By Lina Irawan 
By Jake Peterson, Senior Technology Editor
July 22, 2026
For the devoted follower of Silicon Valley’s most enigmatic giant, the annual cycle of rumors, supply chain leaks, and keynote predictions is more than a hobby—it is a competitive sport. This summer, that competition has been formalized. Lifehacker, in collaboration with the wider CNET Group, has officially launched the second round of the "Big Guessing Game," a high-stakes prediction sweepstakes that challenges tech enthusiasts to put their foresight to the test.
As of today, July 22, 2026, the second phase of the contest is officially underway. While the first round has concluded, the path to the grand prize remains wide open for those ready to analyze the tea leaves of Cupertino’s product roadmap.
Main Facts: How to Play and What to Win
The Big Guessing Game is not merely a survey; it is a strategic exercise in forecasting Apple’s 2026 hardware and software trajectory. Participants are invited to answer a series of questions regarding upcoming product announcements, keynote surprises, and feature rollouts.
For each round, participants answer five distinct questions. Each correct prediction translates into a tangible advantage: one entry into the grand-prize drawing. The stakes are significant, with a brand-new Apple Watch—representing the latest in the company’s wearable technology—serving as the focal point for the winners.
The contest is structured across three distinct rounds throughout the calendar year. While the second round is now active, those who missed the initial phase need not worry; the cumulative nature of the entries ensures that every accurate prediction increases the statistical probability of winning. However, there is a critical constraint: while participants are encouraged to explore the breadth of the CNET Group ecosystem, each individual is eligible to claim only one prize.
A Chronological Look at the 2026 Contest
To understand the scope of the event, one must look at the timeline established by the CNET Group:
- May 19, 2026: The campaign officially kicked off, inviting the public to engage with the first round of speculation.
- July 22, 2026 (Today): The second round begins. This phase is designed to capture the mounting anticipation as the industry moves toward the traditional late-summer and early-fall hardware windows.
- August 18, 2026: A pivotal date for the contest, marking the transition into the third and final round of the game.
- September 1, 2026: The official conclusion of the contest. All entries must be finalized by 11:59 p.m. ET to be considered for the final drawing.
- Post-Fall Event: Shortly after Apple’s marquee fall keynote, each of the five participating websites will announce their respective winners.
This timeline aligns perfectly with the rhythm of the tech industry, placing the final round of guessing right in the heat of the "leak season," when prototypes and schematics are most likely to surface.
The CNET Group Ecosystem: 75 Questions of Foresight
What distinguishes this sweepstakes from standard promotional giveaways is the sheer scale of the operation. The CNET Group—comprising Lifehacker, CNET, Mashable, PCMag, and ZDNET—has unified its editorial reach to create a comprehensive guessing engine.
Across all three rounds and all five participating platforms, there are a total of 75 unique queries. Participants are permitted to engage with any or all of these platforms. This strategy offers a unique opportunity for "power users" who track different niches of the Apple ecosystem. For instance, a reader might use PCMag’s questions to gauge professional workstation shifts, while using Lifehacker’s interface to predict consumer-grade software updates or lifestyle-focused wearable features.
By diversifying their entries across these platforms, participants can maximize their chances of hitting the correct answers, provided they have the industry knowledge to back their claims.
Implications for Tech Journalism and Audience Engagement
The existence of the Big Guessing Game highlights a fundamental shift in how tech media outlets interact with their audiences. Rather than simply reporting on rumors, these publications are creating a meta-layer of engagement that turns the consumer into an analyst.
The Gamification of Rumors
Historically, "rumor mills" were the domain of niche forums and speculative blogs. By bringing this culture into the mainstream, the CNET Group is acknowledging the legitimacy of the "Apple guessing game." It rewards those who follow supply chain reports, patent filings, and analyst notes. It validates the time spent by readers deciphering the obscure hints that often precede a major product launch.
Predictive Analytics in Tech
The game serves as a crowdsourced pulse-check on market sentiment. When thousands of users predict that a specific feature—such as a new health sensor or a design overhaul—will appear, it provides a fascinating data set regarding what the public expects from the world’s most valuable company.
Official Guidelines and Participation Requirements
While the spirit of the game is one of fun and competition, the underlying legal framework is rigorous. As with any national sweepstakes, there are strict criteria for eligibility:
- Residency: The contest is open exclusively to legal residents of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia.
- Age: Participants must be 18 years of age or older.
- No Purchase Necessary: True to the spirit of open digital journalism, no purchase is required to participate. The sweepstakes is sponsored by Ziff Davis, LLC.
- Corporate Independence: It is imperative to note that Apple Inc. is not a sponsor, nor are they affiliated with or an endorser of this sweepstakes. The term "Apple Watch" is used as a descriptor of the prize, but the contest remains a purely third-party initiative.
The rules are available in full on the Lifehacker website, and potential participants are encouraged to review the official documentation to ensure their entries are valid.
Looking Ahead: The Third Round
As we look toward the horizon, the focus shifts to the final, third round of the competition. With the second round currently capturing the attention of the tech community, the anticipation for the final questions—likely to be the most difficult and speculative of the bunch—is already building.
The August 18 launch of the third round will represent the final opportunity for participants to accumulate the necessary entries to secure a victory. As the summer winds down, the questions will likely shift from broad product categories to specific feature sets, testing the mettle of even the most seasoned Apple observers.
Final Thoughts for Aspiring Winners
For those planning to participate, the best advice remains the same: follow the trends. Look at the patterns established in the first round, track the news cycles on all five participating CNET Group sites, and stay updated on the latest industry reports. Whether you are a casual fan or a dedicated follower of every Apple keynote, the Big Guessing Game offers a unique way to turn your knowledge into a reward.
Remember: The second round is live, the stakes are set, and the countdown to the fall, when the true answers will be revealed on the Cupertino stage, has officially begun. Stay tuned to Lifehacker for further updates and ensure your entries are in before the September 1 deadline.
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY to enter or win the "CNET Group Big Guessing Game" Giveaway. Open to legal U.S. residents in the 50 U.S. & D.C., 18+ yrs of age. Other restrictions apply. Begins May 19, 2026 at 12:01 p.m. ET and ends Sept. 1, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. ET. Void where prohibited. Subject to official rules.
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