Apple's TV set (unrelated to Apple's media player, also called Apple TV) could be launched next year, according to a research group.
While some dispute the existence of any such project, other reports had raised the possibility of an Apple branded TV set in 2012 itself. But according to
reports in Business Insider, quoting the Asian research group CLSA, the TV set will see the light of day in 2013.
The reports also mentioned that owner of key
Apple supplier Foxconn, Hon Hai, picking a 10% stake in TV manufacturer Sharp earlier this week was a related development
The research note:
"We continue to view Apple TV hardware as a 2013 event. The timing of Hon Hai/Foxconn's equity stake and partnership with Sharp along with Hon Hai Chairman Terry Gou's separate 46.5% investment in Sharp's Sakai City plant lends further credibility that Apple TV is in the works. This also follows reports that Apple is investing $1.3bn in equipment destined for Sharp facilities. The fact that Hon Hai is investing rather than just procuring panels from Sharp underscores a deeper level of integration which Apple/Hon Hai are accustomed to, increased reliability as Sharp has struggled with iPad3 qualification, and an effort to improve Sharp's financial position before becoming a more meaningful supplier to Apple. We also believe Corning has an 83% market share at the Sakai facility and would ultimately benefit from improving utilization that is expected to happen over time. Sharp accounted for 10% of Corning's overall sales and 25% of its display sales in 2011.
Most clients agree that a TV is coming; the critical question becomes how the video providers fit into the equation and how apple's offering would/could differ from current tv's beyond ios/icloud. Biggest commentary yesterday centered on LG Display as the big loser."