at any time.
Subscriber Privileges and Benefits
Exclusive Analysis. Receive the Above Avalon Daily newsletter, widely-recognized as the leading daily newsletter dedicated to Apple. Now in its tenth year.
Archive Access. Access previous newsletters sent to members.
Member Forum Access. Access all channels in the Above Avalon forum in Discord.
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My Full Notes From Apple’s “Awe Dropping” Event
Hello everyone. Welcome to a new week.
As we go through my notes from Apple’s event, some of the major themes and takeaways (discussed last Tuesday) will shine through. This was one of the more HW-focused events from Apple in recent memory.
Let’s jump in.
My Full Notes From Apple’s “Awe Dropping” Event
Apple’s Opening Video
Apple kicked off its “Awe Dropping” presentation with a black screen and the following Steve Jobs quote in white lettering: “Design is not just what it looks like and feels like. Design is how it works.” Apple then showed an 80-second montage of various Apple features, capabilities, and tools connected via shapes, textures, and materials. The video even featured a few Apple retail stores - a prelude to the store’s much larger role in the presentation. It was nice to see Apple emphasize design in such a direct way for a change. It brought back memories of some Apple marketing from the early 2010s.
Opening scene to Apple’s presentation
AirPods Pro 3
Redesign. AirPods Pro 3 have a new multi-port acoustic architecture that allows more airflow (sound) into the ear. Apple also has new foam-infused ear tips meant to improve Active Noise Cancellation (ANC). The AirPods have gotten smaller to fit in and stay in more ears – users will have five different options for the ear tips.
While audio remains positioned at the center of AirPods Pro 3 marketing, Apple relied on a “but there is more” mention to refer to the product category’s growing presence in health and activity monitoring.
Upgrading. Apple positioned the AirPods Pro 3’s ANC as a “must-have upgrade…” for those using older AirPods.
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Member Privileges and Benefits
Become an Above Avalon member and receive the following privileges and benefits:
Exclusive Analysis. Receive the Above Avalon Daily newsletter, widely-recognized as the leading daily newsletter dedicated to Apple. Now in its tenth year.
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