It can be exhausting to read Apple-related rumors, especially when so many of them often make wild claims. One news outlet who tends to hold out for the real scoop is The Wall Street Journal, and they're now claiming an "iPad mini" is finally in production.

The Verge is reporting that the mythical "iPad mini" is finally rolling off the assembly lines, according to supply chain sources. Normally we'd dismiss such a rumor along with countless others, but this one carries a bit more weight since it originated with The Wall Street Journal.

"Apple Inc.'s Asian component suppliers have started mass production of a new tablet computer smaller than the current iPad, people with knowledge of the situation said, as the Silicon Valley company tries to stay competitive against rivals such as Google Inc. and Amazon.com Inc. that are offering smaller, less-expensive alternatives to the iPad," the report claims.

Two sources whispering to WSJ claim the smaller iPad measures 7.85 inches, using LCD panels from LG Display and AU Optronics, who began manufacturing them last month. But don't expect the new iPad's 2048 x 1536 Retina Display on this junior version -- it's said to be some kind of lower resolution, although no one seems to know how much lower.

The WSJ report actually refers to the tablet as a "Mini iPad," although it's more commonly referred to as an "iPad mini" in the tech press. With rumors continuing to swirl about another Apple event this month, we may not have much longer to find out…

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