Apple iPad 'Mini' rumors heat up; launch seen by year end

Rumors of an Apple iPad "Mini" are starting to get some credible backing.

Apple's component suppliers are gearing up for mass production of a smaller-sized iPad in September, said The Wall Street Journal's MarketWatch, according to people familiar with the matter. Bloomberg, meanwhile, similarly reported that a 7 or 8-inch tablet is in the works, and will debut by the end of the year.

iPad mini may not boast the Retina-display of the regular-sized iPad 3.

The Wall Street Journal's two sources --- who asked not to be named --- claim the new tablet will "likely come with a screen smaller than 8-inches," compared to the iPad's 9.7-inch screen. Since its launch in 2010, the iPad has not seen a screen size change, though the iPad 3 boasts a high-definition, pixel-packed Retina display.

Apple is said to be working with LG Display for the "iPad Mini" screens, according to one of the sources, while the other said Apple had signaled to manufacturing partners to prepare for mass production on the smaller tablet.

It follows earlier reports that the so-called "iPad Mini" would ... [Read more]