Above Avalon

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Above Avalon takes a weekly look into Apple. By examining Apple from both a Wall Street and Silicon Valley perspective, Above Avalon provides unique insight and perspective as to how Apple thinks about the world.

Neil Cybart


    • Jun 2, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 33m AVG DURATION
    • 122 EPISODES

    4.8 from 136 ratings Listeners of Above Avalon that love the show mention: avalon, aapl, analysis of apple, apple centric, ben thompson, neil's, smart analysis, wall street, analyst, apple podcast, logical, technology, data, strategy, technical, company, financial, product, focused, essential.


    Ivy Insights

    The Above Avalon podcast is an amazing source of insight and analysis on all things Apple. Whether you're an investor, enthusiast, or just a plain Apple nerd, this podcast offers something for everyone. Neil Cybart, the host of the podcast, is a keen observer who provides a macro view on where Apple and its products are heading. His analysis covers financial, technical, and cultural aspects, making it informative and entertaining to listen to.

    One of the best aspects of this podcast is Neil's thoroughness and thoughtfulness behind his analysis. He brings together different perspectives and resources to provide a detailed view of Apple's future direction. His commentary goes beyond just Apple and also includes insights into other players in the industry. This makes the podcast a must-listen for anyone interested in where technology may be heading.

    The only downside to this podcast is that there is only one host. While Neil does a fantastic job on his own, having another person to bounce ideas off of could bring even more depth to the discussions. However, this minor criticism does not take away from the overall quality of the content.

    In conclusion, The Above Avalon podcast is highly recommended for anyone interested in Apple or technology in general. Neil Cybart's insightful analysis and clear exposition make for an enjoyable listening experience. It's a must-listen for those who want a deeper understanding of Apple's business strategy and product development.



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    Latest episodes from Above Avalon

    Above Avalon Episode 190: A Quick Update and Introducing An All-New Podcast

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 2, 2025 9:57


    Show Notes:Above Avalon Discord invite: https://discord.com/invite/GedGApVn4uCheck out AVALON's new minisite: https://www.aboveavalon.com/avalonCheck out a quick video recapping my AVALON announcement here (YouTube) or here (AboveAvalon.com).Listen to AVALON by becoming a subscriber (no Above Avalon membership is required, although members receive special pricing):$10/month: https://app.moonclerk.com/pay/3rgpnjplshh7$100/year: https://app.moonclerk.com/pay/66zphi7fpihlFollow on X:Neil Cybart Above Avalon AVALONFollow on Threads:Neil Cybart Above Avalon AVALONFollow AVALON on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/avalonpodcastFollow AVALON on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AvalonPod

    Above Avalon Episode 189: Apple Is in a League of Its Own

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 9, 2022 21:17


    Receive Neil's analysis and perspective on Apple throughout the week via exclusive daily updates. The updates, which have become widely read and influential in the world of Apple, provide timely analysis of news impacting Apple and its competitors. Neil also publishes exclusive reports on Apple business, product, and financial strategy. The daily updates and reports are available to Above Avalon members. To sign up and for more information on membership, visit the membership page.Show Notes:Apple Is in a League of Its OwniPhone new users: 60 million per year (a five-year high)Apple Watch new users: 30 million per year (an all-time high)iPad new users: 30 million per year (an eight-year high)Mac new users: 15 million per year (an all-time high)Subscribe:RSS Feed (can be used to add the podcast to your favorite podcast reader)Apple PodcastsTwitterThe complete Above Avalon Podcast episode archive (189 episodes) is available here.Follow on Twitter:Neil Cybart (host/producer)Above Avalon The Above Avalon PodcastAbove Avalon Daily Updates

    Above Avalon Episode 188: Apple Closed Its M&A Wallet

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 20, 2021 27:28


    Receive Neil's analysis and perspective on Apple throughout the week via exclusive daily updates (3 stories per day, 12 stories per week). Available to Above Avalon members. To sign up and for more information on membership, visit the membership page. Show Notes / Links:Apple's Extremely Quiet Year for M&ASubscribe:Apple PodcastsOvercastRSS (for your favorite podcast player)The complete Above Avalon Podcast episode archive (188 episodes) is available here.Follow on Twitter:Neil Cybart (host/producer)Above Avalon The Above Avalon PodcastAbove Avalon Daily Updates

    Above Avalon Episode 187: Thoughts on Apple Watch Series 7

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 16, 2021 27:53


    Receive Neil's analysis and perspective on Apple throughout the week via exclusive daily updates (3 stories per day, 12 stories per week). Available to Above Avalon members. To sign up and for more information on membership, visit the membership page. Show Notes / Links:The Apple Watch Series 7 Is Great (Above Avalon Article)The Number of Apple Watches in the Wild, Apple Watch Adoption Estimates, Apple Watch Upgrading Trends (Above Avalon Daily Update)More on Apple Watch Series 7, Apple Watch vs. iPhone Sales, Apple Watch Installed Base Mix by Model (Above Avalon Daily Update)Above Avalon Daily Updates (story headlines and summaries for 1,200+ updates)Subscribe:Apple PodcastsOvercastRSS (for your favorite podcast player)The complete Above Avalon Podcast episode archive (187 episodes) is available here.Follow on Twitter:Neil Cybart (host/producer)Above Avalon The Above Avalon PodcastAbove Avalon Daily Updates

    Above Avalon Episode 186: The iPhone 13 Has Arrived

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 25, 2021 25:04


    Show Notes / Links:Hands-on with the iPhone 13 ProHANDS-ON with the iPhone 13 Pro (Unboxing and initial impressions) - YouTubeThe iPhone 13 Test, The Driver Behind iPhone Momentum, Early Thoughts on iPhone 13 SalesSubscribe:Apple PodcastsOvercastRSS (for your favorite podcast player)The complete Above Avalon Podcast episode archive (186 episodes) is available here.Follow on Twitter:Neil Cybart (host/producer)Above Avalon The Above Avalon PodcastAbove Avalon Daily Updates

    Above Avalon Episode 185: A Memoji Bridge to Mixed Reality

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 28, 2021 24:22


    Show Notes / Links:Apple's Big Bet on Memoji More on Memoji and Apple Mixed Reality, Facebook Earnings, The Problem With Zuckerberg's MetaverseWWDC 2021 ReviewApple Acquires NextVR, Apple Glasses in 2022?, A Wearables Platform for the FaceApple Acquires SpacesBecome an Above Avalon MemberSubscribe:Apple PodcastsOvercastRSS (for your favorite podcast player)The complete Above Avalon Podcast episode archive (185 episodes) is available here.Follow on Twitter:Neil Cybart (host/producer)Above Avalon The Above Avalon PodcastAbove Avalon Daily Updates

    Above Avalon Episode 184: Let's Talk WWDC 2021

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 26, 2021 37:24


    Receive Neil's analysis and perspective on Apple throughout the week via exclusive daily updates (3 stories per day, 12 stories per week). Available to Above Avalon members. To sign up and for more information on membership, visit the membership page. Show Notes / Links:Apple's Missed Opportunity at WWDCWWDC 2021 ReviewMore on Apple's Missed Opportunity at WWDC, My Ideas on Apple Watch Strategy Changes, Rethinking Apps on the WristAbove Avalon Membership Subscribe:Apple PodcastsOvercastRSS (for your favorite podcast player)The complete Above Avalon Podcast episode archive (184 episodes) is available here.Follow on Twitter:Neil Cybart (host/producer)Above Avalon The Above Avalon PodcastAbove Avalon Daily Updates

    Above Avalon Episode 183: A Ten-Year Lead in Wearables

    Play Episode Listen Later May 29, 2021 23:52


    Six years after releasing the Apple Watch, it’s still not clear who is going to represent genuine competition for Apple in the wearables space. In episode 183, Neil discusses the series of events have come together to give Apple a wearables lead of not just a few years but more like a decade. Additional topics include Apple wearables sales (unit sales and revenue) and the three components of Apple’s wearables lead. Receive Neil’s analysis and perspective on Apple throughout the week via exclusive daily updates (3 stories per day, 12 stories per week). Available to Above Avalon members. To sign up and for more information on membership, visit the membership page.

    Above Avalon Episode 182: Apple’s Underestimated Manufacturing Apparatus

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 17, 2021 20:16


    Apple is quietly and gradually showing us that the phase “Designed by Apple in California Assembled in China” will evolve. In episode 182, Neil goes over the changes taking place within Apple’s supply chain and manufacturing apparatus. The discussion includes a breakdown of where Apple products are manufactured and the relationship between Apple and its contract manufacturers. Receive Neil’s analysis and perspective on Apple throughout the week via exclusive daily updates (3 stories per day, 12 stories per week). Available to Above Avalon members. To sign up and for more information on membership, visit the membership page.

    Above Avalon Episode 181: Let's Talk Apple Retail

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 13, 2021 22:04


    When asked to identify Apple’s crown jewel, most will point to the iPhone or iPad. Apple’s retail operations probably wouldn’t be too high on many people’s lists. This is a mistake. In episode 181, Neil discusses Apple’s retail operations with a focus on where Apple Retail is headed and what changes are needed. Discussion topics include the three distinct phases that Apple Retail has experienced, the roles that Apple stores need to play going forward, and the three big bets that Apple is placing with its stores. Receive my analysis and perspective on Apple throughout the week via exclusive daily updates (3 stories per day, 12 stories per week). Available to Above Avalon members. To sign up and for more information on membership, visit the membership page.

    Above Avalon Episode 180: 100 Million Wrists

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 13, 2021 27:56


    According to my estimate, 100 million people now wear an Apple Watch. This means that approximately 10% of iPhone users wear an Apple Watch. In episode 180, Neil discusses these installed base and adoption figures as part of a larger discussion regarding Apple Watch’s sales momentum, growth potential, and roles in Apple’s ecosystem. Receive my analysis and perspective on Apple throughout the week via exclusive daily updates (3 stories per day, 12 stories per week). Available to Above Avalon members. To sign up and for more information on membership, visit the membership page.

    Above Avalon Episode 179: Winning the Buyback Debate

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 16, 2021 21:02


    After years of criticism, doubt, and questions surrounding Apple’s share buyback program, we are at a point where we can say with confidence that the buyback debate has ended and Apple was declared the winner. In episode 179, Neil goes over how the buyback debate began and why so many people underestimated Apple’s ability to both buy back shares and invest in its future at the same time. Receive my analysis and perspective on Apple throughout the week via exclusive daily updates (3 stories per day, 12 stories per week). Available to Above Avalon members. To sign up and for more information on membership, visit the membership page.

    Above Avalon Episode 178: Welcome to 2021

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 16, 2021 23:49


    Episode 178 is dedicated to going over Apple’s 2020 and where the company finds itself as we enter 2021. The episode goes over the first Above Avalon year in review that was published for 2020. Neil discusses his five favorite Above Avalon weekly articles from 2020 and the sub themes that were found in the 196 daily updates published in 2020.  Receive my analysis and perspective on Apple throughout the week via exclusive daily updates (3 stories per day, 12 stories per week). Available to Above Avalon members. To sign up and for more information on membership, visit the membership page.

    Above Avalon Episode 177: The Rise of the Small Display

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 5, 2020 27:16


    While the pandemic is pushing people to embrace larger displays like iPads and Macs, the momentum found with smaller displays is still flying under the radar. In episode 177, Neil discusses how analysis of Apple device display size popularity can be used to gain insight into Apple’s ecosystem and quest to make technology more personal. Receive my 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 the membership page.

    Above Avalon Episode 176: The Mac Earned a Diploma

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 21, 2020 27:19


    The Mac is seeing momentum by being true to itself instead of trying to be something that it’s not. With a transition to Apple Silicon, the product category is now benefiting from lessons Apple learned from more popular devices aimed at the mass market. As the Above Avalon podcast enters its seventh season, episode 176 is dedicated to discussing the Mac’s Apple Silicon and what may come next for the Mac. Additional topics include the Apple Silicon transition being akin to a graduation for the Mac, the Apple Innovation Feedback Loop, and overlap between the iPad Pro and Mac portables. 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 in both written and audio forms. To sign up and for more information on membership, visit AboveAvalon.com/membership.

    Above Avalon Episode 175: iPhone at a Billion

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 31, 2020 26:33


    According to Neil’s estimate, Apple surpassed the billion iPhone users milestone last month. With the iPhone upgrade cycle approaching a plateau of four to five years, Apple is well-positioned to report record iPhone unit sales. In episode 175, Neil discusses the current state of the iPhone business as it surpasses a billion users. Topic include: iPhone unit sales, iPhone sales mix broken out by iPhone upgrades and new users, the iPhone installed base, Apple’s top priorities for iPhone, peak iPhone, and more. 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 in both written and audio forms. To sign up and for more information on membership, visit AboveAvalon.com/membership.

    Above Avalon Episode 174: Apple Watch Is a Runaway Train

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 3, 2020 22:41


    While the tech press spent years infatuated with stationary smart speakers and the idea of voice-only interfaces, it was the Apple Watch and utility on the wrist that ushered in a new paradigm shift in computing. In episode 174, Neil discusses how Apple Watch momentum is building. The product category resembles a runaway train as no company is in a position to slow it down. Additional topics include the stationary smart speaker mirage, Neil’s Apple Watch installed base estimates, how Apple Watch derives its momentum, and Apple’s health platform. 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 in both written and audio forms. To sign up and for more information on membership, visit AboveAvalon.com/membership.   

    Above Avalon Episode 173: Let's Talk App Store

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 12, 2020 30:11


    As Apple pulls away from the competition, the App Store is considered the best (and last) chance for competitors to reshape the mobile industry to their liking. In episode 173, Neil examines how competitors are waging a guerrilla war against Apple and the App Store. The discussion then turns to Neil unveiling a new podcast called Above Avalon Daily. 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.

    Above Avalon Episode 172: Hidden Acceleration

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 15, 2020 25:23


    Apple’s underlying ecosystem strength has been gaining momentum for years - it’s just been masked by people holding on to their iPhones for longer before upgrading. In episode 172, Neil quantifies how much Apple’s ecosystem is growing. Additional topics include the problem found with using overall revenue trends to analyze Apple growth, the Apple Services myth, and why non-iPhone revenue growth matters so much. 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.

    Above Avalon Episode 171: The Apple Ecosystem

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 25, 2020 29:08


    Apple’s ecosystem ends up being about more than just a collection of devices or services. Apple has been quietly building something much larger, and it’s still flying under the radar. In episode 171, Neil examines what Apple’s ecosystem derives its power from and why loyalty and satisfaction rates increase as customers move deeper in the Apple ecosystem. Additional topics include The Grand Unified Theory of Apple Products, Apple as a design company, how non-Apple hardware can serve as a Trojan horse for Apple, and how Apple’s ecosystem can evolve. 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.   

    Above Avalon Episode 170: Pulling Away From the Competition

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 4, 2020 27:37


    In episode 170, Neil examines how Apple is pulling away from the competition to a degree that we haven’t ever seen before. Given how we are just now entering the wearables era, implications of this shift will be measured in the coming decades, not years. Additional topics include WWDC 2020, Apple’s revised product strategy, the competitive landscape, and Apple’s lead in wearables. 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. 

    Above Avalon Episode 169: The Business of Predicting Turns

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 13, 2020 25:56


    Financial market commentators have been stumped by the stock market’s resiliency during the pandemic. Maybe they shouldn't be so surprised. In episode 169, Neil examines the question of whether or not Wall Street tried to predict the pandemic’s turn without actually knowing what such a turn would look like. Additional topics include two truths when it comes to how Wall Street functions, the various predictions for Apple, lessons found with Wall Street’s nature of predicting turns, and how predicting turns ends up being about predicting when calmness will enter and leave the market. 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.

    Above Avalon Episode 168: The Paid Membership Model

    Play Episode Listen Later May 16, 2020 33:14


    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.   

    Above Avalon Episode 167: A Stock Buyback Poster Child

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 25, 2020 27:03


    Share buyback is one of a handful of tools that boards and management teams have to properly manage balance sheets. However, economic fallout related to the pandemic has led to a new round of criticism aimed at buyback. In episode 167, Neil discusses how Apple has become the poster child of responsible share repurchases. Additional topics include: Apple’s recent stock buyback activity, Neil’s expectation for Apple’s upcoming update to its buyback program, the latest criticism surrounding buyback, repurchasing shares in a pandemic, and the harsh reality found with stock buybacks. 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.

    Above Avalon Episode 166: Uncharted Territory

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 28, 2020 27:47


    Apple and its peers find themselves in the most difficult operating environment they have ever faced. In episode 166, Neil discusses Apple’s strategy for navigating the coronavirus pandemic. Additional topics include the various challenges Apple is currently facing, Apple’s toolmaking mission, how society doesn’t stop during a pandemic, and why strong brands get stronger during difficult times. 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.

    Above Avalon Episode 165: The iPad's First Decade

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 29, 2020 30:55


    There was no shortage of writers, pundits, and industry analysts using the iPad’s 10th anniversary las month to give eulogies for the product in terms of its inability to be revolutionary, grab momentum, or even just meet expectations. In episode 165, Neil discusses his perspective on the iPad’s first decade and why we shouldn’t feel bad for the iPad. Additional topics include a different way of looking at the iPad unveiling in 2010, how the iPad foreshadowed iPhone success, how Apple pivoted the iPad, the iPad’s primary problem today, and how the iPad’s value is found in letting the product be itself. 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.   

    Above Avalon Episode 164: Competing with Spotify

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 15, 2020 26:02


    We are entering a new chapter in music streaming. In episode 164, Neil discusses how Spotify’s attempt to evolve from a dedicated music streaming service to an audio company ends up reflecting broader changes in the music streaming space. Additional topics include Spotify earnings, the music streaming war between Spotify and Apple Music, the problem with Spotify’s current business, roadblocks / advantages facing Spotify as it evolves into a different kind of company, and why Apple shouldn’t ignore Spotify’s evolution. 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.

    Above Avalon Episode 163: A Revolution on the Wrist

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 8, 2020 33:05


    In addition to being a sales success, the Apple Watch has ushered in a paradigm shift in computing. In episode 163, Neil discusses how the Apple Watch is fundamentally changing the way we use technology. Additional topics include paradigm shifts, Apple Watch sales, Apple’s new Apple Watch Connected initiative, stationary smart speakers as extensions of existing products, and Neil’s new framework for recognizing paradigm shifts in computing. 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.

    Above Avalon Episode 162: The Apple Question

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 18, 2020 32:50


    At the start of a new year, there is less value found in coming up with predictions than there is in looking at questions facing the company. In episode 162, Neil goes over his list of questions for Apple in 2020, and the discussion culminates with one overarching question that covers Apple’s largest challenge and opportunity. Additional topics include why predictions contain so little value, the number of Apple users, and Apple in emerging markets. 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.

    apple avalon above avalon
    Above Avalon Episode 161: Apple's Spectacular Year on Wall Street

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 21, 2019 31:06


    Something has clearly changed when it comes to the way Wall Street is treating AAPL. For the first time with Tim Cook as CEO, Apple shares are trading at a premium to the overall market. In episode 161, Neil discusses how changing behavior as it relates to passive versus active investing may be creating a type of perfect storm for AAPL shares. Additional discussion topics include Apple’s valuation, free cash flow, momentum shifting to passive investing, and Warren Buffett. 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.

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

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 14, 2019 35:21


    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.

    Above Avalon Episode 159: AirPods as a Platform

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 23, 2019 37:16


    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.   

    Above Avalon Episode 158: Forced to Sell

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 9, 2019 30:35


    How did Fitbit go from being considered the wearables leader to viewing a $2.1B acquisition as its best hope for shareholders to recoup any value? What led Fitbit to run out of options as an independent company? In episode 158, Neil discusses how Apple Watch forced Fitbit to sell itself. Additional topics include Google’s acquisition offer for Fitbit, how Apple Watch redefined the wrist wearables industry, and the most damning evidence of Fitbit’s demise. 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.   

    Above Avalon Episode 157: Let's Talk Apple and China

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 19, 2019 26:26


    Apple finds itself amidst another controversy regarding removing HKmap.live from the App Store in Hong Kong. However, Apple is facing a different kind of backlash this time. Episode 157 is dedicated to discussing Neil’s thoughts on Apple doing business in China. Additional topics include Tim Cook’s engagement philosophy, Apple’s tool-making mission, and kowtowing to governments. Receive Neil’s analysis and perspective on Apple throughout the week by becoming an Above Avalon member and receiving exclusive daily updates. To become a member, visit AboveAvalon.com/membership.   

    Above Avalon Episode 156: Apple's Content Distribution Arm

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 5, 2019 37:02


    Content distribution has been a major theme for Apple in 2019. In episode 156, Neil goes over how Apple’s revised content distribution arm is structured. Neil also goes over his estimates for how much revenue and gross profit Apple’s content distribution arm can generate by FY2022. Additional discussion topics include the difference between Apple’s paid content bundles and content platforms, Neil’s initial estimates for the number of subscribers Apple will be able to grab for Apple TV+, Apple Arcade, and Apple News+, and why Apple’s new paid bundles will likely have lower profits than the App Store. Receive Neil’s analysis and perspective on Apple throughout the week by becoming an Above Avalon member and receiving exclusive daily updates. To become a member, visit AboveAvalon.com/membership.   

    Above Avalon Episode 155: The Apple Keynote

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 21, 2019 38:03


    Apple keynotes remain some of the most valuable marketing events in today’s media landscape. Episode 155 is dedicated to going over Neil’s thoughts on the Apple keynote. Discussion topics include the odd criticism facing Apple keynotes, the three primary benefits Apple derives from them, how the Apple keynote has evolved, and areas in which Apple can improve the keynote. Receive Neil’s analysis and perspective on Apple throughout the week by becoming an Above Avalon member and receiving exclusive daily updates. To become a member, visit AboveAvalon.com/membership.   

    Above Avalon Episode 154: Which iPhone Is That?

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 7, 2019 42:26


    Naming iPhones is more art than science. In episode 154, Neil shares his thoughts on Apple’s iPhone naming strategy. The episode includes an oral history of iPhone nomenclature followed by a discussion of where Apple can bring iPhone naming in the future. Neil also goes over why the art of naming iPhones even matters when looking at the big picture. Receive Neil’s analysis and perspective on Apple throughout the week by becoming an Above Avalon member and receiving exclusive daily updates. To become a member, visit AboveAvalon.com/membership.

    Above Avalon Episode 153: The Bundler of Bundles

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 31, 2019 44:07


    In episode 153, Neil discusses the strategy behind Apple TV+. Additional topics include the Apple TV app, five fundamental issues plaguing the paid video streaming market, Netflix’s business model, and what success in paid video streaming looks like for Apple. Receive Neil’s analysis and perspective on Apple throughout the week by becoming an Above Avalon member and receiving exclusive daily updates. To become a member, visit AboveAvalon.com/membership.

    Above Avalon Episode 152: Let's Talk Wearables

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 10, 2019 34:36


    Apple is the undisputed leader in wearables, and they are pulling away from the competition. In Episode 152, Neil discusses how Apple’s wearables business can be thought of a train gaining momentum. Competitors face declining odds of being able to stop the train. Additional topics include Apple’s wearables performance in 3Q19, wearables as a percent of overall Apple gadget unit sales, Apple wearables revenue, the factors behind Apple’s wearables success, and why wearables represent a paradigm shift in computing.

    Above Avalon Episode 151: Apple's Financial Tug-of-War

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 27, 2019 31:36


    A different kind of Above Avalon podcast episode - dedicated to discussing why earnings are so intriguing to Neil. After going over the two ways to utilize quarterly earnings, Neil goes over some of his expectations for Apple’s 3Q19 and how Apple is currently facing a financial tug-of-war. Receive Neil’s analysis and perspective on Apple throughout the week by becoming an Above Avalon member and receiving exclusive daily updates. To become a member, visit AboveAvalon.com/membership.   

    Above Avalon Episode 150: A Larger Apple Machine

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 20, 2019 27:19


    The recent Jony Ive and Jeff Williams news has been met with mixed reactions. In episode 150, we discuss why the leadership changes neither signify a company moving away from design or hardware nor suggest that management is facing some kind of growth crisis. Upon closer examination, the Jony Ive and Jeff Williams news are byproducts of Apple evolving into a much larger design company. Additional topics include the various growth narratives facing Apple, the growing Apple installed base, and the Apple machine. Receive my analysis and perspective on Apple throughout the week by becoming an Above Avalon member and receiving exclusive daily updates. To become a member, visit AboveAvalon.com/membership.   

    Above Avalon Episode 149: Letting Go of the Rope

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 22, 2019 37:19


    Despite there being no discernible change to the grand vision behind Apple’s product development, there does appear to be a noteworthy change in strategy. Episode 149 is dedicated to discussing how Apple’s product strategy has changed from a pull system to a push system. Additional topics include product-related implications raised by Apple’s revised strategy, the Grand Unified Theory of Apple Products, and why I’m hesitant about some aspects of the change. Receive my analysis and perspective on Apple throughout the week by becoming an Above Avalon member and receiving exclusive daily updates. To become a member, visit AboveAvalon.com/membership.

    Above Avalon Episode 148: Apple's Billion Users

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 1, 2019 32:22


    Apple has reached a level of ecosystem strength that still hasn’t been fully digested by the marketplace. In episode 148, we discuss Apple’s ecosystem ahead of the company’s developers conference. Additional topics include how I estimated the total number of Apple users, various revenue per user figures for different parts of Apple’s user base, the difference between Apple in 2019 and the 1990s, and how wearables represent one of Apple’s key growth opportunities. Receive my analysis and perspective on Apple throughout the week by becoming an Above Avalon member and receiving exclusive daily updates. To become a member, visit AboveAvalon.com/membership.   

    Above Avalon Episode 147: A Faster Bumper Car

    Play Episode Listen Later May 18, 2019 33:14


    In episode 147, we take a look at the changing competitive landscape facing the giants (Amazon, Apple, Facebook, Google, and Microsoft). Comparing the situation to bumper cars, we discuss why Google and Facebook have the slower cars that are no longer able to hide within the traffic. Additional topics include deep dives into three competitive battles in particular: Apple vs. Google, Apple vs. Facebook, and Amazon vs. Facebook vs. Google. Receive my analysis and perspective on Apple throughout the week by becoming an Above Avalon member and receiving exclusive daily updates. To become a member, visit AboveAvalon.com/membership.   

    Above Avalon Episode 146: Tackling Apple's Excess Cash

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 27, 2019 37:28


    In what has become an annual trend, Apple uses FY2Q earnings to also update its share buyback authorization and quarterly cash dividend. In episode 146, we preview the changes Apple will likely announce to its capital return program. The discussion begins by going over how Apple has adjusted its buyback pace following U.S. tax reform and why the company will eventually have to cut back on buyback. We then go over my expectations for what Apple’s board will approve in terms of increases to the buyback authorization and quarterly cash dividend. Additional topics include the debate surrounding Apple capital return and why the company has so few viable options for spending excess cash. Receive my analysis and perspective on Apple throughout the week by becoming an Above Avalon member and receiving exclusive daily updates. To become a member, visit AboveAvalon.com/membership.

    Above Avalon Episode 145: It's All About Curation

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 13, 2019 32:28


    At Apple’s recent event at Steve Jobs Theater, the company unveiled its revamped content distribution arm. Episode 145 is dedicated to discussing Apple’s new content distribution services: Apple News+, Apple Arcade, and Apple TV+. Instead of just announcing services for consuming more content, Apple unveiled a strategy for curating content for its user base of a billion people, something that I am calling “Curation for Casual.” The discussion also goes over how curation explains Apple’s move into original content. Additional topics include a few surprises unveiled at Apple’s Services event, the history behind Apple’s video distribution strategy, the changing content consumption landscape, and Apple’s content distribution arm eventually being considered a core technology powering Apple devices. Receive my analysis and perspective on Apple throughout the week by becoming an Above Avalon member and receiving exclusive daily updates. To become a member, visit AboveAvalon.com/membership.

    Above Avalon Episode 144: Checking Up on iPad

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 23, 2019 35:03


    In recent years, the iPad line has undergone transformational changes. In episode 144, we look at Apple’s broader iPad strategy to add context to the newest updates involving the iPad mini and iPad Air. The episode kicks off with my thoughts on the new devices. The discussion then turns to the three sales phases that have come to define the iPad business over the years. Additional topics include Peak iPad mini, how Apple is following an iPhone / Mac hybrid approach when it comes to iPad updates, whether the iPad line is too complex or complicated, and observations on the current iPad line. Receive my analysis and perspective on Apple throughout the week by becoming an Above Avalon member and receiving exclusive daily updates. To become a member, visit AboveAvalon.com/membership.   

    Above Avalon Episode 143: Look at the Capex

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 16, 2019 30:31


    For the first time in 16 years, Apple expects its capital expenditures (capex) to decline during the current fiscal year. Episode 143 is dedicated to discussing capex and how the financial metric provides a different look at how Apple is unique in comparison to its largest peers. Additional topics include defining capex, the theories behind Apple’s declining capex, the dramatic capex shift occurring among the Wall Street giants, and how capex shines light on a company’s cash-generating machine. Receive my analysis and perspective on Apple throughout the week by becoming an Above Avalon member and receiving exclusive daily updates. To become a member, visit AboveAvalon.com/membership.

    Above Avalon Episode 142: Rethinking the Smart Home

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 23, 2019 37:37


    In one word, the smart home has been disappointing. Episode 142 is focused on why the way we think about digital homes is in need of a major reset. After going over my thoughts on the current state of the smart home, we take a closer look at Apple’s vision for the home and why the company is likely looking to revamp its broader home strategy. Additional topics include how Amazon and Google have used voice to hijack the smart home in order to push alternative visions and Apple hiring Sam Jadallah to lead its various home initiatives. We also discuss how Apple can revamp its home strategy and why the smart home path is going to be bumpy going forward. Receive my analysis and perspective on Apple throughout the week by becoming an Above Avalon member and receiving exclusive daily updates. To become a member, visit AboveAvalon.com/membership.   

    Above Avalon Episode 141: Viral AirPods

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 16, 2019 34:08


    There’s a remarkable story found with AirPods. Nearly two years after launch, AirPods began to go viral at the end of November 2018. In December, search interest was up 500%. This is unprecedented for an Apple product. In episode 141, we take a deep dive into the AirPods phenomenon and how the product became part of culture. Additional topics include AirPods unit sales, the size of the AirPods user base, the keys to success in wearables, and thinking of wearables as battles for real estate on our wrists, ears, eyes, and body. Receive my analysis and perspective on Apple throughout the week by becoming an Above Avalon member and receiving exclusive daily updates. To become a member, visit AboveAvalon.com/membership.   

    Above Avalon Episode 140: Let's Talk Content

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 26, 2019 39:44


    Some of Apple’s recent decisions regarding content distribution have sparked a debate. Is Apple embracing a new kind of strategy that elevates services at the expense of hardware? Episode 140 is dedicated to going over Apple’s content distribution strategy and how the company is looking to leverage its user base in an effort to establish one of the more formidable content distribution arms in existence. Additional topics include Apple’s history as a content distributor, how streaming is changing content consumption, misconceptions surrounding Apple’s content distribution strategy, the sudden collapse in stationary speaker buzz, Apple’s goals for its content distribution arm, and the various challenges facing the company.

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