While Apple is still silent about the existence of its purported iPad Mini, reports about its features and release dates are abounding by the dozen. A recent report from a Taiwanese source reveals that the Cupertino tech giant will initiate volume production of the iPad Mini in September.

In an attempt to tap the 2012 holiday season, Apple and its manufacturing partners will ramp-up the production of the long-rumored small iPad with a target of 4 million units per month, reported DigiTimes.

Citing "upstream supply chain" as its source, DigiTimes stated that "Apple will launch its 7.85-inch iPad in October with a thinner screen frame to allow the device to feature a bigger display area than other competing products and will also feature a resolution similar to that of iPad 2."

According to the report, even with a higher price tag of US$299, compared to Amazon's Kindle Fire and Google's Nexus 7 (which are priced at $199), Apple's new iPad will create a strong impact in the market and will give rival companies a run for their money.

Additionally, DigiTimes reported that iPad Mini is coming in October. However, in the past, other reports have claimed that Apple will release its new iPad Mini, along with the next-generation iPhone, on Sept. 12.

The iPad Mini, as rumors suggest, is expected to be a 213.36mm tall and 143.67mm wide device, sporting IGZO display from Sharp (with 1024x768 pixel resolution), and 8GB of flash memory. The Mini is also expected to have a smaller dock connector, which is similar to that of the iPhone 5. It is rumored that the new iPad Mini will come with two speakers that are located on either side of the dock connector. The speakers are expected to be rear facing and easy to cover when held.