Above Avalon

I am back from Cupertino and Apple's Mac keynote. Episode 80 is focused on the new MacBook Pro. We begin the episode with a few observations I had after attending the presentation. The conversation then turns to defining the Mac within Apple's product line. The Grand Unified Theory of Apple Products is revisited to assess how the Mac has been doing in relation to the iPad and iPhone. After going over three possible paths forward for the Mac, we spend time discussing which option Apple chose and why the new MacBook Pro is such a big bet for Apple. After discussing Microsoft Surface Studio, the episode concludes with a look at The Apple Innovation Feedback Loop that ties everything together. To become an Above Avalon member, visit AboveAvalon.com/membership.

Episode 79 is focused on Apple's video content strategy. Signs point to Apple building its own Hollywood arm dedicated to original content. After going over Apple's long history of trying to rethink TV and video content, we discuss why video content is so important to Apple. We then discuss Apple's current video strategy, which includes a twist involving Apple Music and a dedicated Apple Studios division within Apple. The discussion then turns to the question of whether or not Apple should acquire Netflix to kick its video strategy into high gear. We conclude with a big picture view of how Apple looks at original video content within its boarder product lineup. To become an Above Avalon member, visit AboveAvalon.com/membership.

There is only one genuine battle for the wrist, and it is between Fitbit and Apple Watch. Episode 78 is all about Apple Watch Series 2 and Apple putting Apple Watch on a fitness detour. We begin by going over the impressions I get from using Apple Watch Series 2 for the past few weeks. The discussion turns to the strategy behind the new Apple Watches. We then take a deep dive into the Apple Watch's competitive landscape and why Fitbit is being underestimated. The episode concludes with a closer at why Fitbit is succeeding and Apple's goal in going after Fitbit. To become an Above Avalon member, visit AboveAvalon.com/membership.

Episode 77 is all about iPhone 7. Since the iPhone 7 should not be discussed in isolation, we begin the episode by going over some of the major themes impacting the iPhone business over the past year. The discussion turns to the impressions I get from using a Jet Black iPhone 7 Plus for the past two weeks. We then take a deep dive into the dual-camera system found with the Plus model and go over why I think the feature is such a big deal. The episode concludes with some big picture ideas as to how we will look back at the iPhone 7 in a few years. To become an Above Avalon member, visit AboveAvalon.com/membership.

I am back from San Francisco. In episode 76, we discuss the most intriguing new product to be unveiled at Apple's keynote. AirPods are not just a pair of bluetooth headphones or an iPhone accessory. Instead, AirPods represent Apple's second wearables platform. After going over my experience using AirPods, we dive into the strategy behind the product. We discuss how Apple will likely expand AirPods into a platform as they did with Apple Watch. The discussion then turns to my view on the upcoming Apple Experience era and where AirPods fit into Apple's future product portfolio. To become an Above Avalon member, visit AboveAvalon.com/membership.

The narrative surrounding Apple Services has taken on a life of its own. In episode 75, we dispel the myth that Apple is becoming a services company. After discussing how this myth began, we take a closer look at the actual story involving Apple services. The episode then covers Apple's long-standing goals for services and why Apple will end up doubling down on hardware in order to grow its services business. Additional topics include the logic behind Apple getting involved with music and video, "Apple as a service," and Project Titan's potential involvement with services down the road. More information on Above Avalon memberships can be found at AboveAvalon.com/membership.

Episode 74 is dedicated to discussing how Jony's power and control within Apple is increasingly making people uncomfortable with the company's direction. Apple has doubled down on its design-led philosophy. We go over the history of why Steve Jobs gave power to Apple's industrial designers and why this is now leading to Apple receiving a growing amount of criticism from some of its most loyal users. We then take a closer look at Apple's product line to see how some of the most widely-held points of criticism ultimately lead back to Jony. More information on Above Avalon memberships can be found at AboveAvalon.com/membership.

Apple Watch and Apple Music shared something in common with each other in the beginning. They lacked simplicity. After going over the definition of simplicity, we dissect where Apple Watch and Apple Music lack simplicity and what I suspect contributed to this situation. We then look at Apple's WWDC keynote this past June to see how Apple plans on addressing this lack of simplicity. More information on Above Avalon memberships can be found at AboveAvalon.com/membership.

The iPad has turned the corner. In episode 72, we take a look at the iPad business and the factors that give me confidence that fundamental elements of the business are beginning to improve. The episode begins with an overview of the iPad's early days and vast promise. This is followed by a discussion of why the iPad mini marked a turning point that kicked off the product's dark days. After going over the iPad's problems in recent years, we discuss the three reasons that give me confidence the iPad is moving to a point of stabilization. More information on Above Avalon memberships can be found at AboveAvalon.com/membership.

In this special edition episode, we discuss the primary theme from Apple's 3Q16 earnings. Even though Apple reported its weakest quarter in 15 years, AAPL shares increased as the company beat Wall Street expectations. Upon closer examination, it would appear that this expectations surprise had more to do with near-term results than 2017 trends. We then look at the iPhone business with a focus on the company's channel inventory drawdown and 4Q revenue guidance to reach a deeper understanding of how Apple management may be navigating Wall Street's expectations. More information on Above Avalon memberships can be found at AboveAvalon.com/membership.