The second round of the CNET Big Guessing Game: Apple Edition is now open, offering participants a chance to win an Apple Watch by predicting upcoming hardware announcements. According to CNET, the contest runs from July 7 to July 21, 2026, and focuses on potential updates to the iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Apple Watch, Vision Pro, AirPods, and AirTags lineups.
How the Apple Guessing Game Works
Participants earn entries into a prize lottery by correctly predicting future Apple product developments. According to CNET, players do not need a perfect score to win; a single correct answer qualifies a contestant for a chance to receive a new Apple Watch. Additional correct guesses increase the total number of entries, improving the odds of winning. The contest is part of a three-round series, with the final round scheduled to begin on August 18, 2026.
What Hardware Trends Are Expected?
The current round of the game centers on the hardware ecosystem ahead of the company's annual September product launches. While previous rounds focused on software and services announced at WWDC 2026, this phase targets physical devices.
Comparing Predictions Across Tech Outlets
Different publications are framing the guessing game with varying focuses. While CNET, PCMag, Mashable, Lifehacker, and ZDNET all participate in the same overarching promotion, each site maintains its own set of questions. This allows users to test their knowledge on different product lines depending on which outlet they visit. Data from these sites indicate that while the core goal is to predict Apple’s hardware roadmap, the specific questions vary by platform.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I enter the CNET Big Guessing Game?
You can enter by visiting the CNET website and clicking the “Start” button to begin the second round of questions. The round remains open until July 21, 2026.
What can I win?
The grand prize is a brand-new Apple Watch. According to contest rules, even one correct prediction enters you into the lottery for the watch.
Can I enter on multiple websites?
Yes. You can participate in the guessing games hosted by CNET, PCMag, Mashable, Lifehacker, and ZDNET. However, you are limited to winning only one of the five grand prizes across all sites.
When does the final round begin?
The third and final round of the guessing game is set to start on August 18, 2026.
Have you made your predictions for the next generation of Apple hardware? Head over to the CNET Big Guessing Game to lock in your entries and see how your forecasts compare to other tech enthusiasts.
