On April 7, market reports claimed that Apple's first foldable iPhone might be delayed, triggering investor concern. Apple's stock (AAPL) fell approximately 2% on the day, underperforming the S&amp;P 500 index by 225 basis points to close at $253.50.\n\nAccording to the Zhuifeng Trading Desk, Morgan Stanley analyst Erik Woodring pointed out after conducting supply chain checks that the stock price decline lacks a fundamental basis. Both his supply chain information and independent reports from Bloomberg indicate that the launch timeline for the foldable iPhone has not been adjusted, and the original September launch plan will most likely remain unchanged. Technical obstacles in the EVT (Engineering Verification Test) phase are a normal part of research and development, as the purpose of this phase is to identify and resolve problems; the hinge issue is expected to be fixed before mass production starts in the summer.\n\nMorgan Stanley reiterated its Overweight rating on Apple and maintained a target price of $315, implying an approximately 24% upside potential from the current price. The institution believes that for investors currently holding positions, this pullback may constitute a buying opportunity.\n\n<img src="https://imageproxy.pbkrs.com/https://wpimg-wscn.awtmt.com/075292c4-e411-4244-8edb-c3d8d0897ade.png?x-oss-process=image/auto-orient,1/interlace,1/resize,w_1440,h_1440/quality,q_95/format,jpg" alt="Image" original-src="https://imageproxy.pbkrs.com/https://wpimg-wscn.awtmt.com/075292c4-e411-4244-8edb-c3d8d0897ade.png"/>\n\n## Conflicting Reports Trigger Market Volatility\n\nOn April 7, 2026, Nikkei Asia was the first to report that Apple's first foldable iPhone encountered technical setbacks during the engineering test phase, potentially leading to delays in mass production and shipment schedules. Subsequently, media outlets like MacRumors further cited sources noting that the delay involved a stalemate in pricing negotiations with manufacturing partners and that the hinge material solution had not been finalized.\n\nHowever, just hours later, Bloomberg released a report explicitly stating that Apple's first foldable iPhone remains on track to launch within the regular iPhone release cycle later this year as originally planned.\n\nMorgan Stanley promptly conducted supply chain checks that day, which showed: a core iPhone component supplier explicitly stated that no order adjustments for the foldable iPhone have been observed. Consequently, the bank maintained its forecasts for 2026 iPhone shipments and seasonal patterns.\n\n## Engineering Issues During the Testing Phase Are Not Uncommon\n\nEvery Apple hardware product must go through three testing phases before mass production: EVT (Engineering Verification Test, usually starting in early spring each year), DVT (Design Verification Test), and PVT (Production Verification Test, the final verification before mass production). Currently, the foldable iPhone is in the EVT phase, and preliminary tests have discovered engineering issues related to the new foldable screen hinge.\n\nMorgan Stanley cited two historical cases for illustration:\n\n- iPhone 15 Pro: Issues were found with the haptic touch functionality during the EVT phase, forcing Apple to switch back to mechanical buttons, but this adjustment had no impact on the launch timing.\n\n- iPhone X (2017): At that time, the yield rate for the 3D-sensing TrueDepth camera system was too low, resulting in the iPhone X being released in September but with actual availability delayed by about two months compared to other new models.\n\n\nThe current development and testing cycle for the foldable iPhone is normal, with no abnormal fluctuations in the supply chain, and the September launch schedule remains unchanged. For long-term investors who are optimistic about the transformation of the first foldable iPhone's product form and the construction of the Apple Intelligence ecosystem, this market over-correction may represent a window for positioning.

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A Morgan Stanley report points out that supply chain checks show no adjustments to Apple's component orders, and the plan to launch the first foldable iPhone in September will likely remain unchanged. The firm stated that engineering issues during the EVT phase are a normal part of R&D, and the hinge-related problems are expected to be resolved before mass production begins in the summer. Historical experience suggests that technical obstacles during the testing phase typically do not affect the final launch date

- Reports on April 7, 2026, suggested that Apple's first foldable iPhone may face a delayed launch, causing a 2% drop in AAPL stock.  
- Morgan Stanley analysts found that the reported price decline lacks fundamental basis, confirming that the foldable iPhone is still on track for its September release, despite minor engineering issues.  
- The ongoing development cycle appears normal, and the projected release timeline remains unchanged, presenting a buying opportunity for long-term investors in Apple.

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Testing Phase "Engineering Issues" Are Normal! Morgan Stanley: Apple's Foldable iPhone "Likely Won't Be Delayed"