Apple Responds to iPhone Throttling Allegation, Alternatives to iPhone Throttling, Apple's Underlying Older iPhone Problem
Today's Above Avalon email includes the following stories:
- Apple Responds to iPhone Throttling Allegation
- Alternatives to iPhone Throttling
- Apple's Underlying Older iPhone Problem
Today's email is dedicated to Apple confirming that it limits CPU performance in older iPhones. We go over how the allegations surrounding Apple throttling older iPhones put a renewed spotlight on the Apple planned obsolescence theory. The email concludes with a closer look at what I think is the underlying problem facing Apple regarding throttling older iPhones.
These stories are available for Above Avalon members. To continue reading, click here.
Become an Above Avalon member to read today's stories and receive future stories in a daily email containing 2-3 stories (10-12 stories/week). You can use the payment forms/links below to sign up ($20/month or $200/year). For more information on membership, click here.
U.S. Tax Bill and AAPL Valuation, China Smartphone Players Cut Orders, Adidas Exits Wrist Wearables
Today's Above Avalon email includes the following stories:
- U.S. Tax Bill and AAPL Valuation
- China Smartphone Players Cut Orders
- Adidas Exits Wrist Wearables
We kick off today's email with my thoughts regarding how the U.S. tax bill being signed into law may impact AAPL's valuation. The discussion then turns to a new report indicating China smartphone manufacturers are cutting orders due to weakening demand. The email concludes with Adidas getting out of the wrist wearables market. We look at the news from Apple's perspective.
These stories are available for Above Avalon members. To continue reading, click here.
Become an Above Avalon member to read today's stories and receive future stories in a daily email containing 2-3 stories (10-12 stories/week). You can use the payment forms/links below to sign up ($20/month or $200/year). For more information on membership, click here.
Apple Valuation Metrics, WSJ's Odd Stance on Apple Taxes, Huawei to Expand in U.S.
Today's Above Avalon email includes the following stories:
- Apple Valuation Metrics
- WSJ's Odd Stance on Apple Taxes
- Huawei to Expand in U.S.
We begin today's email with a look at current AAPL valuation metrics. We also compare Apple's stock valuation to the overall market and various sectors. The discussion then turns to the WSJ arguing the new U.S. tax bill targets tech companies' strategies of booking profits offshore. The WSJ's claims don't sit well with me. We conclude with news of Huawei looking to expand its presence in the U.S. smartphone market.
These stories are available for Above Avalon members. To continue reading, click here.
Become an Above Avalon member to read today's stories and receive future stories in a daily email containing 2-3 stories (10-12 stories/week). You can use the payment forms/links below to sign up ($20/month or $200/year). For more information on membership, click here.
Final U.S. Tax Bill Unveiled, Apple's New Effective Tax Rate, AirPods Sell Out
Today's Above Avalon email includes the following stories:
- Final U.S. Tax Bill Unveiled
- Apple's New Effective Tax Rate
- AirPods Sell Out
We kick off today's email with a look at the compromised version of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the U.S. tax bill). Specifically, we discuss the parts of the tax bill that will impact Apple. The discussion turns to my initial thoughts on Apple's new effective tax rate going forward. The email concludes with news of AirPods selling out with one week left to the critical holiday gift season.
These stories are available for Above Avalon members. To continue reading, click here.
Become an Above Avalon member to read today's stories and receive future stories in a daily email containing 2-3 stories (10-12 stories/week). You can use the payment forms/links below to sign up ($20/month or $200/year). For more information on membership, click here.
Apple Talks HomePod Delay, Apple and Finisar, Thursday Q&A
Today's Above Avalon email includes the following stories:
- Apple Talks HomePod Delay
- Apple and Finisar
- Thursday Q&A
We kick off today's email with a closer look at Apple SVP Phil Schiller's comments on the HomePod delay and the broader smart speaker space. The discussion then turns to Finisar receiving $390 million from Apple's Advanced Manufacturing Fund. We end the email with the latest installment of member Q&A, and I answer the following questions from Above Avalon members:
- Who does Apple think of when they refer to a "professional"?
- With a new Mac Pro in the works, what is the likelihood that the iMac Pro will remain in the line given that the two machines will essentially go after the same market?
- What do I make of supply chain rumors indicating iPhone X component orders are being slashed?
These stories are available for Above Avalon members. To continue reading, click here.
Become an Above Avalon member to read today's stories and receive future stories in a daily email containing 2-3 stories (10-12 stories/week). You can use the payment forms/links below to sign up ($20/month or $200/year). For more information on membership, click here.
Apple Has Too Much Cash, Apple's M&A Strategy, iMac Pro Reviews
Today's Above Avalon email includes the following stories:
- Apple Has Too Much Cash
- Apple's M&A Strategy
- iMac Pro Reviews
We kick off today's email by continuing the discussion found in the latest Above Avalon weekly article, "The End to Apple's Cash Dilemma." Specifically, we look at the idea of Apple holding too much cash on the balance sheet. We then take a closer look at Apple's M&A strategy, including historical data for how much Apple has spent on acquisitions in recent years. The email concludes with some of my thoughts on iMac Pro and the initial round of reviews.
These stories are available for Above Avalon members. To continue reading, click here.
Become an Above Avalon member to read today's stories and receive future stories in a daily email containing 2-3 stories (10-12 stories/week). You can use the payment forms/links below to sign up ($20/month or $200/year). For more information on membership, click here.
Apple Announces Shazam Acquisition, Playing Devil's Advocate with Shazam, Apple Launches App Store Pre-Orders
Today's Above Avalon daily update includes the following stories:
Apple Announces Shazam Acquisition
Playing Devil's Advocate with Shazam
Apple Launches App Store Pre-Orders
We kick off today's email with additional discussion on Apple announcing its intention to acquire Shazam. We go over why I continue to think the deal is about more than just music. In addition, we go over the evidence pointing to a Shazam acquisition being about music in order to see both sides of the debate. The email concludes with my thoughts on Apple launching a new App Store feature for developers: pre-orders.
Above Avalon membership is required to read this daily update. Members can read the update here.
Above Avalon Membership
Above Avalon members receive the full Above Avalon experience throughout the week.
The cornerstone of Above Avalon membership is access to Neil’s exclusive daily updates about Apple. Daily updates are 2,000 words and sent via email Monday through Thursday. Updates revolve around the following topics:
Apple business and strategy analysis.
Neil’s perspective and observations on current news and Apple competitors.
Neil’s Apple financial estimates.
Full coverage of Apple earnings, product events, and keynotes.
If it is of interest to Apple, it is something I pay attention to.
Member Privileges and Benefits
Receive Exclusive Daily Updates. The cornerstone of Above Avalon membership is access to Neil’s exclusive daily updates about Apple. Each email is 2,000 words and includes Neil’s analysis and perspective on the most important stories and news impacting Apple. Unlike other paid emails that may sporadically talk about Apple, every Above Avalon daily update is focused on Apple. New updates are sent Monday through Thursday. Approximately 200 daily updates published throughout the year. Sample daily updates can be viewed here, here, and here. Members have the option of receiving a consolidated weekly version of the daily updates. In addition, an RSS feed is available for members. The daily updates can also be consumed in audio via the Above Avalon Daily podcast (available to members as an add-on feature).
Access Reports and Neil’s Earnings Model. Members have access to Above Avalon reports, which are in-depth examinations of Apple's business and financial strategy. Each report is 4,000 to 5,000 words and covers one Apple topic. Members also have access to Neil’s working Apple earnings model (an Excel file that also works in Numbers). The model is fully functional and adjustable with the ability to alter earnings drivers. Reports and Neil’s earnings model are available to members at no additional cost.
Email Priority. Receive priority when it comes to having email questions and inquiries answered. Neil personally answers all inquiries, including any customer service matters related to your membership.
Archive Access. Read more than 1,100 daily updates and five reports that have been previously sent to members. The Above Avalon member archive is unmatched in the marketplace in terms of the sheer amount of Apple analysis found in one location. The daily updates archive can be viewed here while the reports archive is available here.
Member Forum Access. Join other Above Avalon members in an active forum containing in-depth discussion and debate. While most private member forums have limited participation, the Above Avalon member forum has become known as one of the more vibrant private communities dedicated to Apple. Members live in 55 countries and hold a diverse range of backgrounds and occupations. There is a specific forum channel for members to share AAPL stock and options trading strategies. Neil moderates and participates in the forum. The forum is run through Slack and can be accessed here.
Receive Above Avalon Weekly Articles via Email. Receive the weekly Above Avalon articles via email. This feature is only available to members.
Member Meet-ups. Meet Neil and other Above Avalon members to discuss Apple and other related news items. Prior meet-ups have taken place in San Francisco, Cupertino, and San Jose. Future meet-ups are possible in other cities.
Above Avalon Support. Play an active role in supporting Above Avalon as an independent source of Apple analysis. Above Avalon is fully sustained by its members.
Apple Redefines Jony Ive's Responsibility, Connecting the Apple Design Dots, Apple Plans to Acquire Shazam
Today's Above Avalon daily update includes the following stories:
Apple Redefines Jony Ive's Responsibility
Connecting the Apple Design Dots
Apple Plans to Acquire Shazam
We kick off today's email with a deep dive into Apple's statement regarding Apple's design teams once again reporting to Jony Ive. The discussion then turns to how we are seeing clues pointing to some kind of change taking place within Apple design. We connect the dots to see what may be going on here. The email concludes with my initial thoughts on the idea of Apple acquiring Shazam.
Above Avalon membership is required to read this daily update. Members can read the update here.
Above Avalon Membership
Above Avalon members receive the full Above Avalon experience throughout the week.
The cornerstone of Above Avalon membership is access to Neil’s exclusive daily updates about Apple. Daily updates are 2,000 words and sent via email Monday through Thursday. Updates revolve around the following topics:
Apple business and strategy analysis.
Neil’s perspective and observations on current news and Apple competitors.
Neil’s Apple financial estimates.
Full coverage of Apple earnings, product events, and keynotes.
If it is of interest to Apple, it is something I pay attention to.
Member Privileges and Benefits
Receive Exclusive Daily Updates. The cornerstone of Above Avalon membership is access to Neil’s exclusive daily updates about Apple. Each email is 2,000 words and includes Neil’s analysis and perspective on the most important stories and news impacting Apple. Unlike other paid emails that may sporadically talk about Apple, every Above Avalon daily update is focused on Apple. New updates are sent Monday through Thursday. Approximately 200 daily updates published throughout the year. Sample daily updates can be viewed here, here, and here. Members have the option of receiving a consolidated weekly version of the daily updates. In addition, an RSS feed is available for members. The daily updates can also be consumed in audio via the Above Avalon Daily podcast (available to members as an add-on feature).
Access Reports and Neil’s Earnings Model. Members have access to Above Avalon reports, which are in-depth examinations of Apple's business and financial strategy. Each report is 4,000 to 5,000 words and covers one Apple topic. Members also have access to Neil’s working Apple earnings model (an Excel file that also works in Numbers). The model is fully functional and adjustable with the ability to alter earnings drivers. Reports and Neil’s earnings model are available to members at no additional cost.
Email Priority. Receive priority when it comes to having email questions and inquiries answered. Neil personally answers all inquiries, including any customer service matters related to your membership.
Archive Access. Read more than 1,100 daily updates and five reports that have been previously sent to members. The Above Avalon member archive is unmatched in the marketplace in terms of the sheer amount of Apple analysis found in one location. The daily updates archive can be viewed here while the reports archive is available here.
Member Forum Access. Join other Above Avalon members in an active forum containing in-depth discussion and debate. While most private member forums have limited participation, the Above Avalon member forum has become known as one of the more vibrant private communities dedicated to Apple. Members live in 55 countries and hold a diverse range of backgrounds and occupations. There is a specific forum channel for members to share AAPL stock and options trading strategies. Neil moderates and participates in the forum. The forum is run through Slack and can be accessed here.
Receive Above Avalon Weekly Articles via Email. Receive the weekly Above Avalon articles via email. This feature is only available to members.
Member Meet-ups. Meet Neil and other Above Avalon members to discuss Apple and other related news items. Prior meet-ups have taken place in San Francisco, Cupertino, and San Jose. Future meet-ups are possible in other cities.
Above Avalon Support. Play an active role in supporting Above Avalon as an independent source of Apple analysis. Above Avalon is fully sustained by its members.
Apple Watch Interest Hits Inflection Point, Apple Developing Power Management Chips, Smartphone Consolidation in China
Today's Above Avalon email includes the following stories:
- Apple Watch Interest Hits Inflection Point
- Apple Developing Power Management Chips
- Smartphone Consolidation in China
We kick off today's email with a closer look at an interesting observation I came across in wrist wearables land. Consumer interest in Apple Watch hit an inflection point in recent weeks. We discuss the topic in greater detail. Our focus then turns to news of Apple developing its own power management chips. The discussion concludes with my thoughts on one of the more noteworthy developments unfolding in China's smartphone market: massive consolidation. Five brands now make up more than 90% of smartphone sales in China.
These stories are available for Above Avalon members. To continue reading, click here.
Become an Above Avalon member to read today's stories and receive future stories in a daily email containing 2-3 stories (10-12 stories/week). You can use the payment forms/links below to sign up ($20/month or $200/year). For more information on membership, click here.
iPhone Sales Share Plummets in October, Comparing New iPhone Sales Pace to Previous Years, Google Removes YouTube from Fire TV
Today's Above Avalon email includes the following stories:
- iPhone Sales Share Plummets in October
- Comparing New iPhone Sales Pace to Previous Years
- Google Removes YouTube from Fire TV
Today's first story goes over new data that shows iPhone sales share declined in October in a number of key markets. The discussion then turns to comparing the iPhone 8, 8 Plus, and X sales pace to iPhone sales in previous years (iPhone 6, 6s, and 7). How are the newest iPhones selling relative to the iPhone sales pace in 2014, 2015, and 2016? The email concludes with my thoughts and observations on Google declaring war on Amazon in video streaming land. There is more to the story than meets the eye.
These stories are available for Above Avalon members. To continue reading, click here.
Become an Above Avalon member to read today's stories and receive future stories in a daily email containing 2-3 stories (10-12 stories/week). You can use the payment forms/links below to sign up ($20/month or $200/year). For more information on membership, click here.
CVS to Buy Aetna, Apple COO Jeff Williams Talks Health, FDA Approves First Apple Watch Accessory
Today's Above Avalon email includes the following stories:
- CVS to Buy Aetna
- Apple COO Jeff Williams Talks Health
- FDA Approves First Apple Watch Accessory
We kick off today's email by discussing the huge M&A news in the healthcare industry - CVS wants to buy Aetna. After going over my thoughts on the acquisition, we go over how the deal is likely being driven by Silicon Valley and what the deal means for Apple. The discussion then turns to Apple COO Jeff Williams talking about a variety of health-related topics to CNBC. We conclude with a closer look at AliveCor's KardiaBand, the first FDA-approved medical accessory for Apple Watch. We go over two primary takeaways from the product and its potential impact on the Apple Watch platform.
These stories are available for Above Avalon members. To continue reading, click here.
Become an Above Avalon member to read today's stories and receive future stories in a daily email containing 2-3 stories (10-12 stories/week). You can use the payment forms/links below to sign up ($20/month or $200/year). For more information on membership, click here.
Smart Speaker Market Isn't What It Seems, Apple Considering Lower Entry-Level iPad Pricing, U.S. Senate Passes Tax Bill
Today's Above Avalon email includes the following stories:
- Smart Speaker Market Isn't What It Seems
- Apple Considering Lower Entry-Level iPad Pricing
- U.S. Senate Passes Tax Bill
We kick off today's email by continuing the discussion found in last week's AboveAvalon.com article ("A Stationary Smart Speaker Mirage"). Specifically, we address some of the pushback to my thesis. The discussion then turns to the latest iPad rumor involving Apple thinking about cutting entry-level iPad pricing. We go over why I think the company is considering the move. The email concludes with my thoughts on where things stand regarding Apple following the U.S. Senate passing its bill rewriting the U.S. tax code.
These stories are available for Above Avalon members. To continue reading, click here.
Become an Above Avalon member to read today's stories and receive future stories in a daily email containing 2-3 stories (10-12 stories/week). You can use the payment forms/links below to sign up ($20/month or $200/year). For more information on membership, click here.