Apple's next-generation iPad is on the way, as Bloomberg reports that mass production of the popular tablet series has started.

The new iPads will be the successors to the iPad Air and iPad mini with Retina display, all while facing declining sales against Android tablets.

Bloomberg writes that both the 9.7-inch version and the 7.9-inch mini variant are entering production. Although no specific release date was revealed, Apple is expected to reveal both iPads at the end of the current quarter or start of the next -- right in line with previous release timelines since it falls around October/November.

Nothing concrete is really known about the next-generation iPads, except that it should feature the usual hardware upgrades and better integration with Apple's upcoming iOS 8 mobile operating system.

The iPad lineup, which once spearheaded the popularity of tablets, has suffered from stagnation in recent months. Apple's second-quarter earnings call revealed that it sold only 13.3 million iPads during that time period, representing less than the 14.6 million sold during the 2013 second quarter.

"iPad sales met our expectations, but we realize they didn't meet many of yours," Apple chief executive Tim Cook said to investors.

iPads should get a boost from Apple's recently announced partnership with IBM through the enterprise market, where the two plan on selling iPads to businesses and creating apps.

"For the first time ever we're putting IBM's renowned big data analytics at iOS users' fingertips, which opens up a large market opportunity for Apple. This is a radical step for enterprise and something that only Apple and IBM can deliver," Cook said in a press release.

Everyday consumers, however, seem to be shying away from a tablet that has no USB port. As smartphones grow in size to over 5 inches, many would rather buy a phablet such as the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 than lug around a phone and a tablet.

"This isn't something that worries us," Cook said in an interview with The Wall Street Journal.

Luckily, Apple has an answer for that. The Cupertino-based giant will be revealing the iPhone 6 Sept. 9 in two sizes: 5.5 inches and 4.7 inches. Both are significantly larger than the current iPhone display size of 4 inches and analysts expect the 5.5-inch model to be a hit with consumers.

Alongside the iPhone and iPad, Apple is also releasing a new version of its mobile operating system, iOS 8, this fall. The next iteration will feature a Health component, the ability to control household appliances, an improved Siri, and a revamped App store. 

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