The Web site AppleInsider on Thursday reported that Gene Munster, senior research analyst at Piper Jaffray, said in a note to clients that he expects Apple in the near future to introduce a new Apple TV.
Such a move could actually help Apple boost purchases of videos from its iTunes online store, and allow the possibility of Apple developing a video subscription model in much the same way Hulu and Netflix have done, Munster wrote, according to AppleInsider.
For instance, Apple could possibly charge $30 to $40 per month for unlimited access to a part of its video library, giving customers an alternative to their current TV cable networks, AppleInsider said, quoting Munster.
Such an Apple TV could also feature built-in DVR and home entertainment capabilities, and even let the iPhone or iPod become part of an entire interactive entertainment and gaming system, Munster wrote.
In his report, Munster also pointed to recent technology moves by Apple that could indicate movement towards developing an Apple TV, including comments by Apple execs about "continuing" investment in the device, recent patent filings related to TV recording, and a five-year agreement with LG Electronics to supply Apple with LCD screens.
The AppleInsider report can be read by clicking here.
This is not the first time Munster has predicted the Apple TV. In a research note released in February, Munster was quoted by Mac Daily News as saying that he expected Apple could actually sell 6.5 million units of such a television in 2009.