Lifehacker’s Big Guessing Game Is In Its Second Round

Lifehacker’s Big Guessing Game has entered its second round, inviting readers to predict upcoming Apple hardware announcements for 2026. The contest, which started on July 7, runs through July 21, and participants are eligible to win an Apple Watch if their guesses are correct. This event engages Apple fans and builds anticipation for the company’s fall product reveal.

The guessing game is organized by Lifehacker in partnership with the CNET Group, covering multiple sites including Mashable, PCMag, and ZDNET. The second round focuses on predictions related to iPhones, iPads, Macs, Apple Watches, and Vision Pro. Participants submit guesses about what Apple may announce during its upcoming hardware events, with five questions per round. Correct answers earn entries into a prize drawing, which will be held after the third and final round in September.

The first round, which ended on June 2, was centered on Apple’s software updates, while the current second round emphasizes hardware. The third round, scheduled from August 18 to September 1, will focus on the fall event itself. The contest is open to U.S. residents aged 18 and older, with a total of 75 questions across all participating sites and rounds.

According to Lifehacker, the contest aims to boost engagement among Apple enthusiasts and provide a fun way to speculate on upcoming product launches. The winners of each site’s contest will be announced shortly after Apple’s fall event, with the grand prize being the latest Apple Watch model.

Engagement and Anticipation in Apple Product Launches

This guessing game demonstrates how tech outlets are leveraging fan engagement ahead of major product launches. It creates buzz around Apple’s upcoming announcements, fueling speculation and community interaction. For Apple, this kind of engagement can help sustain consumer interest and excitement leading into their fall event. For participants, it offers a chance to win a coveted device while testing their knowledge of Apple’s product roadmap.

Apple Watch Series 9 [GPS 45mm] Midnight Aluminum Case with Midnight Sport Band M/L (Renewed)

• Powerful S9 Chip: Enhanced display and interaction
• Health Monitoring: Blood oxygen, heart rhythm, sleep stages
• Carbon Neutral: Eco-friendly aluminum case and band

View Latest Price

As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.

As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.

Annual Apple Prediction Contests and Recent Trends

Lifehacker’s Big Guessing Game has been running annually since 2025, reflecting a broader trend of tech media organizing prediction contests around major Apple events. Last year’s contest saw high participation, especially among dedicated Apple fans eager to speculate on new hardware and software features. Apple’s consistent release schedule, combined with frequent leaks and rumors, makes such contests popular among the community.

While Apple has not officially confirmed any upcoming products, industry speculation suggests potential announcements of new iPhones, MacBooks, and possibly a new version of the Vision Pro headset. The contest’s structure aligns with Apple’s typical product release cycle, which usually culminates in a fall event in September.

“Participants submit guesses about what Apple may announce during its upcoming hardware events, with five questions per round. Correct answers earn entries into a prize drawing.”

— Lifehacker

Apple iPad Pro 13-inch (M5): Ultra Retina XDR Display, 256GB, Landscape 12MP Front Camera/12MP Back Camera, LiDAR Scanner, Wi-Fi 7 with Apple N1, Face ID, All-Day Battery Life — Space Black

• Processor: Apple M5 chip for high performance
• Display: Ultra Retina XDR display
• Storage: Up to 2TB storage capacity

View Latest Price

As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.

As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.

Unconfirmed Predictions and Speculation Limits

It is not yet clear which predictions will turn out to be correct, as Apple has not announced any products or confirmed details about upcoming hardware. The accuracy of guesses remains uncertain until Apple makes official announcements. Additionally, the specific questions and answers for the remaining rounds are still under wraps, and the final winners will only be known after the fall event concludes.

Apple 2024 MacBook Air with Apple M3 Chip, 13-inch, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD Storage Midnight (Renewed)

• Powerful M3 Chip: 8-core CPU and 10-core GPU
• Enhanced Apple Intelligence: Assists with writing and productivity
• Ultra-Portable Design: Lightweight and less than half an inch thick

View Latest Price

As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.

As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.

Upcoming Fall Event and Final Contest Results

The third round of the guessing game will run from August 18 to September 1, focusing on predictions about the fall event itself. After the event, Apple is expected to confirm or reveal new products, which will determine the accuracy of participant guesses. The winners of each site’s contest will be announced shortly thereafter, with the grand prize winner of the overall game receiving an Apple Watch.

Participants are encouraged to continue submitting guesses during the remaining rounds, and industry watchers will be watching for any leaks or rumors that could influence predictions. The final results of the contest and the details of Apple’s actual product lineup will be clarified once Apple holds its keynote.

Meta Quest 3 512GB | VR Without Wires — Gorilla Tag Cardboard Monkenaut Bundle — Amazon Exclusive— Access to 100+ Games with a 3-Month Trial of Meta Horizon+ Included

• Exclusive Gorilla Tag Bundle: Includes Gorilla Space Suit and Helmet
• Bonus Shiny Rocks: Receive 2,000 shiny rocks with purchase
• Enhanced Resolution: Nearly 30% increase in display resolution

View Latest Price

As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.

As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.

Key Questions

How can I participate in the Big Guessing Game?

Participants can submit their guesses on Lifehacker and other CNET Group sites during each round, following the rules outlined for each phase. Eligibility requires being at least 18 years old and residing in the U.S.

What prizes are available for correct guesses?

Correct guesses earn entries into a drawing for an Apple Watch, with the grand prize being the latest model. Winners are selected after the final round in September.

Are the guesses based on leaks or rumors?

Participants can base their guesses on rumors, leaks, and industry speculation, but the actual announcements depend on Apple’s official disclosures.

Will the final predictions be confirmed before the fall event?

No, the predictions remain guesses until Apple officially announces its products during the fall event, which is expected in September.

Can I participate if I live outside the U.S.?

No, the contest is only open to U.S. residents aged 18 and older.

Source: Lifehacker