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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Observations Attending Apple’s “Awe Dropping” Event, Who Is the iPhone Air For?, Apple Wearables Momentum
Hello everyone. In Wednesday’s update, we went over the major themes and takeaways from Apple’s product event.
iPhone Air is the most noteworthy iPhone redesign since at least iPhone X (2017).
Hardware design efficiency (with the goal of improving experiences / how devices are used).
Battery life optimization (via HW innovation & custom silicon).
Apple is ready to push new iPhone usage behaviors (iPhone as a fashion accessory / elevating the front-facing camera as a key differentiator from wearable cameras).
In going through my notes from this week, there were a handful of topics that deserved more attention and explanation than just a quick mention. Those discussion topics will comprise today’s (long) update. The updates originally meant for yesterday (Thursday) and today (Friday) have been combined into today’s update.
On Monday, we will go over my full notes from the week.
Observations Attending Apple’s “Awe Dropping” Event
This week’s event marked ten years since attending my first Apple event at Bill Graham Civic Auditorium in San Francisco. Over the years, there has been evolution in Apple’s product events. However, this week’s event seemed to contain more changes than usual.
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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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Apple’s “Awe Dropping” Event Review: Major Takeaways and Themes
Happy Wednesday. Today’s update includes the first part of my Apple event review. Apple’s pretaped presentation can be viewed here. The discussion will flow into tomorrow’s update. Let’s jump right in.
Apple’s “Awe Dropping” Event Review: Major Takeaways and Themes
iPhone Air
The iPhone Air is the most noteworthy iPhone redesign since the iPhone X in 2017. It’s tough putting the two redesigns head-to-head though as the iPhone X also included a significant change to how we engage with an iPhone (Touch ID -> Face ID as the home button was removed).
iPhone Air
After spending some time with the iPhone Air, the device lives up to the hype. There is a certain natural feeling found with the iPhone Air, as in you tend to gravitate to a thin device. Even after just a few minutes with iPhone Air, the other flagship iPhones feel shockingly thick. Our minds can play tricks on us. This exercise will be easily replicated in Apple stores when the iPhone Air is demoed next to the other iPhone 17 flagships.
Many people may associate an ultra-thin gadget with smallness. However, one of my first reactions using iPhone Air was that
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An audio version of this update is available to members who have the podcast add-on attached to their membership.
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.
Archive Access. Access previous newsletters sent to members.
Member Forum Access. Access all channels in the Above Avalon forum in Discord.
Email Access. Receive timely responses from Neil to email inquiries.
Access to Add-ons. Customize a membership with the AVALON, Podcasts, Inside Orchard, and Financial Models add-ons.
Above Avalon Support. Play an active role in supporting Above Avalon as an independent voice and resource.