A new report from The New York Times describes how Apple assembly partner Foxconn is making moves to lessen its reliance on the Cupertino firm, even as it positions itself to be ready for the possibility of an Apple-built television.
Foxconn’s somewhat paradoxical approach was described in a report this week from The New York Times, which said that Foxconn and its chairman, Terry Gou, are “contemplating life far, far beyond Apple.” The company is reportedly interested in lessening its reliance on Apple, which has seen its growth slow in recent quarters.
The company is working to develop products of its own, already in the business of designing and building its own high-definition television sets. Foxconn bought a stake in television panel maker Sharp last year, which helped the rumors of an Apple TV set keep rolling. The Times story notes that Foxconn’s efforts in television manufacturing could “represent anticipation that orders for an Apple television” could land with the company.
Earlier this year, Foxconn reported that its first-quarter revenue was down 19.2% year-over-year, losses blamed largely on declining orders of the iPad and iPhone from Apple.
