Lots of Questions (AVALON)
In the 30th episode of the AVALON podcast, instead of coming up with predictions for Apple at the start of 2026, Neil embraces the unknown found with a new calendar year by looking at questions facing the company in the new year.
Become a subscriber to listen to the 64-minute episode. Already an AVALON subscriber? The episode “Lots of Questions” is in your podcast player.
Choose a monthly subscription or go with annual to save. (Charges can be expensed by your employer as the podcast is filled with analysis and research. If you need paid invoice receipts, go with the annual plan.)
Upon signup, you will receive a welcome email with directions for getting the podcast in your player. AVALON can be listened to in Apple Podcasts and various third-party podcast players including Pocket Casts, Overcast, and Castro.
If you currently subscribe to the Above Avalon Daily newsletter (great choice), with the Podcasts Package attached to your subscription, you get the AVALON podcast for FREE. This is one of the best deals available in the Above Avalon ecosystem.
If you subscribe to Above Avalon Daily without the Podcasts Package, no worries - you still receive a large 40% discount. Pay just an extra $6 per month (or $60 per year) for AVALON by filling out this form.
Why AI Slop Worries Me (Inside Orchard)
The feeling circulating on social media, where much of AI mania lives and breathes, is that AI slop is the next iteration of the short form video revolution. There is a certain level of inevitableness in the air that videos generated by text prompts are the future. Since complaints and worries regarding short form video didn’t stop TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts from becoming giants, there are growing fears that nothing may stop AI slop momentum. I am genuinely concerned and worried about where things are headed.
By lowering the bar to creating videos, we are being introduced to visual stimuli designed to hijack our expectations and emotions. AI slop is causing us to become desensitized to genuine storytelling. An example of generative AI going astray demonstrates this dynamic. Prior to generative AI, a video of cars sliding down an icy street did well in terms of getting views on social media. The audience would be glued to such videos as the outcome wouldn’t exactly be known. For those of us familiar with winter driving, the videos likely caused us to think of our own close calls on ice or snow. Thanks to generative AI, one can now create their own “car sliding on ice” video. Anyone can create a video depicting an orange Lamborghini losing control on ice, hitting bystanders, and then, to add some spice at the end, sinking in a body of water. Watching the extreme scene (which never happened) unfold, we go through what has become the normal routine of initially being shocked by what we are watching but then quickly suspecting it’s AI and having our suspicions confirmed by checking the video’s comments section.
Some people may ask what harm is found with watching a fake Lamborghini slide on ice. Am I picking too much on AI slop simply because it’s new and different?
Become an Inside Orchard subscriber today to continue reading. Already a subscriber? Sign in and read the full essay here.
An audio version of this essay is also available to Inside Orchard subscribers. Sign in for instructions on getting the private podcast up and running in your favorite podcast player.
Choose either a monthly or annual subscription. Payment is processed by Memberful and secured by Stripe. Apple Pay and other mobile payment options are accepted. Special bundle pricing is available when subscribing to both Inside Orchard and the Above Avalon Daily newsletter.
Subscriber Privileges and Benefits
Receive Exclusive Essays. The cornerstone of an Inside Orchard subscription is access to Neil’s essays on the latest developments in the technology industry. Weekly essays are ~1,000 words and sent via email. Essays revolve around the following topics: technology industry analysis, business model analysis, technology’s impact on societal and consumer trends. Create a free profile to read a few sample essays.
Access Exclusive Private Podcast. Listen to Inside Orchard essays via an exclusive private podcast. After becoming a subscriber, all previously-published podcast episodes become available in your favorite podcast player. Podcast episodes never become available to the public.
Inside Orchard Support. Play an active role in supporting Inside Orchard as an independent source of analysis and perspective. Inside Orchard is 100% supported by its subscribers.
Chase to Take Over Apple Card From Goldman, Possible Apple Card Changes, A Different Sales Proposition for Apple Vision Pro?
Today's Above Avalon Daily update includes the following stories:
Chase to Take Over Apple Card From Goldman
Possible Apple Card Changes
A Different Sales Proposition for Apple Vision Pro?
We wrap up the first week of updates in 2026 with Apple Card. The update goes over Neil’s thoughts on news that Chase will officially be taking over Apple Card from Goldman Sachs. The discussion covers possible changes that will eventually come to Apple Card. We conclude the update with Apple Vision Pro. One comment that came in from a subscriber to yesterday’s LA Lakers in Apple Immersive Video discussion deserves our attention.
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.
Getting Ready for LA Lakers in Apple Immersive Video, A Big Deal, What’s Next?
Today's Above Avalon Daily update includes the following stories:
Getting Ready for LA Lakers in Apple Immersive Video
A Big Deal
What’s Next?
We kick things off with Neil’s thoughts on new details regarding the upcoming LA Lakers games that will be available in Apple Immersive Video. The discussion then turns to why these games are such a big deal for Apple and Apple Vision Pro. We conclude with Neil’s thoughts on how all of this may play out when thinking about the next steps and Apple’s broader ambition.
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.
Apple Questions for 2026
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.
Approximately 35 questions are addressed.
An Above Avalon Daily subscription is required to read this 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 Above Avalon 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.
Wrapping up 2025 (AVALON)
In the 29th episode of the AVALON podcast, Neil recapped some of the most interesting Apple stories from 2025.
In 2025, 168 Above Avalon Daily updates consisting of approximately 450 stories were published. To close out 2025, an idea that came to Neil 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.
In AVALON episode 29, Neil discusses a handful of the most intriguing stories from his Top 20 list.
Become a subscriber to listen to the 56-minute episode. Already an AVALON subscriber? The episode “Wrapping up 2025” is in your podcast player.
Choose a monthly subscription or go with annual to save. (Charges can be expensed by your employer as the podcast is filled with analysis and research. If you need paid invoice receipts, go with the annual plan.)
Upon signup, you will receive a welcome email with directions for getting the podcast in your player. AVALON can be listened to in Apple Podcasts and various third-party podcast players including Pocket Casts, Overcast, and Castro.
If you currently subscribe to the Above Avalon Daily newsletter (great choice), with the Podcasts Package attached to your subscription, you get the AVALON podcast for FREE. This is one of the best deals available in the Above Avalon ecosystem.
If you subscribe to Above Avalon Daily without the Podcasts Package, no worries - you still receive a large 40% discount. Pay just an extra $6 per month (or $60 per year) for AVALON by filling out this form.
The Ball Is Back in Judge Gonzalez Rogers’ Court (AVALON)
In the 28th 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)
The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals rules on App Store anti-steering injunction.
Real-world implications arising from the ruling.
My expectations for what Judge Gonzalez Rogers will do next.
Lighting Round (two topics two minutes each)
Jeff Williams to Disney’s board.
Pebble unveils a smart ring.
Give Me a Break (something ridiculous that jumped out at me)
The Disney / OpenAI Sora partnership.
Tell Me More (something intriguing that has my attention)
EVs / autonomy doesn’t make sense for a car ownership model.
Become a subscriber to listen to the 75-minute episode. Already an AVALON subscriber? The episode “The Ball Is Back in Judge Gonzalez Rogers’ Court” is in your podcast player.
Choose a monthly subscription or go with annual to save. (Charges can be expensed by your employer as the podcast is filled with analysis and research. If you need paid invoice receipts, go with the annual plan.)
Upon signup, you will receive a welcome email with directions for getting the podcast in your player. AVALON can be listened to in Apple Podcasts and various third-party podcast players including Pocket Casts, Overcast, and Castro.
If you currently subscribe to the Above Avalon Daily newsletter (great choice), with the Podcasts Package attached to your subscription, you get the AVALON podcast for FREE. This is one of the best deals available in the Above Avalon ecosystem.
If you subscribe to Above Avalon Daily without the Podcasts Package, no worries - you still receive a large 40% discount. Pay just an extra $6 per month (or $60 per year) for AVALON by filling out this form.
Something Smells Fishy (AVALON)
In the 27th 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)
John Giannandrea steps down.
Kate Adams / Lisa Jackson retire.
Alan Dye leaves Apple for Meta.
Bloomberg's Johny Srouji article.
Something smells fishy with Bloomberg and others regarding recent events.
Lighting Round (two topics two minutes each)
Netflix wins Warner Bros. Discovery auction (for now).
Apple Fitness+ expansion.
Give Me a Break (something ridiculous that jumped out at me)
Chart / exhibit weaponization (Bloomberg on Apple executive changes)
Tell Me More (something intriguing that has my attention)
Why other companies poaching Apple employees doesn’t rank high on Neil’s “Apple risks” list.
Become a subscriber to listen to the 85-minute episode. Already an AVALON subscriber? The episode “Something Smells Fishy” is in your podcast player.
Choose a monthly subscription or go with annual to save. (Charges can be expensed by your employer as the podcast is filled with analysis and research. If you need paid invoice receipts, go with the annual plan.)
Upon signup, you will receive a welcome email with directions for getting the podcast in your player. AVALON can be listened to in Apple Podcasts and various third-party podcast players including Pocket Casts, Overcast, and Castro.
If you currently subscribe to the Above Avalon Daily newsletter (great choice), with the Podcasts Package attached to your subscription, you get the AVALON podcast for FREE. This is one of the best deals available in the Above Avalon ecosystem.
If you subscribe to Above Avalon Daily without the Podcasts Package, no worries - you still receive a large 40% discount. Pay just an extra $6 per month (or $60 per year) for AVALON by filling out this form.
Above Avalon Daily Year in Review 2025 – The Top 20 Apple Stories of 2025 (#10 to #1)
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 conclude the review by going over the #10 to #1 stories (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.
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.
Above Avalon Gifts (2025 Holidays)
Above Avalon Gifts are available for the 2025 holiday season. This is the one time each year when various options are available for gifting an Above Avalon Daily subscription and the accompanying packages and bundles.
The deadline to purchase a gift is December 24th at 8 pm ET.
The following one-time gifts (with a defined end date) are available:
$50.00 - for a 6-month subscription to the AVALON podcast.
$90.00 - for a 3-month subscription to Above Avalon Daily (with Podcasts Package). *POPULAR OPTION*
$100.00 - for a 12-month subscription to Inside Orchard.
$105.00 - for a 3-month subscription to Above Avalon Daily (with Podcasts Package and Inside Orchard) *POPULAR OPTION*
$120.00 - for a 6-month subscription to Above Avalon Daily.
$200.00 - for a 12-month subscription to Above Avalon Daily. *POPULAR OPTION*
$300.00 - for a 12-month subscription to Above Avalon Daily (with Podcasts Package).
$350.00 - for a 12-month subscription to Above Avalon Daily (with Podcasts Package and Inside Orchard).
Gifting an Above Avalon Daily subscription makes for a very unique gift, especially for that person who seemingly has everything. To purchase a gift, use the following button (or this online form).
To purchase a recurring gift (no end date), use the regular signup forms found here. If buying a recurring gift, use your name and email address on the signup form. Reach out to Neil (via the contact form found on this page) with the gift recipient's contact information and message (optional).
Group gifts are also available – send a unique gift to a group of friends, family, or investment clubs. Gift two or more 12-month Above Avalon Daily subscriptions on a recurring basis and receive 10% off. The discount rises to 20% if you gift two or more 12-month Above Avalon Daily subscriptions bundled with the Podcasts Package and Inside Orchard (i.e. the Above Avalon Bundle). For group membership gifts, you can reach out to Neil (via the contact form found on this page) with your interest and a customized gift and payment form will be created.
For all gifts, on a date of your choosing, your gift recipient will receive a welcome message informing them of the gifted subscription and how to get up and running. You have the option of adding a personalized message to this welcome email. All gifted memberships begin on January 5th, 2026, although your gift recipient can begin using their subscription(s) as soon as they are alerted of the gift.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
Become a subscriber to continue listening to the 81-minute episode. Already an AVALON subscriber? The episode “Is That a Case on Your iPhone?” is in your podcast player.
Choose a monthly subscription or go with annual to save. (Charges can be expensed by your employer as the podcast is filled with analysis and research. If you need paid invoice receipts, go with the annual plan.)
Upon signup, you will receive a welcome email with directions for getting the podcast in your player. AVALON can be listened to in Apple Podcasts and various third-party podcast players including Pocket Casts, Overcast, and Castro.
If you currently subscribe to the Above Avalon Daily newsletter (great choice), with the Podcasts Package attached to your subscription, you get the AVALON podcast for FREE. This is one of the best deals available in the Above Avalon ecosystem.
If you subscribe to Above Avalon Daily without the Podcasts Package, no worries - you still receive a large 40% discount. Pay just an extra $6 per month (or $60 per year) for AVALON by filling out this form.
What if We Spread This Process Out (AVALON Podcast Episode)
In the 27th 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)
The Financial Times' article regarding Apple CEO succession.
Why Apple does deliberate leaks.
Defining the Apple CEO role.
My short list for Tim Cook successors.
How I see Apple CEO succession playing out / what Apple should do.
Lighting Round (two topics two minutes each)
Apple confirms no ad-tier in Apple TV (for now).
Is there an AI bubble?
Give Me a Break (something ridiculous that jumped out at me)
People losing their minds over iPhone Pocket.
Tell Me More (something intriguing that has my attention)
New vs. old/legacy media. Why does new media still elevate old/legacy media in terms of authority and relevancy?
Listen to the first four minutes of the episode below:
Become a subscriber to continue listening to the 69-minute episode. Already an AVALON subscriber? The episode “What if We Spread This Process Out” is in your podcast player.
Choose a monthly subscription or go with annual to save. (Charges can be expensed by your employer as the podcast is filled with analysis and research. If you need paid invoice receipts, go with the annual plan.)
Upon signup, you will receive a welcome email with directions for getting the podcast in your player. AVALON can be listened to in Apple Podcasts and various third-party podcast players including Pocket Casts, Overcast, and Castro.
If you currently subscribe to the Above Avalon Daily newsletter (great choice), with the Podcasts Package attached to your subscription, you get the AVALON podcast for FREE. This is one of the best deals available in the Above Avalon ecosystem.
If you subscribe to Above Avalon Daily without the Podcasts Package, no worries - you still receive a large 40% discount. Pay just an extra $6 per month (or $60 per year) for AVALON by filling out this form.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.