Apple Releases "2023 MLS Cup Highlights" for Vision Pro, A Breathtaking Moment for Vision Pro, Apple Immersive Video Questions
Hello everyone. It feels good to be back after a long weekend. We will get back into the swing of things by discussing one thing that captured my attention in recent days: Apple releasing a new immersive film for Apple Vision Pro.
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U.S. Justice Department Turned to European Commission for Help in Apple Battle, Apple Will Seek U.S. Antitrust Complaint Dismissal, The Big Picture
In today’s update, we will tackle a few tangential topics related to the Justice Department’s antitrust complaint against Apple.
As for the complaint itself, the past two updates covered most of what needed to be said. There were additional examples of completely absurd statements and tales told by the Justice Department that we won't go over. In the grand scheme of things, our time and attention are better spent elsewhere.
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U.S. Justice Department Sues Apple on iPhone Monopoly Allegation (My Thoughts and Reactions – Part 2)
In today’s update, we will continue our discussion from yesterday regarding the U.S. Justice Department’s antitrust complaint against Apple. We will focus on the specific allegations included in the complaint (available here).
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U.S. Justice Department Sues Apple on iPhone Monopoly Allegation (My Thoughts and Reactions – Part 1)
Hello everyone. We will begin to discuss and analyze the U.S. Justice Department's antitrust complaint against Apple. The full 88-page document is available here. For today’s update, we will keep the discussion focused on my overall thoughts and reactions. We will take a deeper look at some of the specific arguments put forth in the complaint tomorrow.
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Thoughts on CNBC’s ESPN Documentary, Bob Chapek Breaks Silence, Big Tech’s True Interest in Live Sports
Hello everyone.
Earlier today, the U.S. Department of Justice's long-awaited antitrust complaint against Apple, which has been re-worked numerous times over the years, was released. Apple is accused of possessing an iPhone monopoly in the U.S. smartphone market. I will go through the document in the coming days so that we can begin talking about things on Monday. The full 88-page document can be found here.
For today's update, we cover a news item that jumped out at me earlier today involving ESPN, Big Tech, and live sports.
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Sonos Earnings, Sonos Dropping More Hints of Headphones, Sonos vs. Apple Competition
The update begins with Neil’s thoughts on Sonos’ FY1Q24 earnings. The discussion then turns to Sonos dropping some of the clearest hints to date that it will soon unveil headphones. We look at the somewhat complicated competitive dynamic between Sonos and Apple.
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Walmart Begins Selling $699 M1 MacBook Air, Apple Becomes Aggressive with MacBook Air, Revisiting Mac Sales
Hello everyone. Today’s update will be dedicated to Walmart beginning to sell the Mac for the first time. The announcement is tied to Apple running with new entry-level pricing for the MacBook Air. There are a few angles to the news worth discussing.
Let’s jump right in.
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An audio version of the newsletter is available to members who have the podcast add-on attached to their membership. More information about the podcast add-on is found here. Special Inside Orchard bundle pricing is available for Above Avalon members. Additional membership customization is available via the Financial Models add-ons.
My Thoughts Regarding the Apple / Gemini AI Licensing Rumor
Hello everyone. Welcome to a new week. For today’s update, we will discuss Bloomberg’s article about Apple and Gemini. There is quite a bit of speculation and nonsense flying around.
Let’s jump right in.
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Project Titan Follow-Up, Apple vs. EU Follow-Up
We close out the week with a few follow-ups to topics that continue to generate buzz among Above Avalon members. We will begin with Project Titan and then turn to the suggestion that Apple should leave the EU.
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Porsche Teases Race App for Vision Pro, Apple’s Growing Interest With Motorsports, The Apple and Formula 1 Rumor
Happy Wednesday.
One quick follow-up to yesterday’s discussion regarding Apple’s blockbusters. The stated box office figures for “Napoleon,” “Killers of the Flower Moon,” and “Argylle” do not flow completely to Apple. Accordingly, Apple needed more than $250M ($700M+ production and marketing budget - $470M box office) in movie rentals, sales, and Apple TV+ to financially breakeven on the films. As we discussed, some of the lofty spending can be attributed to Apple wanting good looks at awards.
For today’s update, we turn to the auto space where Tim Cook had a surprise role to play in Porsche’s newest electric car unveiling.
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Apple and Netflix Come up Short at Oscars, Apple’s Blockbusters Gamble, The Theatrical Release Question Lingers
Following the Oscars this past Sunday, today’s update will have a movie theme. We discuss Apple and Netflix coming up short at this year’s Oscars. The discussion then turns to Apple’s gamble with blockbusters at the movie theater ("Killers of the Flower Moon," "Napoleon," and "Argylle"). We also look at a lingering industry question found with theatrical releases.
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An audio version of the newsletter is available to members who have the podcast add-on attached to their membership. More information about the podcast add-on is found here. Special Inside Orchard bundle pricing is available for Above Avalon members. Additional membership customization is available via the Financial Models add-ons.
Apple Reinstates Epic Games’ EU Developer Account, The European Commission’s Dilemma, Why Apple Should Remain in the EU
Hello everyone. Welcome to a new week.
Approximately 13 hours after publishing last Thursday’s update, which came out late at night ET, we received news that Apple had reinstated Epic Games Sweden’s Apple Developer Account in the EU. This created another fiasco on social media, including Epic Games co-founder and CEO Tim Sweeney going after me on X (Twitter) for last Thursday's update.
In today’s update, we will take a closer look at the situation. The discussion will address a few points that appear to be circulating on social media.
Let’s jump in.
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Apple Terminates Epic Games’ New EU Developer Account, Apple's Calculations, Apple’s Correct Decision
Hello everyone. We didn’t get too far from our European Commission discussion before being pulled back in with yet another controversy involving Apple and Epic Games.
Let’s jump right in.
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An audio version of the newsletter is available to members who have the podcast add-on attached to their membership. More information about the podcast add-on is found here. Special Inside Orchard bundle pricing is available for Above Avalon members. Additional membership customization is available via the Financial Models add-ons.
Apple Unveils Updated MacBook Air, Apple Positions MacBook Air as AI Laptop, MacBook Air and Productivity
Hello everyone. We continue to tackle Apple news items. Next up: The updated MacBook Air. Apple unveiled the new computers on Monday. There were a few things in the press release that jumped out at me. Let's jump right in.
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An audio version of the newsletter is available to members who have the podcast add-on attached to their membership. More information about the podcast add-on is found here. Special Inside Orchard bundle pricing is available for Above Avalon members. Additional membership customization is available via the Financial Models add-ons.
EU Fines Apple $2B for Not Giving Spotify a Free Pass, The European Commission’s Missing Logic, Apple’s Response
Hello everyone. Today’s update will be focused on the European Commission fining Apple $2B for its App Store anti-steering provision. There’s quite a bit to discuss. Let’s jump right in.
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An audio version of the newsletter is available to members who have the podcast add-on attached to their membership. More information about the podcast add-on is found here. Special Inside Orchard bundle pricing is available for Above Avalon members. Additional membership customization is available via the Financial Models add-ons.
Apple Adds Dozens of Licensed Movies to Apple TV+, More Signs of Apple TV+ Momentum, Apple Video Revenue Drivers
Hello everyone. Happy Monday. It's already turning into a busy week for Apple. Today's update will be focused on several Apple TV+ developments and Apple’s broader video play.
Let’s jump right in.
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Choose either a monthly or annual membership. 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 membership status at any time. Contact me with any questions.
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An audio version of the newsletter is available to members who have the podcast add-on attached to their membership. More information about the podcast add-on is found here. Special Inside Orchard bundle pricing is available for Above Avalon members. Additional membership customization is available via the Financial Models add-ons.
Wall Street’s Muted Reaction to Project Titan, Where Does CarPlay Stand?, Apple’s Growth Prospects
Hello everyone. Happy Leap Day.
There are a few follow-ups to yesterday’s Project Titan discussion. We will begin with Wall Street’s reaction to Apple halting Project Titan. Our attention will then turn to Apple CarPlay and Apple’s remaining growth prospects.
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An audio version of the newsletter is available to members who have the podcast add-on attached to their membership. More information about the podcast add-on is found here. Special Inside Orchard bundle pricing is available for Above Avalon members. Additional membership customization is available via the Financial Models add-ons.
Apple Halts Project Titan, A Warning Sign for EVs, Apple and Moonshots
Hello everyone.
Over the past 10 years, Above Avalon has followed nearly every Project Titan twist and turn. It would not surprise me to learn that Above Avalon was responsible for more words written about Project Titan than any other publication.
Today’s update will be dedicated to news of Apple halting Project Titan.
Let’s jump right in.
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Choose either a monthly or annual membership. 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 membership status at any time. Contact me with any questions.
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An audio version of the newsletter is available to members who have the podcast add-on attached to their membership. More information about the podcast add-on is found here. Special Inside Orchard bundle pricing is available for Above Avalon members. Additional membership customization is available via the Financial Models add-ons.
Samsung “Unveils” Galaxy Ring at MWC, Dispelling the Apple Ring Rumor, My Skepticism Regarding an Apple Smart Ring
Multiple outlets are reporting Apple will be winding down Project Titan. There is plenty to talk about. We will cover it all tomorrow. For today’s update, we will focus on another rumored product that likely won’t see a release anytime soon: an Apple smart ring.
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An audio version of the newsletter is available to members who have the podcast add-on attached to their membership. More information about the podcast add-on is found here. Special Inside Orchard bundle pricing is available for Above Avalon members. Additional membership customization is available via the Financial Models add-ons.
Walmart Buys Vizio, Walmart vs. Amazon, Revisiting the Roku Story
We go over my thoughts on Walmart buying Vizio. The discussion includes a closer look at the Walmart vs. Amazon competitive battle. We also revisit Roku’s strategy and the massive holes in the company’s story.
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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 membership status at any time.
An audio version of this update is available to members who have the podcast add-on attached to their membership. More information about the podcast add-on is found here. Special Inside Orchard bundle pricing is available for Above Avalon members. Additional membership customization is available via the Financial Models add-on.