Apple Questions for 2026 (Part 1 – Big Picture and iPhone)
Today's Above Avalon Daily update includes the following story:
Apple Questions for 2026 (Part 1 – Big Picture and iPhone)
Similar to how we tried something new to wrap up 2025, the first update of the new year will be a bit different from what was published in prior years.
Above Avalon launched in 2014. For the first six years, I began each new calendar year by publishing a list of questions facing Apple. This was my answer to New Year’s prediction posts, links, and tweets. Predictions are nothing more than attempts at manufacturing clarity for what is inherently a sea of unknown. New Year’s predictions are even more problematic as the person issuing the prediction needs to come up with what may happen, and the predicted event must occur within an arbitrary time.
Instead of coming up with predictions for Apple at the start of 2026, there is value found in embracing the unknown and looking at questions facing the company in the new year. The irony is that embracing the unknown found with asking questions will aid navigating the sea of unknown.
For today’s update, we will focus on questions related to several big picture topics along with the iPhone. The discussion will continue in tomorrow’s update (available here).
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Some Thoughts Ahead of Apple’s Event, Apple Facing Improving Device Upgrade Environment
Hello everyone.
Apple is holding its product event next Tuesday at Apple Park. Accordingly, next week’s update schedule needs to be adjusted. There will be updates on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. At this time, my expectation is that all three updates next week will be dedicated to reviewing Apple’s event, but we can revisit that plan next week.
Today’s discussion will focus on a few additional topics that are on my mind ahead of Apple’s event.
Some Thoughts Ahead of Apple’s Event
Expectations are on the rise ahead of Apple’s “Awe dropping” event.
While there is a surprisingly high level of awareness among the public that new iPhones come out in the fall, it certainly feels like attention surrounding the iPhone is elevated. Some of this could be due to more iPhone users being in a position to upgrade. Another factor could be that some of these iPhone rumors involving significant design changes is getting through to people.
All signs point to Apple unveiling an all-new ultra-thin iPhone next week. The new model, which would be positioned somewhere between the base flagship iPhone and the pro models will likely grab the most buzz and press attention.
Become a member to continue reading today’s update. Already a member? Read the full update here.
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.