Apple Television: Apple Television in 2013? Not So Fast

Apple Television: Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) fans, as well as investors, are waiting for the next big product release from the Cupertino-based company. Sure, a new iPhone or iPad will be exciting but these people are looking for more. They want to see something new. This is why so many are wondering if a smart watch or television will make its way to market in 2013.

Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) may be the smart money’s second favorite publicly traded company but hedge funds have started dumping the Cupertino-based company in favor of a surprising financial stock (see which stock hedge funds are buying like crazy).

A few months ago, many believed that an Apple television would be coming soon. However, it now appears that a 2013 release is unlikely.

According to CNET, a “new report from Asia claims that Apple will not have an easy time getting the very-high-resolution display it needs for the iTV.”

An article in Digitimes suggests that the TV would rely on a 3,840×2,160 Ultra HD display.

While all of this sounds exciting, Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) is likely to face issues when it comes to getting its hand on enough high-resolution displays. As you can imagine, any issue with finding a supplier is sure to push back a potential release.

Most of the suppliers for Ultra HD TV panels are located in Taiwan. While this is not a problem, here is the concern: all of these companies are producing near fully capacity for the rest of the year. In other words, they don’t have any room for Apple in the pipeline

Digitimes discussed another issue:

“Additionally, other panel makers in Apple’s supply chain that may have the ability to produce Ultra HD TV panels are expected to allocate most of their panel production to the company’s iPhone, iPad and iPad mini products instead, as ultra-mobile devices are expected to be popular in the market during 2013, the sources noted.”

But don’t get too disappointed just yet. Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) feels that LG Display may be able to come to the rescue during the second half of 2013. If the two companies are able to work something out, there is a chance that a television could hit the market by the end of 2013. At this point, however, it appears that the beginning of 2014 is more realistic.

Are you disappointed in this news or do you believe Apple will find a way to make things work this year? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.

Check back here for more updates on Apple Television.

DISCLOSURE: I have no positions in any stock mentioned.

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