AppleInsider writes today that The Wall Street Journal is reporting that Apple has told its Asian component suppliers to get ready to start making the iPad mini. According to the report, the iPad mini will have a screen that is smaller than 8 inches, with LG Display Co. and AU Optronics Co. being responsible for making the display for the smaller iPad. The anonymous sources in the supply chain also said that the new iPad’s launch is “near.†As AppleInsider notes, today’s story from the WSJ comes just one day after a story from Bloomberg that said that Apple will be releasing the iPad mini by the end of this year, and that it will be between 7-8 inches. Bloomberg’s sources revealed that the new device will be launched this October, which is also when Apple is expected to launch the next iPhone. One interesting rumour coming from this source that I have not heard before is that the iPad mini will not have a high-res screen like the newest full-size iPad.
Source: Apple telling suppliers to prep for mass production of smaller iPad - WSJ
Bloomberg: Smaller iPad to launch by year's end
