106 million Internet-ready TVs will be sold (and connected) in 2012. Apple to Build TV's Next?

written by: Richard Kastelein

Details

Published on Wednesday, 23 February 2011 17:35

"...We estimate that of the 220m flat panel TVs sold in 2012, 48% or 106m units will be internet-connected..."

Munster’s awards have included Home Run Hitter from the Institutional Investor, Top Stock Picker from Forbes, and Best on the Street from the Wall Street Journal. So it's hardly 'Finger-in-the-air' forecasting. And it's an estimate that we love here at Appmarket.tv.

Having said that -  from the full quote -  the data above is just a piece-of-the-pie from his pie-in-the-sky dream of seeing Apple make a television set someday...

"For over a year, we have believed that Apple will enter the television market by the end of calendar year 2012 at the earliest. While Apple’s commitment to the living room remains a “hobby,” we continue to believe the company will enter the TV market with a full focus, as an all-in-one Apple television could move the needle when connected TVs proliferate. We estimate that of the 220m flat panel TVs sold in 2012, 48% or 106m units will be internet-connected, of which Apple could sell 1.4m units. We believe an Apple television could add $2.5b or 2% to revenue in CY12, $4.0b in CY13 and $6.0b in CY14. 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 may be right. 9To5Mac is pointing out evidence in a recently job listing that Apple could be working on television sets.