Think you know Apple? Prove it in CNET's big guessing game: Apple edition

At a glance:

• CNET’s Apple guessing contest runs from May 19 to Sept. 2, 2026 with 15 prediction questions across three rounds.
• Every correct answer gives an entry to win a new Apple Watch; one correct answer is enough to qualify.
• The contest targets legal U.S. residents 18+ and is unrelated to Apple’s own promotions.

What the contest is about

CNET is launching a three‑round “Big Guessing Game: Apple Edition” that challenges fans to forecast what Apple will unveil at its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) on June 8 and throughout 2026. The competition consists of fifteen multiple‑choice questions – five per round – covering everything from the next iOS version (rumoured to be iOS 27) to the possibility of a foldable iPhone, Siri’s AI upgrade, and AI features in the Camera app.

The initiative is positioned as a fun way for readers to engage with Apple’s product pipeline while offering a tangible reward: a brand‑new Apple Watch. Participants do not need to purchase anything; a single correct answer automatically enters them into the prize drawing, and each additional correct prediction adds another entry, increasing the odds of winning.

How to take part

To join, users must visit the dedicated contest page on CNET, answer each of the five questions in the current round, and submit their responses before the round’s deadline. The first round opened on May 19, 2026 and closes on June 2, 2026. Subsequent rounds will follow a similar schedule, with the final round concluding on September 2, 2026 at 11:59 pm ET.

Eligibility is limited to legal residents of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia who are at least 18 years old. Entrants must comply with the official rules, which are hosted on CNET’s website. The sweepstakes is sponsored by Ziff Davis, LLC, and Apple does not sponsor, endorse, or affiliate with the giveaway.

Timeline, prize and legal notes

The contest timeline spans roughly three months, giving participants ample opportunity to follow Apple news, WWDC announcements, and industry rumors before each round closes. After the final round, a random drawing will determine the winner of the Apple Watch, a prize described in the rules as “sparkly new Apple Watch.”

The official rules specify that the giveaway is void where prohibited and that all entries are subject to verification. No purchase is necessary, and the contest adheres to U.S. sweepstakes regulations. Participants should review the full terms at https://www.cnet.com/big-guessing-game-apple-edition-official-contest-rules/ for details on prize fulfillment, tax obligations, and any other restrictions.

Why the game matters for Apple fans

While the contest is a marketing effort by CNET, it reflects the intense speculation that surrounds Apple’s annual product cycle. WWDC is traditionally the stage for major software updates and occasional hardware reveals, and rumors about a foldable iPhone or AI‑enhanced Siri have been circulating for months. By framing these expectations as quiz questions, CNET taps into the community’s desire to be “in the know” and rewards those who stay ahead of the news curve.

The game also underscores how third‑party media can create interactive experiences that deepen audience engagement without directly involving the brand itself. Apple’s lack of affiliation ensures the contest remains an independent fan‑driven activity, while still leveraging the buzz generated by Apple’s own announcements.

What to watch next

As WWDC approaches on June 8, participants should monitor Apple’s keynote livestream, developer beta releases, and reputable leak sources to inform their answers. The second round of questions will likely focus on post‑WWDC hardware rumors, such as potential new iPhone models or Mac updates, while the final round may delve into longer‑term strategies like services expansion or AI integration across Apple’s ecosystem.

Readers who enjoy the guessing game can also look out for future CNET contests covering other tech giants, as the publisher plans to replicate the format for companies like Google and Microsoft later in the year.