iPad Mini 3 Release Date Tipped For End Of 2014 As Tablet Enters Production: Report

The next iPad Mini with Retina Display could become available to consumers by the end of the year,Bloomberg reports.

The publication's sources "with knowledge of the matter" have informed them that the 7.9-inch "Mini 3" tablet is already entering production with a Q4 release date schedule currently planned. Apple has also reportedlyentered the 9.7-inch iPad "Air 2" into mass production for a release by "the end of this quarter or early next."

The new iPads would be a crucial addition to the Cupertino-based company's lineup for the holiday shopping season, especially considering sales of tablets have dropped for two straight quarters.

Analyst Ming Chi-Kuo previously noted that he believes that the Mini 3 will release earlier this year than its predecessor did last year (November), likely coming out in late Q3 instead of Q4. He also offered up specs expectations for the device, suggesting that Apple will include an A8 chip built by TSMC, Touch ID fingerprint security and an 8-megapixel rear-facing camera.

See Also: iPad Mini 3 With Retina Concept Is Stunning

Rumors about Touch ID's debut on an iPad have been tossed around basically since the release of the 5S and it would make sense for Apple to add the useful feature into its next wave of tablets, especially with reports suggesting Apple is looking into launching its own mobile platform, in which case, Touch ID would be utilized for mobile payments.

The tablet, which was previously spotted in iOS 7.1 code alongside the Air 2, has also been rumored for a 30 percent thinner design and an "Air Mini" moniker - although these details seem unlikely.

What do you make of the iPad Mini 3 rumors? Are you in the market for a tablet between now and the end of the year? Let us in on your thinking with a relevant comment.