Apple starts producing smaller, cheaper iPad: WSJ 

(MENAFN) According to Apple's Asian suppliers, LG Display and AU Optronics, the US computer giant has begun producing a smaller and cheaper version of its iPad tablet, reported Xinhua News citing The Wall Street Journal (WSJ).

Executives from the two Asian firms said that the companies started manufacturing the LCD screens for Apple's new device in September.

According to the daily newspaper, a smaller Apple tablet will feature a 7.85-inch liquid-crystal display with a lower resolution than the latest iPad, bearing in mind that Apple has maintained the screen size of its iPad the same, at 9.7 inches, since the device was unveiled first in January 2010.

It is worth noting that as the price of the cheapest iPad starts from around USD400, the launch of a smaller one will keep Apple competitive against rivals, including Google and Amazon, which have introduced 7-inch tablets at prices that don't exceed USD200.