Production of the unconfirmed iPad mini reportedly has begun.
The Wall Street Journal says executives at Apple suppliers confirmed rumors that the Apple tablet went into production last month.
Among those working on the device are LG Display Co. and AU Optronics Corp., which are both working on the iPad mini's 7.85-inch LCD display.
The iPad mini's screen is also expected to have a lower resolution than the existing 9.7-inch iPad's, according to the report.
Apple has yet to actually announce a smaller iPad, but rumors of the device have been growing since Google announced and began selling its 7-inch tablet, the Nexus 7, in the summer. That was followed last month by Amazon, which came out with the new 7-inch Kindle Fire HD tablet.
The Cupertino tech company is expected to send out a media event invite some time next week, according to a report earlier this week. Reports have also come out saying Apple is producing some iPad mini units in Brazil, and Tuesday, images emerged of iPad mini parts from factories in China.
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