TL;DR
Lifehacker has launched the second round of its Big Guessing Game, inviting readers to predict upcoming Apple hardware announcements. The contest runs through July 21, with winners announced after Apple’s fall event.
Lifehacker’s Big Guessing Game has entered its second round, inviting readers to make predictions about Apple’s upcoming hardware announcements for 2026. The contest, which started on July 7, aims to engage fans and offer a chance to win an Apple Watch. This marks the second phase of a three-round competition that spans the entire year.
Participants in the game are asked to predict details about Apple’s hardware lineup, including iPhones, iPads, Macs, Apple Watches, and the Vision Pro headset. The second round runs from July 7 to July 21, with five questions focusing on potential product announcements during Apple’s upcoming fall event.
The first round, which ended on June 2, centered on software updates and new operating system features. The current round asks players to speculate about hardware releases, with correct guesses earning entries into a prize draw for an Apple Watch. The third and final round will occur from August 18 to September 1, focusing on the fall event itself.
According to Lifehacker, the contest is open to U.S. residents over 18, with participants able to answer questions across all three participating CNET Group sites. The winners will be announced shortly after Apple’s fall event, with the grand prize being the latest Apple Watch model.
Why the Guessing Game Matters for Apple Fans
This guessing game engages a large community of Apple enthusiasts eager to speculate on upcoming products, fostering heightened anticipation for Apple’s fall announcements. It also provides a glimpse into consumer expectations and rumors circulating within the tech community. For Apple, such fan engagement can boost hype and brand loyalty, while for participants, it offers a chance to win a popular device and stay closely connected to Apple’s product ecosystem.
Apple Watch Series latest model
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Background and Timeline of the Guessing Game
Lifehacker launched the Big Guessing Game in 2026 as part of a broader promotional effort involving CNET Group sites, including Mashable, PCMag, and ZDNET. The game has three rounds aligned with key Apple events, with the first round focusing on software features and the current round on hardware predictions. Previous years saw similar contests, but 2026’s iteration is notable for its extended timeline and community engagement, coinciding with Apple’s increasing focus on mixed reality devices and new hardware launches.
The game’s structure encourages ongoing participation, with the final round coinciding with Apple’s official fall event, expected to unveil new iPhones, iPads, Macs, and possibly the Vision Pro headset. The contest’s design aims to keep Apple fans engaged during the months leading up to the company’s major product reveals.
“The game is a clever way to build excitement and keep the community engaged as we await Apple’s big announcements.”
— an anonymous researcher
Apple iPad Pro 2026
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Unconfirmed Details About Apple’s Specific Hardware Plans
It is not yet clear what specific hardware Apple will announce during the fall event or whether any surprises are planned beyond current rumors. The predictions made by participants are speculative, and official details remain unconfirmed until Apple makes formal announcements.
Apple MacBook upcoming release
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Next Steps for Participants and Apple’s Fall Event
The current round of the guessing game ends on July 21. Participants should submit their predictions before then. The final round will begin on August 18, with questions focusing on the fall event’s actual announcements. Apple’s official reveal is expected in September, after which the contest winners will be announced.
Apple’s fall event remains scheduled for late September, where the company is expected to unveil new iPhones, iPads, Macs, and possibly the Vision Pro headset. The results of the guessing game will be announced shortly afterward, with the grand prize winner receiving the latest Apple Watch.
Apple Vision Pro headset
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Key Questions
How do I participate in the Big Guessing Game?
You can participate by answering the questions on Lifehacker or other CNET Group sites during the designated rounds. Make sure you are over 18 and a resident of the U.S. to be eligible for prizes.
What are the prizes for correct guesses?
Participants with correct answers are entered into a drawing to win a latest Apple Watch. Only one winner will be chosen at the end of the contest.
Will the exact details of Apple’s new products be revealed beforehand?
No. The predictions are based on rumors and leaks, but official details will only be confirmed during Apple’s fall event.
Can I participate if I live outside the U.S.?
No. The contest is only open to residents of the 50 U.S. states and Washington, D.C.
When will the winners be announced?
The winners of each site’s contest will be announced shortly after Apple’s fall event, expected in late September 2026.
Source: Lifehacker
