Apple’s highly-anticipated HDTV may have gotten one step closer to reality. According to Focus Taiwan (via Patently Apple), Apple manufacturing partner Hon Hai (Foxconn) is already testing a number of television prototypes for Apple in sizes ranging from 46-55 inches. The report also notes that the device is unlikely to begin shipping until at least 2014.
From the report:
Foreign news media have reported recently that Apple is working with Hon Hai, the main assembler of the U.S. consumer electronics giant’s iconic iPhones and iPads, to test several designs for its long-talked-about TVs.
Hon Hai, the world’s largest contract electronics maker, has declined to respond to the reports, saying that it never comments on specific business deals with any single client. […] However, the Hon Hai source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the initial phase of tests on the TVs has kicked off.
Nevertheless, the source said it is unlikely that shipments of the appliances will begin as soon as the end of next year.
The report also notes that Apple has not yet decided on a manufacturer for the panels in the set, despite previous rumors suggesting that Sharp would be providing those panels. Oddly, the report also suggested that Apple may show off TV-related innovations at CES next month in Las Vegas – although that’s unlikely, considering that Apple doesn’t typically attend the Consumer Electronics Show, and the TV is still over a year away from production.
It’s still unclear whether or not Apple actually plans to build a TV set – but the mounting rumors certainly keep pushing along the exciting possibility!
