Digitimes reported that the next generation iPads will be available in 3-4 months. “Makers in the supply chain have started delivering parts and components for the new tablets to OEM contractors while reducing those prepared for iPad 2”. According to the sources the production of the iPad 2 will remain high but will decline in the beginning of 2012.

Meanwhile, Foxconn Electronics will begin to produce the next-generation iPads in January and to ramp up the production volume starting February, according to a Chinese-language Commercial Times report, which quoted Kevin Chang, an analyst of Citigroup Global Markets, as indicating.

Production of the new iPads is expected to reach 9.5-9.8 million units in the first quarter of 2012, estimated sources in the supply chain. Sales of iPad products totaled 25.06 million in the first three quarters of 2011 and are likely to reach 40 million units for all of 2011, the sources estimated.

Source [Digitimes]