Sharp rumored to be supplying Apple TV LCDs in Q3 2012
updated 09:30 am EDT, Thu June 21, 2012
Shipments to Foxconn allegedly moved up
Sharp will start delivering LCD panels to Foxconn in the third quarter in preparation for a production of an Apple TV set, according to Topeka Capital Markets analyst Brian White, quoting Chinese news site 21cbh.com. The claim is said to be based on information from a Sharp executive and other sources at the company. 21cbh adds that Foxconn originally expected to receive panels in the fourth quarter of 2012, but that the timetable has actually been moved up.
The report suggests that Apple could have a TV ready before the holiday shopping season. "In our view, a holiday launch would make for a very merry holiday season for Apple and consumers," White comments. "However, we will continue to monitor the data points surrounding the timing of this launch as they could change."
Sharp and Foxconn have developed close ties in the wake of the latter investing over $800 million in the former, particularly in terms of a Sakai LCD plant. It's thought that both companies have been vying to get into the supply chain for an Apple TV set. Foxconn is in fact planning to invest even more deeply in Sharp.
White suggests that Apple has everything in place for launching a TV, and that it could be especially lucrative for the company. If it controlled just 2 percent of the LCD TV market, Apple could pull in $10 billion per year in revenue, adding $1.50 to $2 in earnings per share for investors.
