Neil Cybart Neil Cybart

iPad Installed Base and User Base Estimates, iPhone 8 Plus Outselling iPhone 8

Today's Above Avalon email includes the following stories: 

  • iPad Installed Base and User Base Estimates
  • iPhone 8 Plus Outselling iPhone 8

We kick off today's email with a deep dive into my iPad financial model. We go over my estimates for the size of the iPad installed base and user base. The discussion then turns to iPhone 8 and 8 Plus sales. The Plus model is outselling its smaller sibling. We discuss two possible explanations for this development and the broader implications regarding iPhone X demand and FY4Q17 & FY1Q18 iPhone unit sales. 

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


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Neil Cybart Neil Cybart

Jony Ive Speaks at The New Yorker Conference, Sonos Questions

Today's Above Avalon email includes the following stories: 

  • Jony Ive Speaks at The New Yorker Conference
  • Sonos Questions

We kick off today's email with my thoughts on Jony Ive's talk at The New Yorker's TechFest conference in New York City. We go over nine topics from the talk that jumped out at me. The email then turns to Sonos. Given that Apple views Sonos as a HomePod competitor, there is value found in keeping an eye on the company. We look at why the company's new Sonos One speaker ends up creating more questions than answers regarding the company's long-term prospects. 

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


Become an Above Avalon member to read today's stories and receive future stories in a daily email containing 2-3 stories (10-12 stories/week). You can use the payment forms/links below to sign up ($20/month or $200/year). For more information on membership, click here

 
 
 
 
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Neil Cybart Neil Cybart

Google's Hardware Event, Google Priorities, Areas of Concern for Apple 

Today's Above Avalon email includes the following stories: 

  • Google's Hardware Event
  • Google Priorities
  • Areas of Concern for Apple

Today's email will be dedicated to discussing Google's big hardware event. We first go over my thoughts on Google's presentation and the new products, including the strongest and weakest points. We look at the presentation from Apple's perspective. We then take a closer look at Google's priorities in an AI-first world. The email concludes with my thoughts on which Google products should concern Apple from a competitive perspective.  

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


Become an Above Avalon member to read today's stories and receive future stories in a daily email containing 2-3 stories (10-12 stories/week). You can use the payment forms/links below to sign up ($20/month or $200/year). For more information on membership, click here

 
 
 
 
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Neil Cybart Neil Cybart

iPhone X Risk Is Being Underestimated, iPhone X Pricing Concerns Overblown, iOS 11 Adoption Pace

Today's Above Avalon email includes the following stories: 

  • iPhone X Risk Is Being Underestimated
  • iPhone X Pricing Concerns Overblown
  • iOS 11 Adoption Pace

We kick off today's email by continuing the discussion found in this week's AboveAvalon.com article ("iPhone Courage"). Specifically, we go over how the risk found with iPhone X is being underestimated. We also go over why I don't think iPhone X pricing is as much of a concern as consensus assumes. The email concludes with my thoughts on iOS 11 adoption and what appears to be an accelerating adoption pace.

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


Become an Above Avalon member to read today's stories and receive future stories in a daily email containing 2-3 stories (10-12 stories/week). You can use the payment forms/links below to sign up ($20/month or $200/year). For more information on membership, click here

 
 
 
 
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Neil Cybart Neil Cybart

Apple Watch Installed Base and User Base Estimates, Measuring Apple Watch Adoption, Apple Acquires Regaind

Today's Above Avalon email includes the following stories: 

  • Apple Watch Installed Base and User Base Estimates
  • Measuring Apple Watch Adoption
  • Apple Acquires Regaind

We kick off today's email with a deep dive into my Apple Watch financial model. We go over my estimates for the size of the Apple Watch installed base and user base. The discussion then turns to measuring Apple Watch adoption since launch. The email concludes with my thoughts and observations on Apple acquiring Regaind, a computer vision startup. 

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


Become an Above Avalon member to read today's stories and receive future stories in a daily email containing 2-3 stories (10-12 stories/week). You can use the payment forms/links below to sign up ($20/month or $200/year). For more information on membership, click here

 
 
 
 
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Neil Cybart Neil Cybart

Estimating iPhone Installed Base and User Base, Apple Music Subscriber Total Update, Music Streaming's Missing Piece 

Today's Above Avalon email includes the following stories: 

  • Estimating iPhone Installed Base and User Base
  • Apple Music Subscriber Total Update
  • Music Streaming's Missing Piece

We begin today's email by discussing the iPhone installed base. I share my revised estimate for the size of the iPhone installed base as of the end of FY2017 (end of September). We then go over the difference between the iPhone installed base and user base, including my revised estimate for the size of the iPhone user base as of the end of FY2017. The email then turns to Apple Music. We discuss the latest Apple Music paid subscriber total and what Apple thinks is still missing from music streaming. 

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


Become an Above Avalon member to read today's stories and receive future stories in a daily email containing 2-3 stories (10-12 stories/week). You can use the payment forms/links below to sign up ($20/month or $200/year). For more information on membership, click here

 
 
 
 
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Neil Cybart Neil Cybart

Amazon's Peculiar Hardware Event, Gauging Amazon and Apple Competition, Thursday Q&A

Today's Above Avalon email includes the following stories: 

  • Amazon's Peculiar Hardware Event
  • Gauging Amazon and Apple Competition
  • Thursday Q&A

We kick off today's email with my thoughts and observations on Amazon's Echo hardware event yesterday in Seattle. The discussion then turns to the competitive dynamic between Amazon and Apple. We also go over who I think Amazon has in their crosshairs. We end the email with the latest installment of member Q&A, and I answer the following questions from Above Avalon members: 

  • Does Apple care about competing with the Swiss watch industry?
  • Why are you so negative regarding mechanical watches?
  • Where do Dyson's automotive plans fit in the evolving transportation marketplace?
  • What do I think about the iPhone Upgrade Program?
  • When would it make sense to unveil the second version of iPhone X? 

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


Become an Above Avalon member to read today's stories and receive future stories in a daily email containing 2-3 stories (10-12 stories/week). You can use the payment forms/links below to sign up ($20/month or $200/year). For more information on membership, click here

 
 
 
 
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Neil Cybart Neil Cybart

Grading Apple Watch on a Curve, Swiss Watch Makers Still in Denial, Thoughts on iPhone X Production

Today's Above Avalon email includes the following stories: 

  • Grading Apple Watch on a Curve
  • Swiss Watch Makers Still in Denial
  • Thoughts on iPhone X Production

We kick off today's email with my thoughts on why the Apple Watch is such a polarizing product. We look at how the Apple Watch is being graded on a curve. The discussion then turns to why I think the Swiss watch industry is still in denial about Apple Watch's long-term impact on their business. The email then turns to my thoughts on three iPhone X production rumors and what they mean regarding the iPhone X launch and Apple's quarterly earnings. 

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


Become an Above Avalon member to read today's stories and receive future stories in a daily email containing 2-3 stories (10-12 stories/week). You can use the payment forms/links below to sign up ($20/month or $200/year). For more information on membership, click here

 
 
 
 
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Neil Cybart Neil Cybart

iPhone Sales in China Continue to Stabilize, Apple Replaces Bing with Google for Siri Search

Today's Above Avalon email includes the following stories: 

  • iPhone Sales in China Continue to Stabilize
  • Apple Replaces Bing with Google for Siri Search

We kick off today's email by discussing the latest Kantar data regarding iPhone sales share. There are an increasing number of signs pointing to iPhone sales stabilizing in China. We go over my thoughts on the numbers. The discussion then turns to Apple making a big change when it comes to the default web search provider for Siri and Spotlight. We go over the news and Apple's motivation behind the change. 

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


Become an Above Avalon member to read today's stories and receive future stories in a daily email containing 2-3 stories (10-12 stories/week). You can use the payment forms/links below to sign up ($20/month or $200/year). For more information on membership, click here

 
 
 
 
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Neil Cybart Neil Cybart

Long Lines Outside Apple Stores Are History, Early iPhone 8 Sales Trends, Google Buys HTC Assets

Today's Above Avalon email includes the following stories: 

  • Long Lines Outside Apple Stores Are History
  • Early iPhone 8 Sales Trends
  • Google Buys HTC Assets

We kick off today's email with my thoughts and observations on the lack of lines outside Apple Retail stores for the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus launch. The discussion turns to Apple giving BuzzFeed unprecedented access into its product launch war room. We go over Apple's motivation in giving BuzzFeed such access and what it tells us about future Apple product launches. The email then turns to early iPhone 8 and 8 Plus sales trends as measured by iPhone user share. We derive an estimate for how iPhone 8 demand is trending relative to iPhone 7 during the same time period last year. We then go over my thoughts on Google acquiring hardware assets from HTC for $1.1 billion. 

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


Become an Above Avalon member to read today's stories and receive future stories in a daily email containing 2-3 stories (10-12 stories/week). You can use the payment forms/links below to sign up ($20/month or $200/year). For more information on membership, click here

 
 
 
 
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Neil Cybart Neil Cybart

A Cellular Apple Watch Black Eye, My Cellular Apple Watch Connectivity Issue Theory, Thursday Q&A

Today's Above Avalon email includes the following stories: 

  • A Cellular Apple Watch Black Eye
  • My Cellular Apple Watch Connectivity Issue Theory
  • Thursday Q&A

We kick off today's email with my thoughts and observations on cellular Apple Watch Series 3 reviews. We go over the reviews and focus on reports of cellular Apple Watches experiencing severe LTE connectivity issues. Upon closer examination, there is something about these connectivity issues and Apple's official response to the issues that doesn't sit well with me. The email then turns to my theory on what may be going on with the cellular Apple Watch. We end the email with the latest installment of member Q&A, and I answer the following questions from Above Avalon members: 

  • Why is Apple still pushing sizable price increases in non-US markets?
    Will Face ID be integrated into iPad, Apple Watch, and Mac? What about other initiatives?
  • When will Apple disclose Apple Watch sales? Would the Watch be shown as a separate product category?
  • Do you think Apple missed the opportunity to "revolutionize" TV?
  • Why didn't Apple extend the dual-camera system to iPhone 8? 

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


Become an Above Avalon member to read today's stories and receive future stories in a daily email containing 2-3 stories (10-12 stories/week). You can use the payment forms/links below to sign up ($20/month or $200/year). For more information on membership, click here

 
 
 
 
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Neil Cybart Neil Cybart

The iPhone 8 Review Dilemma, iPhone User Base Breakdown by Model, Amazon Working on Alexa Glasses

Today's Above Avalon email includes the following stories: 

  • The iPhone 8 Review Dilemma
  • iPhone User Base Breakdown by Model
  • Amazon Working on Alexa Glasses

We kick off today's email with my thoughts and observations on iPhone 8 reviews. Two reviews stood out to me for two very different reasons. The discussion then turns to the iPhone user base breakdown by model. We look at the percentage of iPhone users owning each iPhone model. The numbers are used to assess Apple's target market for the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus. The email then turns to the Financial Times report indicating Amazon is working on a pair of smart glasses powered by Alexa. We go over my thoughts on the idea and the broader trend of how companies are approaching wearables. 

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


Become an Above Avalon member to read today's stories and receive future stories in a daily email containing 2-3 stories (10-12 stories/week). You can use the payment forms/links below to sign up ($20/month or $200/year). For more information on membership, click here

 
 
 
 
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Neil Cybart Neil Cybart

iPhone Isn't a Veblen Good, The Intriguing Gold iPhone 8, Thoughts on Early iPhone and Watch Orders

Today's Above Avalon email includes the following stories: 

  • iPhone Isn't a Veblen Good
  • The Intriguing Gold iPhone 8
  • Thoughts on Early iPhone and Watch Orders

We kick off today's email with my thoughts on the WSJ's recent article regarding Apple's iPhone X pricing strategy. Is Apple doubling down on luxury and positioning the iPhone as a Veblen good? We go over Veblen goods and my thoughts on the topic. The discussion then takes a closer look at iPhone 8 and 8 Plus and how Apple is using the all-new gold iPhone finish to shift customer demand. The email turns to four of my observations regarding early iPhone 8 / 8 Plus and Apple Watch Series 3 orders. 

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


Become an Above Avalon member to read today's stories and receive future stories in a daily email containing 2-3 stories (10-12 stories/week). You can use the payment forms/links below to sign up ($20/month or $200/year). For more information on membership, click here

 
 
 
 
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Neil Cybart Neil Cybart

Inside Apple's A11 Bionic Chip, Apple Talks Face ID, The Face ID Rumor Surprise

Today's Above Avalon email includes the following stories: 

  • Inside Apple's A11 Bionic Chip
  • Apple Talks Face ID
  • The Face ID Rumor Surprise

We kick off today's email with my thoughts and observations on Apple's chat with Lance Ulanoff over at Mashable regarding the A11 Bionic chip. The discussion then takes a closer look at Face ID. Craig Federighi, SVP of software engineering, did two interviews last week regarding Face ID. The email turns to how the vast majority of iPhone rumors heading into last week ended up being wrong when it came to Apple's intention with facial recognition on iPhone. We then conclude with my thoughts on Face ID's future within the Apple product line. 

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


Become an Above Avalon member to read today's stories and receive future stories in a daily email containing 2-3 stories (10-12 stories/week). You can use the payment forms/links below to sign up ($20/month or $200/year). For more information on membership, click here

 
 
 
 
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Neil Cybart Neil Cybart

Apple Event Review: Full Notes

Today's Above Avalon email is focused on reviewing Apple's inaugural event at Steve Jobs Theater. The email covers my full notes from Apple's presentation. This is the second half of my event review. The first half (major themes from the event) is available here.

This email covers 34 different topics pertaining to Apple's inaugural event at Steve Jobs Theater. 

My full Apple event review is available for Above Avalon members. To continue reading, click here.


Become an Above Avalon member to read my full Apple event review and receive future stories in a daily email containing 2-3 stories (10-12 stories/week). You can use the payment forms/links below to sign up ($20/month or $200/year). For more information on membership, click here

 
 
 
 
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