Is That a Case on Your iPhone? (AVALON Podcast Episode)
In the 26th episode of the AVALON podcast, Neil discussed the following topics/subjects:
What's on the Agenda (the bulk of the discussion modeled after Apple’s Monday morning meetings)
My iPhone 17 Pro Max (Cosmic Orange) impressions.
iPhone Air demo observations.
My revised iPhone Air sales expectations.
iPhone 17 sales mix.
Thoughts on iPhone unit sales.
Why we may be seeing the start of a multi-year uptrend for iPhone.
Lighting Round (two topics two minutes each)
Warner Bros. Discovery is up for sale.
Tesla thinking about adding CarPlay support to its vehicles.
Give Me a Break (something ridiculous that jumped out at me)
AI avatars of dead relatives.
Tell Me More (something intriguing that has my attention)
My Black Friday 2025 observations (shopping malls, LEGO, Barnes & Noble).
Listen to the first four minutes of the episode below:
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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.
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Let’s Talk About These iPhone Air Demand Rumors
Today's Above Avalon Daily update includes the following story:
Let’s Talk About These iPhone Air Demand Rumors
Hello everyone. While Apple’s updated products (with M5) grabbed quite a bit of attention last week, another storyline that led to plenty of discussion was found with the iPhone Air. Reports and rumors painted the picture of a product not meeting Apple’s expectations in the marketplace. This led some Apple rumor sites to go so far as to say the iPhone Air bet failed. There’s a lot to unpack. Let’s discuss.
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.
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.
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 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.