Above Avalon Episode 168: The Paid Membership Model

This past week marked the fifth anniversary of Neil launching Above Avalon membership. Above Avalon continues to thrive with a sustainable business model based solely on paid memberships. In episode 168, Neil gives a behind-the-scenes look at Above Avalon’s business model. Additional topics include: Above Avalon’s history, Neil’s “secrets” to success, and his largest challenges found with a paid membership model.

Receive Neil’s analysis and perspective on Apple throughout the week via exclusive daily updates (2-3 stories per day, 10-12 stories per week). Available to Above Avalon members. To sign up and for more information on membership, visit AboveAvalon.com/membership.   

Links:

Above Avalon Membership Turns Five Years Old (Above Avalon weekly article)

Above Avalon Membership info page (signup forms, sample daily updates, list of member privileges and benefits, answers to frequently asked questions)

Above Avalon Daily Updates (list of headlines for stories found in approximately 1,000 updates going back to May 2015)

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Apple Podcasts

Overcast

RSS (for your favorite podcast player)

The complete Above Avalon Podcast episode archive (168 episodes) is available here.

Follow on Twitter

Neil Cybart (host/producer)

Above Avalon

The Above Avalon Podcast

Above Avalon Members

Above Avalon Episode 160: Let's Talk "Apple Tax"

Apple’s ability to grab monopoly-like share of industry profits isn’t a result of there being an Apple Tax. Rather, it's a byproduct of Apple following a design-led product strategy that ultimately marginalizes industries. In episode 160, Neil discusses the theory behind the “Apple Tax,” Apple’s pricing strategy, and why the days of there being an Apple Tax ended years ago. Additional topics include Apple gross margin trends, two major implications associated with Apple’s pricing strategy, and a few narrative violations found with Apple’s revenue and gross profit optimization playbook. Receive Neil’s analysis and perspective on Apple throughout the week via exclusive daily updates (2-3 stories per day, 10-12 stories per week). Available to Above Avalon members. To sign up and for more information on membership, visit AboveAvalon.com/membership.   

Links:

The “Apple Tax” Died Years Ago

Why Apple Products Are So Expensive (Business Insider Video)

Above Avalon membership page

Above Avalon Daily Updates (full list of story topics)

Above Avalon Gifts (Various gifting options are available for the 2019 holiday season)

Subscribe:

Apple Podcasts

Overcast

RSS (for your favorite podcast player)

The complete Above Avalon Podcast episode archive (160 episodes) is available here.

Follow on Twitter

Neil Cybart (host/producer)

Above Avalon

The Above Avalon Podcast

Above Avalon Members

Above Avalon Episode 159: AirPods as a Platform

Apple is turning AirPods into a platform for what comes after the App Store. AirPods will augment our environment by pushing intelligent sound. In the first episode of Season 6, Neil goes over how AirPods have evolved from an iPhone accessory into the early stages of a platform well positioned to reshape the current app paradigm for the wearables era. Additional topics include the AirPods Pro launch, AirPods Pro initial impressions, AirPods sales, examples of AirPods as a platform, and the three sources from which AirPods will derive its platform power. Receive Neil’s analysis and perspective on Apple throughout the week via exclusive daily updates (2-3 stories per day, 10-12 stories per week). Available to Above Avalon members. To sign up and for more information on membership, visit AboveAvalon.com/membership.   

Links:

AirPods Are Becoming a Platform

More on AirPods Becoming a Platform, Apple Owns the Wireless Headphone Market

Above Avalon Podcast Episode 76: AirPods

Above Avalon Podcast Episode 85: AirPods and the Battle for Our Ears

Above Avalon Podcast Episode 141: Viral AirPods

Neil’s AirPods Sales and 3Q19 Installed Base Estimates

Neil’s updated Apple earnings model (includes quarterly AirPods sales estimates)

Above Avalon membership page

Subscribe:

Apple Podcasts

Overcast

RSS (for your favorite podcast player)

The complete Above Avalon Podcast episode archive (159 episodes) is available here.

Follow on Twitter

Neil Cybart (host/producer)

Above Avalon

The Above Avalon Podcast

Above Avalon Members