Blurry photos purport to show mythical Apple TV set

By

Apple TV
The future of TV is blurry, apparently.
Photo: Benjamin Geskin/Twitter

Blurry images that popped up online supposedly show the testing of an Apple OLED television set of around 60 inches in size. The photos were shared on Chinese social media before being circulated by mobile leaker Benjamin Geskin on Twitter.

And, just like that, longstanding rumors of an Apple TV set reignite!

A brief history of Apple TV

Rumors have long pointed to the existence of an Apple TV set. (We’re talking about a device with a display, rather than the hockey puck set-top box Apple currently sells).

The rumors gained momentum with the publishing of Walter Isaacson’s Steve Jobs biography in 2011. “I’d like to create an integrated television set that is completely easy to use,” Jobs was quoted as saying. “It will have the simplest user interface you could imagine.”

Since then, however, the product has failed to materialize. The last major update on the project was in early 2015, when a report from The Wall Street Journal suggested that Apple had ditched the project for good. “In addition to an ultra-high-definition display, Apple considered adding sensor-equipped cameras so viewers could make video calls through the set,” the Journal tantalizingly noted at the time.

Apple TV set rumors continue

Nonetheless, reports continue to crop up every now and then, with super-investor Carl Icahn seemingly firm in his belief that Apple will release an “Ultra High Definition television set” at some point in the near future.

The images shared by Geskin depict what looks like an Apple-branded standalone display in some kind of lab testing environment. They show a metal frame design, while accompanying notes on Weibo suggest that the set also includes a camera.

It’s not clear whether the photo is legitimate. Even if it is, keep in mind that Apple tests a large number of concepts that never make it to market. (Just take a glimpse at the company’s weekly filed patents for proof.)

Still, if you’re hankering after the mythical Apple TV set Steve Jobs promised, today’s “evidence” may be enough to give you a bit of hope.

Newsletters

Daily round-ups or a weekly refresher, straight from Cult of Mac to your inbox.

  • The Weekender

    The week's best Apple news, reviews and how-tos from Cult of Mac, every Saturday morning. Our readers say: "Thank you guys for always posting cool stuff" -- Vaughn Nevins. "Very informative" -- Kenly Xavier.