Analyst: Apple Moving into Big Screen TVs

Apple’s next market to take over apparently will be big screen TVs, according to Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster. He expects the company is already working on plans to start shipping its own all-in-one TVs by the end of 2012 that offer built-in Internet connection support, according to Forbes.

“[Apple] will enter the TV market with a full focus, as an all-in-one Apple television could move the needle when connected TVs proliferate,” he said.

Munster: Apple to make TVs

Mr Munster is making his prediction based on reports that Apple has been paying now to secure a major supply of some unidentified part. Those mystery components, he reckons, are related to 50-inch television displays.

“Based on our meetings in Asia (not with component suppliers) in conjunction with recent media reports, we believe Apple is securing displays for future products,” Mr. Munster said. “Apple has started to emphasize display technology in recent months (iPhone 4, iMac 27-inch) and we expect this emphasis to continue with the second gen iPad, future iPhones and Macs, as well as a future Apple television.”

Aside from speculation that Apple is securing orders for 50-inch TV components, there isn’t much backing up the idea that the company is getting into the television market. That isn’t, however, stopping Mr. Munster from standing behind his prediction.

“Recent developments in Apple’s strategy, including the component deal we believe could secure up to 50″ LCD displays, bolster our confidence that the company remains serious about the connected living room,” he said.

Apple is currently trading at US$345.52, up 2.08 (0.61%).