Rumors have long-swirled about an Apple-branded television, but is seems like every time we get our hopes up, someone smashes our dreams with the realities of bringing such a product to market. But despite ongoing questions about Apple's ability to negotiate with cable providers, Time Warner CEO Jeff Bewkes is apparently hoping the company moves forward with the concept.
Bewkes addressed an audience today at Business Insider's IGNITION conference, speaking candidly on the subject of Apple releasing its own television.
"I hope they do," said Bewkes. "I think Apple is a great device company."
The Time Warner CEO also feels Cupertino could make serious headway in changing the television market, drastically changing technology that has seen little in the way of innovation. Bewkes believes Apple can apply its well-known expertise in devices to televisions.
"They bring good interface and navigation skills," Bewkes added.
While Apple HDTV rumors persist, many analysts have repeatedly stated a belief Cupertino will not be able to release the television until agreements are made with media providers.
Back in September, Sanford C. Bernstein & Co. analyst Craig Moffett warned that Apple would find it difficult to convince cable companies of signing on to such a product. Moffett claimed the rumors of an Apple television appearing in 2012 as ignoring "the business realities that make this such a complicated industry."
But as the CEO of a large cable provider like Time Warner openly states his hopes for an Apple HDTV, perhaps those negotiations are further along than we previously thought.
Follow this article's author, Matt Clark on Twitter.
Image source: Time Warner
