TL;DR
Lifehacker has launched the second round of its Big Guessing Game, focusing on Apple hardware predictions for 2026. Participants can enter to win an Apple Watch by making correct guesses. The game is part of a three-round contest held throughout the year.
Lifehacker’s Big Guessing Game is now in its second round, inviting readers to predict which Apple hardware products will be announced during 2026. The contest, open to U.S. residents aged 18 and over, offers a chance to win a new Apple Watch for correct guesses. This marks the continuation of a year-long series of predictions tied to upcoming Apple events.
The game is organized in three rounds, each focusing on different aspects of Apple’s product lineup. The first round, completed in early June, centered on software announcements such as iOS and macOS updates. The second round, currently active from July 7 to July 21, concentrates on hardware predictions, including iPhones, iPads, Macs, Apple Watches, and the Vision Pro headset.
Participants submit their guesses via Lifehacker and partner sites, with each correct answer earning an entry into a grand prize drawing. The final round, scheduled from August 18 to September 1, will focus on predictions about Apple’s fall event, where new products are typically unveiled. The overall winner will be announced after the fall event, with the prize being the latest Apple Watch model.
Apple itself is not involved in the contest, which is organized by Ziff Davis, LLC., the parent company of Lifehacker and other tech media outlets. The game is part of a broader promotional effort involving multiple sites, including CNET, Mashable, PCMag, and ZDNET, which are all hosting their own sets of questions.
Why the Guessing Game Matters for Apple Fans
This contest reflects ongoing consumer interest in Apple’s product ecosystem and upcoming releases. It also engages a dedicated community of tech enthusiasts eager to speculate on new hardware, fostering anticipation ahead of major Apple announcements. For Apple, the game helps maintain public interest and buzz around its product pipeline, even as official details remain under wraps.
Moreover, the game exemplifies how media outlets leverage interactive content to boost engagement and readership, especially during the lead-up to significant product launches. While the guesses are speculative, the contest underscores the high level of curiosity and speculation surrounding Apple’s future offerings.
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Background of the Big Guessing Game and Apple’s 2026 Product Cycle
Lifehacker launched its Big Guessing Game in 2026 as part of an annual tradition to involve readers in predicting Apple’s upcoming announcements. The first round, completed in June, focused on software updates, which are typically announced during Apple’s WWDC event in June. The second round now centers on hardware, aligning with rumors and leaks about potential product launches throughout the year.
This year’s contest coincides with ongoing industry speculation about Apple’s future devices, including the anticipated release of the Vision Pro headset, new iPhone models, and Mac updates. Historically, Apple’s fall event in September is when most hardware is unveiled, making predictions about this event particularly popular among fans and analysts.
Previous years have seen similar guessing games, but the 2026 iteration is notable for its multi-site participation and the inclusion of a broad range of products. The contest’s structure aims to maximize engagement during the entire product announcement cycle, from rumors to official reveals.
“The guessing game is a clever way to keep the community engaged and excited about upcoming Apple products.”
— an anonymous researcher
Unconfirmed Details About Specific Predictions
While the contest is active, the accuracy of participant guesses remains unverified until Apple officially announces the products. It is not yet clear which predictions will prove correct, and rumors about upcoming devices are still speculative. The actual timing and specifications of future Apple products are not confirmed and depend on Apple’s internal plans.
Upcoming Apple Announcements and Final Contest Results
The third and final round of the guessing game will run from August 18 to September 1, focusing on predictions about Apple’s fall event. The company is expected to announce new iPhones, Apple Watch updates, and possibly other hardware during this period. The winner of the contest will be announced shortly after the fall event concludes, with the grand prize of a new Apple Watch awarded to the best predictor.
Apple’s official product announcements are typically scheduled for September, and the final results of the contest will depend on the accuracy of participant predictions compared to the actual reveals.
Key Questions
How do I participate in the guessing game?
You can submit your guesses on Lifehacker or partner sites during each round, following the provided questions about upcoming Apple products. Entries are open to U.S. residents aged 18 or older.
What prizes are offered in the contest?
The main prize for correct predictions is the latest Apple Watch model. Each round offers entries into a grand prize drawing, with the overall winner announced after the fall event.
Are Apple or its affiliates involved in the contest?
No, Apple is not affiliated with or sponsoring the guessing game. The contest is organized by Ziff Davis, LLC., and involves multiple media outlets.
When will the winners be announced?
The winners of each site’s contest will be announced shortly after Apple’s fall event, scheduled for September 2026.
Can I participate in multiple sites?
Yes, you can answer questions across all participating sites, but each entrant can only win one prize overall.
Source: Lifehacker
