Apple‘s forthcoming 7.85 inch tablet, expected to be launched at an event in October, will be named the iPad Mini according to Apple blog site Macotakara.

Component parts manufacturers have been ordered to gear up for mass production of the tablets in September, indicating the launch may be drawing near.

The Wall Street Journal cited one source as saying that Apple was working with screen-makers LG Display of South Korea and Taiwan’s AU Optronics.

The iPad Mini is expected to be launched in October at a separate event from the expected launch of the next-gen iPhone in September.

Previous rumors concerning the iPad Mini have suggested that it will cost around $200, bringing it into the same price bracket as Google’s Nexus 7.

Apple has dominated the market for tablet computers since the release of the iPad but faces increasing competition as Samsung, Amazon, Microsoft and Google roll out competing devices. Can’t wait to see another roundup of new luxury cases!