Apple TV rumour mill fuelled by reports of trial production

Speculation about the possible launch of a smart TV by Apple has increased following Chinese reports that Foxconn has received orders to manufacture a trial run of the product.

China’s First Financial Daily, citing informed sources, said that the Shenzen-based factory had received orders to begin production but did not reveal details.

CNBC Asia meanwhile cited Vincent Cheng, head of Greater China technical research at Yuanta in Taiwan, as saying that a boost in Foxconn parent Hon Hai’s stock was more likely to be related to expectations that Apple iPhone 5 would begin shipping this summer and that he didn’t believe specifications for the TV product had been finalised. Cheng also told CNBC that there was no guarantee Apple would choose Hon Hai to supply the screens.