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Reports saying Apple has begun production of a smaller iPad version are becoming more and more widespread, the latest of which comes from the reputable Wall Street Journal.

For almost three years, Apple has been reluctant to introduce an iPad that goes below the 10-inch form factor, citing a diminished tablet experience because of the reduced screen real estate.

The company’s black suits have been quoted on several occasions as saying that Apple will not delve into the 7-inch market just because people think they want such a product.

The Cupertino giant has been keen to offer a high-end tablet device that costs more, but brings a superior experience. That might change now.

Multiple reliable sources recently noted that Apple’s iPad mini would launch with a $200 (€160) price tag effectively crushing every competing tablet out there, thanks to a well-established applications store, the advantages posed by iOS (Apple’s mobile operating system) and, of course, the Apple cult, which is as strong as Christianity in some circles.

After Bloomberg cited two people with knowledge of the matter, the WSJ this week chimes in reporting that Apple’s component suppliers in Asia have been told to prepare for mass production of the next-generation iPad in September.

“Officials at the component suppliers, who declined to be named, said this week that Apple has told them to prepare for mass production of the smaller tablet.”

The device is described as “a tablet computer with a smaller screen than the [current] iPad.” According to two people who are reportedly privy of the situation, the tablet's screen will likely be smaller than eight inches.

One of the sources named South Korea’s LG Display and Taiwan’s AU Optronics as the screen suppliers.

The device could be unveiled alongside the iPhone 5 this fall.

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