Is Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) working on a television set or not? The latest report points toward a yes. South Korean sources report Apple is working on 65-inch television set with an OLED screen. The iTV reportedly will launch next year.
Report regarding Apple’s rumored iTV
The Korea Herald published a report on Sunday which quoted IBK Securities analyst Lee Seung-woo, who said, “The company is making 65-inch organic light-emitting diode sample panels for Apple’s iTV in collaboration with Apple. However, it is not certain whether Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) will use it for the mass production of its long-rumored iTV as it is still running tests.”
The article further states Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) had plans to launch the iTV for a long time now, however a delay in the market forced to Cupertino-based tech giant to choose an OLED screen rather than a LCD screen. The benefits of OLED displays include better image quality, resolution, color balance, and depth. The problem is that OLED is more expensive and difficult to mass produce than LCD.
Samsung has a lead in OLED technology
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. (LON:BC94) (KRX:005930) and LG have invested in OLED technologies – both companies introduced their first OLED televisions with curved screens at the International Consumer Electronics Show earlier this year. The South Korean tech giant already has a strong lead in this industry as the company reportedly had over 600 patents in the United States as well as over 2800 international patents. Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. (LON:BC94) (KRX:005930) is the largest owner of AMOLED technology patents.
With all of that being said, it’s possible Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) may never release an iTV. It has been reported the company is more focused on the purported iWatch, which is expected to make its debut later this year along with the iPhone 6. Thanks to the growth of smartphones and tablets, the market is in need of something fresh. Many believe the smartwatch could be the next big device for the mobile generation. The smartwatches should be designed to work with smartphones to offer an improved user experience.
