Foxconn Chairman On Apple Television Set: We’re Making Preparations – [UPDATED: Foxconn Denies]

Specifically referencing the long-rumored product during a press conference held yesterday, MacRumors reports that Foxconn Chairman, Terry Gou, hinted that the company has already began making preparations for the possible mass-manufacture of the set.

The executive was, however, also careful to note that development and production of the product had not yet begun.

According to the report – (via China Daily) – Gou also hinted that Foxconn’s recently formed partnership with LCD supplier Sharp may be considered one of the many moves to be taken, in order to bring the rumored Apple television set to market.

Gou said Foxconn is making preparations for iTV, Apple Inc’s rumored upcoming high-definition television, although development or manufacturing has yet to begin.

Interestingly, the report again cites that the product may carry the name “iTV,” also noting that it is expected the television offering (once available) will feature “an aluminum construction, Siri, and FaceTime video calling.”

Of course, whether or not Apple will be able to market this not-yet-released product as the “iTV” – (as the report refers) – remains to be seen. If UK television network ITV has any say in that decision, we’re guessing that’s a definite not.

Apple is currently expected to introduce its branded television set, later this year.

UPDATE – FOXCONN ISSUES STATEMENT

Foxconn has issued an official statement denying that Terry Gou made any such references to Apple’s rumored television set, (or any other unreleased product for that matter).

In remarks at a media briefing during the groundbreaking of Foxconn’s new China headquarters in Shanghai on May 10, Terry Gou, Foxconn’s Chief Executive Officer, made it very clear that he would neither confirm nor speculate about Foxconn’s involvement in the production of any product for any customer because Foxconn’s policy is not to comment on any customers or their products.

At no time did he confirm that Foxconn was in development or manufacturing stages for any product for any of its customers. He did say that Foxconn is always prepared to meet the manufacturing needs of customers should they determine that they wish to work with Foxconn in the production of any of their products. Any reports that Foxconn confirmed that it is preparing to produce a specific product for any customer are not accurate.