Apple telling suppliers to prep for mass production of smaller iPad - WSJ

Echoing Bloomber’s report about a new, smaller iPad model, the Wall Street Journal claims that Apple told its component suppliers this week to prepare for mass production of such a device.

Citing anonymous sources, The Wall Street Journal reported on Wednesday that Apple's Asian component suppliers are preparing for mass production of the smaller iPad in September. The sources expect that the rumored device would indeed feature the 8-inch screen.

According to Wednesday's report, LG Display Co. and AU Optronics Co. will be suppliers of displays for the new, smaller iPad. The report said movement in the supply chain has suggested that the launch of a smaller iPad "appears near."

Bloomberg also stated that Apple is gearing up to launch a smaller iPad by the end of the year. The earlier report suggested that Apple could announce the new iPad model in October.