Apple’s major manufacturing partner, Foxconn, has revealed interest in purchasing more shares in Sharp, raising speculation that the two companies are working towards supplying Apple’s rumored television set. Some analysts have dubbed the anticipated Apple HDTV the “iTV” and expect manufacturing for the device to being later this year.
Foxconn already has a 10 percent stake in Sharp with an $808 million investment back in March and a 46.48 percent stake in Sharp’s state-of-the-art LCD manufacturing plant in Sakai, Japan. Additionally, the two companies are partnering to open a new plant in Chengdu, China for manufacturing iPhone displays.
The strong alliance puts Foxconn and Sharp in a good position to take on Apple iTV production. Sharp’s Sakai plant is said to be more advanced in LCD manufacturing technologies than that of rival Samsung, while Foxconn has been the primary manufacturing partner for Apple’s iPhones, iPads, and Macs. The Sakai plant also has an exclusive agreement with Corning, makers of the scratch-resistant Gorilla Glass that’s used on devices such as the iPhone and iPad.
Story Timeline
- Apple suppliers tip materials prep for iTV in Q1
- Apple TV/iTV rumor mill churns out more firms that may win supply contracts
- Apple iTV 50 and 42-inch models tipped
- Apple iTV pushed back as IGZO panels unready for shipment
- Apple iTV components shipping to suppliers, due for Q4 launch
- Sharp's new 32-inch screens possibly for Apple iTV
- Apple iTV said to feature Siri: resembles Cinema Display
- Foxconn reportedly making preparations for Apple iTV
- Foxconn denies CEO confirming Apple iTV
[via Apple Insider]
Foxconn to buy more Sharp shares, fueling Apple iTV rumors is written by Rue Liu & originally posted on SlashGear.
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