New iPad to Ship in Q3 2013, New iPad Mini in Q4

A new report from DigiTimes says volume production of a new 9.7-inch iPad will begin in July/August with shipments of five million units in Q3 2013.

The next-generation 9.7-inch iPad is expected to adopt a thin-film-type touch panel solution to reduce its weight by 20-30% and will adopt a slim bezel design to increase the display area. The new iPad's industrial design reportedly will also be modified, the sources said.

Apple is expected to ship a total of 8 million iPads in Q3 including old and new models.

Additionally, the site says that the second generation iPad mini could see volume production delayed from September to November.

As for the second-generation iPad mini, some market watchers believe the delay is because 9.7-inch iPad sales were seriously impacted by iPad mini in 2012, and so to avoid the situation from happening again, Apple has turned its product focus for 2013 to the new 9.7-inch iPad. However, some market watchers believe the delay is due to the supply chain being unable to meet the mass-production schedule.

Total iPad shipments for 2013 were originally estimated at 80-100 million units with the iPad mini accounting for 35% of volume and the 9.7-inch iPad 65%. However, a delay in iPad mini production could affect that number.