Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster says Apple is currently negotiating with what he called a major television component supplier for parts for its rumored Apple TV, not to be confused with the AppleTV set top media player.
Mr. Munster’s contacts in Apple aren’t saying which big time parts supplier the company is talking with, and said the leak is “continued evidence that Apple is exploring production of a television.”
Rumors that Apple is planning on building its own television line have been floating around for months, and Mr. Munster has been among those certain an Apple TV really is on the way. He expects Apple’s television will come in 42-inch and 50-inch sizes, will support Siri voice control, and will link to the iTunes Store and Netflix.
Mr. Munster added, “Since we know Apple is exploring television hardware, we are therefore led to conclude that the company is exploring a solution for live TV, and this solution could be one that has not yet been taken mainstream.”
Apple hasn’t commented on whether or not it is designing televisions, which doesn’t come as a surprise since the company doesn’t offer statements on rumors and unannounced products.
[Thanks to SlashGear for the heads up.]