Above Avalon

Apple management is buying back shares like there's no tomorrow. In episode 90, we discuss how a path has appeared where Apple management can realistically buy back 50% of AAPL's outstanding shares within three years. After first going over some basics concerning share buyback, we address a few myths that have been circulating about share repurchases. We then go over the steps Apple management would need to follow to repurchase 50% of its shares. The episode concludes with a big picture view of Wall Street's reaction to Apple and its buyback program. To become an Above Avalon member, visit AboveAvalon.com/membership.

In episode 89, we take a deep dive into one of the major themes found in Apple's 1Q17 earnings report. Apple's reported iPad sales number was quite weak, leading some to make assumptions about the product's fundamentals. We go over the results, including all of the moving pieces behind the scenes. The discussion also includes a broader reflection on the iPad's seventh anniversary and its place within Apple's changing product line. The episode concludes with a look at whether or not 1Q17 results changed my overall view that the iPad business has already turned the corner and is continuing to stabilize. To become an Above Avalon member, visit AboveAvalon.com/membership.

Tim Cook is a different type of CEO leading a different kind of company. In episode 88, we tackle the difficult task of grading Tim Cook's performance as Apple CEO. The discussion includes a broader look at Apple's leadership structure and evidence that Cook relies on an inner circle to lead Apple's operations and corporate strategy. The episode concludes with a closer look at seven key criteria used to judge Apple's performance, including a report card for Cook's inner circle. To become an Above Avalon member, visit AboveAvalon.com/membership.

Episode 87 is focused on how the competitive landscape in tech is changing. As Apple celebrates the tenth anniversary of the iPhone unveiling, the battle for our attention is broadening into a massive land grab for the most valuable real estate in our lives. After going over the winners in the current tech landscape, we look at some of the key factors that are redrawing the competitive lines. We then spend time focused on the three main areas of competition: the body, automobile, and home. The episode concludes with a discussion of this new landscape from the perspective of Apple. To become an Above Avalon member, visit AboveAvalon.com/membership.

January is a great time to embrace the unknown found with a new calendar year. One way of doing this is to come up with a list of questions for the new year. In episode 86, we discuss my list of Apple questions for 2017. Topics include iPhone, Apple Watch, AirPods, Mac, iPad, Apple TV, iOS 11, Apple Music, Services, Project Titan, Wall Street, Apple Industrial Design, and a few wildcards. To become an Above Avalon member, visit AboveAvalon.com/membership.

In episode 85, we go over how AirPods kick off Apple's battle for our ears. After discussing Apple's motivation behind AirPods, we go over my initial impressions from using AirPods for the past week. We then follow a few additional points, including my thoughts on AirPods sales estimates and how AirPods represent a window into a wearables world. The episode concludes with a look at how AirPods are Apple's flagship weapon in its quest for our ears. To become an Above Avalon member, visit AboveAvalon.com/membership.

Episode 84 is focused on analyzing the smartwatch industry. Apple is consolidating power within the smartwatch industry at an alarming rate. We begin with a refresher as to the motivation and rationale for smartwatches in a smartphone world. The discussion then turns to smartwatch industry sales data with a closer look at the winners and losers. Next, we go over the four factors that best explain why Apple Watch is the best-selling smartwatch. The episode concludes with my thoughts and observations on new developments that will impact where the smartwatch market is headed. To become an Above Avalon member, visit AboveAvalon.com/membership.

Apple is betting now is the time to double down on the iPhone to build one of the world's most formidable tech ecosystems. Episode 83 begins with a discussion about Apple's iPhone strategy. The company has learned from mistakes made with the Mac in the early 1990s. We then discuss Apple's quest for new users and why Tim Cook shouldn't be judged as a product visionary or salesperson. The episode then discusses the cracks forming at Apple's edges and why it feels like something is off with Apple. Additional topics include the major risk Apple is facing by doubling down on the iPhone and the company's need to attack itself in order to remain revlevant. To become an Above Avalon member, visit AboveAvalon.com/membership.

In this special edition episode, the focus is on Above Avalon. I recently celebrated the second-year anniversary of launching Above Avalon. Topics include the motivation behind starting Above Avalon, business models, and my philosophy on Apple analysis. The episode then covers my top five Apple observations since launching Above Avalon in 2014. We conclude with a brief discussion on the changing media landscape, including the Apple rumor/news cottage industry. To become an Above Avalon member, visit AboveAvalon.com/membership.

Episode 81 is focused on Apple's changing Project Titan strategy. We begin by discussing Apple's initial car strategy and early momentum. The episode then discusses the various problems that began to appear with Project Titan at the end of 2015. We introduce the infamous "skate to where the puck is going to be, not where it has been" quote and how it can be applied to electric cars. The episode concludes with a look at all of the change taking place within the car industry and how Project Titan has been impacted. Apple miscalculated the car puck and is in the process of resetting its goals to reflect the changing environment. To become an Above Avalon member, visit AboveAvalon.com/membership.

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.