BenQ Exec: iPhone 'Definitely Coming'

By Ed Oswald, BetaNews

March 22, 2006, 2:45 PM

According to a BenQ executive Apple's plan for its own mobile phone with iPod functionality, being called the "iPhone," is no secret among manufacturers in Taiwan. The comments came as part of an interview with Australian technology publication Smart House magazine Tuesday.

"An iPod phone is definitely coming. BenQ will not be making it as we are in competition with Apple however several of our suppliers have been approached to manufacture parts," the executive was quoted as saying. "Among manufacturers in Taiwan it is common knowledge."

Analysts have begun to suspect from Apple's recent moves that a phone is on its way. Research firm Piper Jaffray has said the company would make its move within the next year, however J.P. Morgan says there is reason to believe it could be as early as the fourth quarter of this year.

In any case, analysts say Motorola stands to lose the most through a potential iPhone. Not only would its multimedia phones with the iTunes software likely suffer, or even disappear, but it would likely also put a dent in the company's finances, as the company is the number one shipper of cellular phones within the United States, Apple's biggest market.

It is believed that Taiwanese manufacturer Hon Hai Precision has been awarded the contract, with another manufacturer, Taiwan Green Point Enterprises, in talks to join the project. The company produces cases for the ubiquitous music device.