News, info, and opinion by Mac users, for Mac users.

November 15, 2006

speculation

Hon Hai reportedly wins “iPod handset” contract

Posted Nov. 15, ’06, 10:17 AM PT by Dan Moren
Category | Apple » Speculation

FoxconnWhile we try to shy away from mongering rumors here on MacUser, it’s worth noting that a number of major news outlets, including CNN, Forbes, and Bloomberg are reporting that Hon Hai (aka everybody’s favorite manufacturer, Foxconn) has won a contract from Apple to make 12 million “iPod handsets.”

The information comes from a report in the Chinese-language newspaper, the Commercial Times, which cites unidentified industry sources. Hon Hai and Apple both declined to comment on the report—to our never-ending surprise. According to the Commercial Times article, the iPod handsets will see the light of day in the first six months of next year. There’s also an item in the report that Hon Hai has received contracts for building a 15 in. “MacBook,” though whether that simply means they’ve been brought onboard to help meet the demand for existing Core 2 Duo MacBook Pros or is an entirely different model, well, who knows? I tend to believe the former, as if there’s a missing sweet spot in the MacBook lineup, I’d think it would be a smaller sub-notebook.

As for the iPod handset (aka the mythical, mystical iPhone), is this news trustworthy? We’ll give it a big resounding maybe. It seems as though anticipation of Apple’s entry into the mobile phone market has reached fever pitch, with many speculating that Apple could be adversely affected if they don’t release a cellphone at Macworld in January. Given that Foxconn shares rose 1.6% on this news, it’s not hard to see what’s in it for them to leak this info.

One thing we know for sure? Stevie J. hates it when people talk out of turn. Watch your backs, “unidentified industry sources.” Watch your backs.


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