Apple’s iTV production postponed to 2015 – report

Apple has reportedly reconsidered its plans concerning its own TV-set again. A media report claims that Apple wants its televisions to use OLED display, but at the same time it wants them to be more or less affordable. As a result, in order to meet price requirements, Apple is now projected to delay production of its TVs to next year.

Originally Apple wanted to use LCD panels for its televisions, which would let it source them from multiple vendors. However, recently the company decided to stick to OLED [organic light emitting diode] panels, which are currently mass produced only by LG Display and Samsung Display. Given the price premium that OLED technology will retain for quite some time, Apple had to delay the introduction of iTV to 2015, reports Korea Herald news-paper citing market sources and analysts.

“The company is making 65” organic light-emitting diode sample panels for Apple’s iTV in collaboration with Apple,” said Lee Seung-woo, an analyst at Seoul-based IBK Securities. “However, it is not certain whether Apple will use it for the mass production of its long-rumored iTV as it is still running tests.”

Previously Apple planned two TV-sets for launch in 2014: a 65” and 77” models with LCD screens. However, in October, 2013, Apple decided to change its plans, according to the analyst.

OLED displays provide higher-quality colour representation than LCDs. For ultra-high-definition TVs this will be a crucial feature.

Another reason why Apple might want to delay its iTV is necessity to wait for 4K video standards.

Apple did not comment on the news-story.

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