Multiple reports are suddenly sprouting up, strengthening the notion iTV for has a future. Following the resignation of Steve Jobs as Apple CEO, rumors are beginning to spread that Apple has plans to create a branded television.

Rather than following the design of the current Apple TV set-top box on the market, the new model would be an actual television set, screen and all. The pieces are starting to fall into place in the Apple TV puzzle, and could prove more substantial than just the Christmas stocking wish of some Apple fans. It’s being referred to loosely as “iTV,” and more than just a few reasons exist why this rumor is not going away.

In an interview with Venture Beat, analyst Gene Munster predicted by late 2012 or early 2013, we would see the Apple TV, claiming to have been tipped off by various individuals with the inside track who have led him to believe we will be seeing the device soon, but that it will be running Apple’s iOS. Munster disclosed back in 2009 that Apple would produce a television set, and though that was quite a while back, his predictions may very well come true soon.

Also in the same report, VentureBeat says the observations of Stewart Alsop, a Sonos board member, along with that of VC and , point to there being an iTV coming. It’s possible the opinions or even hunches of analysts close to Apple can be spot on, depending on how good their sources are. But hardware and inventory reports suggesting Apple is pursuing TV tend to carry more weight. Digitimes, having consistent insider information concerning hardware inventory, reported recently that an iOS TV set is on the burner. And Munster says Apple has worked out a component deal to insure it has larger LCD displays, up to 50 inches.

A TV service seems all the more likely, now that Apple’s iCloud infrastructure is launching. And as well as the original Apple TV set-top box performed, the company is notorious for its one-sided approach to producing hardware and software. Munster told investors in June that Apple’s iCloud was opening the way for a TV service. “Apple’s iCloud service for media storage makes it simpler to own multiple Apple devices and share content among them. At first the only media iCloud will store is music and pictures, but we believe Apple may add movies and TV shows purchased or rented in iTunes to the iCloud service, which could be viewed on a TV.”

While speculations from the media don’t always materialize into actual products, a recent Wall Street Journal report, focusing on Apple TV’s future, is rather eye-opening. The site states that “according to people familiar with the matter,” the next territory for the company to conquer is TV. We’ve all heard repeatedly Apple’s next all-new product launch would be a real “doozy”, and that might not be just figuratively speaking. Still, observers are uncertain if big will also mean successful, and there is plenty of skepticism in regards to whether it’s really possible for Apple to have a serious impact on cable structure revenue.

(Via: Digital Trends)