Above Avalon Daily Year in Review 2025 – The Top 20 Apple Stories of 2025 (#20 to #11)
In 2025, 168 Above Avalon Daily updates consisting of approximately 450 stories were published. As we prepare to close out 2025, an idea that came to me a few weeks ago was to recap the 20 most interesting stories published in 2025.
Approximately 40 stories made the first cut with four additional cuts needed to bring the total down to 20 stories. With those 20 stories in hand, they were then ranked in terms of their overall impact / intrigue level / importance. The result is the first edition of the Above Avalon Daily Year in Review.
For today’s update, we will begin going over these 20 stories in reverse order starting with #20. Monday’s update will include #10 to #1 (with #1 being the top story covered in Above Avalon Daily in 2025). For each story, clicking the headline will bring you to the daily update that contained the story.
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Ford Scraps F-150 Lightning EV, EV Adoption Struggles, Rivian Chasing Autonomy
Today's Above Avalon Daily update includes the following stories:
Ford Scraps F-150 Lightning EV
EV Adoption Struggles
Rivian Chasing Autonomy
We kick things off with Neil’s thoughts on Ford scaling back its electric vehicle (EV) ambitions. The discussion then turns to why U.S. EV adoption continues to undershoot industry expectations. We conclude things with Rivian’s autonomy goals. Neil explains why we both autonomy and EV, we still seem to be missing key ingredients for changing what it means to use a car.
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Disney Expands Board for Jeff Williams, Disney Partners With OpenAI, Why Disney and OpenAI?
Today's Above Avalon Daily update includes the following stories:
Disney Expands Board for Jeff Williams
Disney Partners With OpenAI
Why Disney and OpenAI?
We kick things off with Neil’s thoughts on Disney expanding its board of directors to accommodate former Apple COO Jeff Williams. The discussion then turns to Disney and OpenAI signing a three-year partnership that will bring ~200 Disney characters to Sora. We look at why Neil isn’t terribly excited about the partnership from a storytelling perspective and the drivers behind Disney entering the partnership.
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An audio version of this update is available to members who have the podcast add-on attached to their membership.
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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 updates sent to members in an easy-to-navigate archive built in Ghost.
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U.S. Appeals Court Rules on App Store Injunction, Both Sides Can Claim Victories, Thoughts on Fees for App Link-Outs
Today's Above Avalon Daily update includes the following stories:
U.S. Appeals Court Rules on App Store Injunction
Both Sides Can Claim Victories
Thoughts on Fees for App Link-Outs
This is one of those days in which a breaking story changed plans and the schedule. Yesterday afternoon, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals issued its ruling on the April 2025 App Store anti-steering injunction decision. Today’s update will be dedicated to analyzing the ruling and the accompanying implications. There’s a lot to unpack. We begin with the ruling itself. The discussion then turns to why Neil thinks both sides can claim a victory with the ruling. The update then turns to what may happen with Apple’s fees / commissions applied to app link-outs.
An Above Avalon Daily subscription is required to read this daily update. Subscribers can read the update here.
An audio version of this update is available to members who have the podcast add-on attached to their membership.
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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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Apple Fitness+ Expansion, Revisiting Peloton, Pebble Unveils AI Smart Ring
Today's Above Avalon Daily update includes the following stories:
Apple Fitness+ Expansion
Revisiting Peloton
Pebble Unveils AI Smart Ring
We kick things off with Neil’s thoughts on Apple Fitness+ receiving a major expansion in country availability. The update then turns to Peloton. It’s been nearly two years since we talked about Peloton. With Apple announcing the largest expansion to Apple Fitness+ since launch, it makes sense to quickly revisit where things stand with Peloton. We conclude with Neil’s assessment of the Pebble Index 01, an AI smart ring that Pebble just unveiled.
An Above Avalon Daily subscription is required to read this daily update. Subscribers can read the update here.
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 updates sent to members in an easy-to-navigate archive built in Ghost.
Full Access to Above Avalon Forum. Access exclusive channels in the Above Avalon forum in Discord.
Email Access to Neil Cybart. Receive timely responses from Neil to email inquiries.
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Apple Poaches Meta’s Top Lawyer, Lisa Jackson to Retire, Apple Streamlines Hierarchy
Today's Above Avalon Daily update includes the following stories:
Apple Poaches Meta’s Top Lawyer
Lisa Jackson to Retire
Apple Streamlines Hierarchy
The update begins with Neil’s reaction to Kate Adams, Apple SVP and general counsel, retiring in 2026. There were a few details found with the news that jumped out to Neil. The discussion then turned to Lisa Jackson, VP environment, policy, and social, also retiring. We recap Jackson’s tenure and some questions about Apple’s 2030 environment goal. The update concludes with one takeaway from last week’s leadership changes that completely flew under the radar.
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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 updates sent to members in an easy-to-navigate archive built in Ghost.
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Alan Dye Leaves Apple for…Meta, Poaching Apple Employees: Nuisance or Big Problem?
Today's Above Avalon Daily update includes the following stories:
Alan Dye Leaves Apple for…Meta
Poaching Apple Employees: Nuisance or Big Problem?
The update begins with Neil’s reaction to news that Alan Dye, Apple VP user interface design, moving over to Meta. The discussion then turns to the variety of reactions the Alan Dye news generated online. There has been a general theme to the madness. We also go over Neil’s theory for what may have pushed Dye to look at Meta. The update concludes with answering the following question: Has something changed in the marketplace so that poaching Apple employees has turned from a nuisance to a genuine problem?
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An audio version of this update is available to members who have the podcast add-on attached to their membership.
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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 updates sent to members in an easy-to-navigate archive built in Ghost.
Full Access to Above Avalon Forum. Access exclusive channels in the Above Avalon forum in Discord.
Email Access to Neil Cybart. Receive timely responses from Neil to email inquiries.
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Apple’s AI Chief Steps Down, John Giannandrea’s Legacy at Apple, Apple Poaches Microsoft AI Executive
Today's Above Avalon Daily update includes the following stories:
Apple’s AI Chief Steps Down
John Giannandrea’s Legacy at Apple
Apple Poaches Microsoft AI Executive
Hello everyone. The Apple news flow remains in overdrive. A few hours ago, news broke that Alan Dye is stepping down from leading user interface design to oversee a new creative studio within Meta’s Reality Labs. We will tackle that development tomorrow.
Today’s update ended up taking two full days to write. I had no interest in rushing something out yesterday that didn’t fully capture my stance, especially about such a multifaceted topic. Let’s jump in.
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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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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.
An Above Avalon Daily subscription is required to read this daily update. Subscribers can read the update here.
An audio version of this update is available to members who have the podcast add-on attached to their membership.
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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 updates sent to members in an easy-to-navigate archive built in Ghost.
Full Access to Above Avalon Forum. Access exclusive channels in the Above Avalon forum in Discord.
Email Access to Neil Cybart. Receive timely responses from Neil to email inquiries.
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Disney Earnings, Alphabet Earnings, Amazon Earnings
Today's Above Avalon Daily update includes the following stories:
Disney Earnings
Alphabet Earnings
Amazon Earnings
This update will cover Disney, Alphabet, and Amazon CY3Q25 earnings. Instead of losing ourselves in the weeds from a numbers perspective, the discussion will include both qualitative and quantitative takeaways.
An Above Avalon Daily subscription is required to read this daily update. Subscribers can read the update here.
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 updates sent to members in an easy-to-navigate archive built in Ghost.
Full Access to Above Avalon Forum. Access exclusive channels in the Above Avalon forum in Discord.
Email Access to Neil Cybart. Receive timely responses from Neil to email inquiries.
Access Bundle Discounts. Customize a subscription with additional Above Avalon products and save: AVALON, Podcasts Packages, Inside Orchard, and Financial Models.
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Netflix Earnings, Netflix Bids for Warner Bros. Discovery, Most Likely Outcome for Warner Bros. Discovery
Today's Above Avalon Daily update includes the following stories:
Netflix Earnings
Netflix Bids for Warner Bros. Discovery
Most Likely Outcome for Warner Bros. Discovery
We begin today’s update by analyzing Netflix’s 3Q25 earnings and earnings call. The discussion then turns to the Warner Bros. Discovery sales process. By acquiring Warner Bros. Discovery, Netflix would face two concerns. The update then concludes with how Neil sees the Warner Bros. Discovery sales process playing itself out.
An Above Avalon Daily subscription is required to read this daily update. Subscribers can read the update here.
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 updates sent to members in an easy-to-navigate archive built in Ghost.
Full Access to Above Avalon Forum. Access exclusive channels in the Above Avalon forum in Discord.
Email Access to Neil Cybart. Receive timely responses from Neil to email inquiries.
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MLB’s New Media Rights, Tesla Planning CarPlay Support, More on Meta’s Business Model
Today's Above Avalon Daily update includes the following stories:
MLB’s New Media Rights
Tesla Planning CarPlay Support
More on Meta’s Business Model
We wrap up a busy week with two news stories that jumped out at me. The update begins with a closer look at MLB (U.S. baseball) signing a new media rights deal. Our focus then turns to reportedly big news on the CarPlay front as Elon Musk is looking to eventual support CarPlay in Tesla vehicles. The third story ties up a few loose ends regarding our Meta discussion from yesterday.
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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 updates sent to members in an easy-to-navigate archive built in Ghost.
Full Access to Above Avalon Forum. Access exclusive channels in the Above Avalon forum in Discord.
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Meta 3Q25 Earnings, Did Zuckerberg “Kitchen Sink” Capex Expectations?, The Big Picture
Today's Above Avalon Daily update includes the following stories:
Meta 3Q25 Earnings
Did Zuckerberg “Kitchen Sink” Capex Expectations?
The Big Picture
We kick things off by going over the main takeaways from Meta’s earnings report. The discussion then turns to why Neil thinks Mark Zuckerberg may have “kitchen sinked” capex expectations this time around. We conclude with some big picture thoughts on where Meta finds itself in both AI mania and the broader Big Tech landscape.
An Above Avalon Daily subscription is required to read this daily update. Subscribers can read the update here.
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 updates sent to members in an easy-to-navigate archive built in Ghost.
Full Access to Above Avalon Forum. Access exclusive channels in the Above Avalon forum in Discord.
Email Access to Neil Cybart. Receive timely responses from Neil to email inquiries.
Access Bundle Discounts. Customize a subscription with additional Above Avalon products and save: AVALON, Podcasts Packages, Inside Orchard, and Financial Models.
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More on Apple CEO Succession, Defining the Apple CEO Role, What Apple Should Do
Today's Above Avalon Daily update includes the following stories:
More on Apple CEO Succession
Defining the Apple CEO Role
What Apple Should Do
Hello everyone. Today’s update will continue our discussion regarding Apple CEO succession, including what I think Apple should do over the next few years. The first half of the discussion can be found here.
An Above Avalon Daily subscription is required to read this daily update. Subscribers can read the update here.
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 updates sent to members in an easy-to-navigate archive built in Ghost.
Full Access to Above Avalon Forum. Access exclusive channels in the Above Avalon forum in Discord.
Email Access to Neil Cybart. Receive timely responses from Neil to email inquiries.
Access Bundle Discounts. Customize a subscription with additional Above Avalon products and save: AVALON, Podcasts Packages, Inside Orchard, and Financial Models.
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Apple Intensifying CEO Succession Planning, My Initial Thoughts on How Things Play Out
Today's Above Avalon Daily update includes the following stories:
Apple Intensifying CEO Succession Planning
My Initial Thoughts on How Things Play Out
Hello everyone. This is going to be the first part of a two-part update dedicated to Apple CEO succession. The Financial Times is out with an important article on the topic. There’s much to discuss, including my thoughts on what may happen after Tim Cook steps down as CEO. Let’s jump right in.
An Above Avalon Daily subscription is required to read this daily update. Subscribers can read the update here.
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 updates sent to members in an easy-to-navigate archive built in Ghost.
Full Access to Above Avalon Forum. Access exclusive channels in the Above Avalon forum in Discord.
Email Access to Neil Cybart. Receive timely responses from Neil to email inquiries.
Access Bundle Discounts. Customize a subscription with additional Above Avalon products and save: AVALON, Podcasts Packages, Inside Orchard, and Financial Models.
Above Avalon Support. Play an active role in supporting Above Avalon as an independent voice and resource. Above Avalon is 100% funded by subscribers.