Understanding the Market | Apple concept stocks lead the decline, SUNNY OPTICAL drops over 4%, reports suggest Apple is considering adjusting the iPhone release schedule
Apple concept stocks generally fell, with COWELL down 6.47% and SUNNY OPTICAL down 4.27%. According to reports, Apple plans to adjust the release schedule of the iPhone starting in 2026, potentially launching higher-priced models and delaying the basic iPhone 18 until spring 2027. Everbright Securities has lowered its earnings forecast for Apple while maintaining a "Buy" rating, focusing on tariff pressures, AI feature iterations, and service business performance
According to the Zhitong Finance APP, Apple concept stocks are among the biggest losers. As of the time of writing, COWELL (01415) is down 6.47%, trading at HKD 21.7; SUNNY OPTICAL (02382) is down 4.27%, trading at HKD 64.95; BYD Electronics (00285) is down 1.49%, trading at HKD 33.1; and Q Technology (01478) is down 0.45%, trading at HKD 6.69.
In terms of news, it has been reported by three supply chain insiders that starting in 2026, Apple will stagger the release dates of the iPhone, creating a pattern of alternating releases in the fall and spring, with higher-priced models being launched first. If this happens, by 2026, Apple may only release the flagship Pro series models, but it is also possible that it will simultaneously launch its first foldable iPhone, while the base model iPhone 18 may be delayed until spring 2027.
Everbright Securities stated that the market is currently focused on several aspects regarding Apple: tariff pressures and transmission mechanisms; delays in AI feature iterations and market performance; and whether the service business can maintain stability. Considering the negative impact of global macroeconomic headwinds on Apple, the pressure of tariffs on hardware costs and company performance, fierce competition in the Greater China region, and the lag in the implementation of AI features affecting replacement demand, they have lowered their earnings forecast for Apple while maintaining a "buy" rating
