According to a new report from Taiwan’s Central News Agency Focus Taiwan, initial testing of a number of Apple (AAPL) large-screen, high-resolution TV prototypes with manufacturing partner Foxconn, also known as Hon Hai Precision, have gotten underway, but the possibility of the product launching in 2013 is less than likely.
Citing a single anonymous source, Focus Taiwan said that while initial testing of Apple’s TV sets have begun, it is unlikely that shipments of the product will begin next year.
[via Focus Taiwan] “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 source predicted that Apple may be looking to show off its new TV-related product at CES next month in Las Vegas. However, considering Apple traditionally likes to arrange its own media events for its gadgets before the launch, we’re taking this particular tip with a pinch of salt.
The source also claimed that Apple is currently looking at display panels on the prototypes ranging from 46 to 55 inches and that several different designs are being tested.
Last week a report from The Wall Street Journal claimed Apple’s much rumored HDTV set is currently in the “early stages of testing” with partners Hon Hai Precision and Sharp.
While rumors of an Apple TV have been flying around for years, this would be the first leak out of Foxconn, which assembles Apple’s Mac and iOS devices, lending credence to the report.
Shares of Apple this morning are down $1.80, or 0.34%, to $532.10.
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