Apple suppliers have reportedly begun assembling new iPads, according to Bloomberg.
Citing unnamed sources, the news site reported that mass production of a new full-sized, 9.7-inch iPad is underway, and expected to debut this fall. Work on the next-generation 7.9-inch iPad mini is also in progress; the device is set to launch by the end of the year.
Neither Apple nor suppliers Foxconn and Pegatron immediately responded to requests for comment.
Both Taiwan-based factories have reportedly been on a "hiring binge," picking up hundreds of new workers every day. It remains unclear whether those folks are being contracted for the iPad or iPhone assembly line—or perhaps both. Foxconn and Pegatron purportedly began mass producing the 4.7-inch handset early this month.
Cupertino is surely hoping for a renewed interest in its slates, following two weak quarters: The manufacturer sold 13.3 million iPads during the quarter, down from 16.3 million in the months prior, and 26 million over the holidays.
A recent partnership with IBM—whereby businesses will be able to buy the iOS devices equipped with IBM-enhanced enterprise software—could help boost those numbers, Apple's Tim Cook said recently.
But don't expect to see Apple unveil iPads at next month's rumored iPhone event. In recent years, Apple has held two fall events: iPhones in September and iPads in October.
Apple held its 2013 iPad event on Oct. 22, where it revealed the iPad Air and iPad mini with Retina display.