iPad Mini production begins in China as parts leak online

Yet another rumour has emerged claiming Apple has begun production of the iPad Mini, although this time said reports come from sources within Apple’s Chinese supply network.

An article in the Wall Street Journal asserts that unnamed ‘executives at component makers’ have claimed mass production has started of ‘a new tablet computer smaller than the current iPad’.

Two tipsters allegedly cite a 7.85-inch LCD display from LG and AU Optronics as one of the parts being produced, which sits with earlier reports.

The news follows similar reports from that last month, which claimed Foxconn and Pegatron were both producing Apple’s smaller tablet at maximum capacity.

Another report earlier this week alleged the iPad Mini had gone into production at a Foxconn factory in Brazil, although this latest report doesn’t necessarily contradict such a claim as operations both in Brazil and Asia seem likely due to Brazillian manufacturing laws, as we've noted before:

‘Foxconn has been working to ramp up iPhone and iPad production in Brazil, negotiating with government officials there for tax breaks to help tap into the large workforce in the country and to help its partners such as Apple circumvent high import taxes on foreign-made goods in the world's fifth most-populous country.‘

In related news, more leaked pictures of iPad Mini parts have emerged online via a Ukranian iPhone site.

This time it’s a black anodised version of the aluminium unibody shell we’ve seen previously. The positioning of various ports correlates with previous leaks and rumours.

A white front panel has also leaked and both parts suggest the iPad Mini will have similar colour schemes to the iPhone 5.