We all know that Apple is going to release the next generation of iPads sometime this year, but the latest news coming from Taiwan suggests that the next iPad will be going into production in July or August.

According to a report from DigiTimes, the shipment of the new 9.7 inch iPads will start in September with an estimate of five million units.

The site claims to be getting the details about the production and the shipment of upcoming iPad directly from Taiwan-based supply chain makers. The report also said that the display design of the iPad will be inspired by the iPad mini display as it will have a slim bezel.

"The next-generation 9.7-inch iPad is expected to adopt a thin-film-type touch panel solution to reduce its weight by 20-30% and will adopt a slim bezel design to increase the display area. The new iPad's industrial design reportedly will also be modified," the DigiTimes quoted its sources as saying.

Moreover, the report also suggested that the production of the next generation iPad mini, dubbed iPad mini 2, will be postponed from September to November. The delay in the production of the next generation iPad mini is being linked to the release of the next iPad.

Market watchers believe that Apple doesn't want to get into the situation when the sales of its 9.7 inch iPad was seriously affected after the launch of iPad mini in 2012, and this is the primary reason the company is focusing on the 9.7 inch iPad first.

Other analysts feel that the delay in the production of the second generation of iPad mini is because of the fifth generation iPad. However, thy feel the delay is not deliberate - the production of iPad mini is being delayed because of some supply chain issues.

"Market watchers originally estimated Apple's tablet shipments to reach 80-100 million units in 2013 with iPad mini accounting for 35% of the volume and 9.7-inch iPads 65%. However, with iPad mini's volume production delayed to the fourth quarter, total iPad shipments for 2013 may be lower," DigiTimes reported.

Earlier rumors related to the fifth generation iPad suggested that the new device will be 33 percent lighter than its predecessor and weigh less than a pound. When it comes to design, the 9.7 inch iPad will resemble the iPad mini.